Mio DigiWalker C230 Portable GPS Unit Review

Mio is one of those portable GPS manufacturers that always seem to be very competitive when it comes to quality and affordability. In early 2007, Mio released their C220 model, which was a very popular entry-level GPS device. This fall, Mio released the follow-up to the successful C220 with their C230. The C230 is an improvement over its predecessor in many ways, and it's just another great entry-level portable GPS device from Mio. Mio has managed to squeeze some new features into the tiny body of the C230, and yet still keep the device very affordable.

Compact Design

The small size of this device is a plus in many ways, but its tiny stature is also a negative. The small size sometimes makes it difficult for people with larger hands to operate it. Most of the controls of the C230 are accomplished through the use of the touch-screen display, and for people with larger fingers it may pose a problem. With any portable GPS device, though, it's a delicate balance between portability and functionality. So this may not be a problem for some, but others may find it frustrating when using the cramped on-screen controls.

Speaking of the touch-screen display, Mio has put a nice 3.5 inch LCD screen in the C230. This screen is a big improvement over its predecessors display. The screen is nice and bright, and it offers a maximum resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. With a total of 64,000 colors, the Mio C230's display sports vivid color that is very pleasing to the eye.

The rest of the C230's body is pretty basic. There is a SD card expansion slot on the bottom of the device, which is used to provide more memory power to the device. Next to the SD card slot is a USB port, which is used to recharge the device or to connect to a computer. One thing missing from the C230's body is dedicated volume controls, which are instead located in the internal menu system. This is a little inconvienant, but I guess you would get used to it over time.

Features

Text to Speech (TTS): The TTS feature is one of the most important safety features used in portable GPS devices today. This feature essentially works by giving you voice-guided directions with spoken street names. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road and not on the GPS device. This feature is typically only offered in more expensive GPS units.

Large POI database: The C230 comes equipped with 3.5 million POI, which will help you to easily find local restaurants, lodging, ATMs, and even amusement parks. This feature also allows you to add your own POI.

Easy-to-use navigation: The navigation feature is easy to use thanks to the nicely designed interface and menu system. The C230 makes it easy to find a destination based on POI, address, shortest route, fastest route, or even most economical route. The C230 will even recalculate your route automatically if you accidentally take a wrong turn.

Maps: The map screen is nicely designed with a 2D or 3D mode. The C230 offers a nighttime mode for better viewing of the display at night. The map screen will will display your route, as well as the estimated time of arrival. The map screen will also alert you if it detects that you are speeding ( this feature can be turned off in the settings menu for you chronic speeders out there).

The C230 comes equipped with maps for the United States and Puerto Rico (U.S. version).

-In the box:

-car charger

-windshield/dash mounting arm

-software DVD and reference material

Overall Performance

When it comes to performance, the C230 does pretty well in terms of quick start-up times and holding a satellite fix. When powering up the unit, it can take anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes for the device to "find" a satellite signal, which isn't bad. Once the device detects a satellite signal, it does an excellent job of holding the signal. GPS devices will have trouble holding onto a satellite fix when you are surrounded by tall buildings, mountains, or in a tunnel. The C230 is pretty fast, though, at finding the satellite signal when you are in those types of situations.

The built-in speaker on the back of the device performs good as well. This speaker is used for the C230's voice-guided directions and TTS feature. The built-in voice sounds a bit robotic, but it's still easy to understand.

Specifications

-Display: 3.5" TFT with touch screen/65k colors/QVGA-320x240 pixels/landscape orientation

-Memory: On-board 1GB flash memory

-GPS: 20 channel SiRFstarIII

-USB: v2.0

-Speaker/Earphone: Built-in speaker/3.5 mm headphone jack

-Battery: 1200 mAh Lithium-lon

-Dimensions: 4.2" x 3.2" x 0.94"

-Weight: 6.2

Final Thought

Overall, I would say that the Mio C230 is a winner. It is one of the best entry-level portable GPS devices on the market right now. It offers a sufficient amount of features for its price range. It's tough to find a GPS device for under $200 that offers TTS capabilities. Although the C230 doesn't offer features like Bluetooth or built-in MP3 player, it is still an excellent value and good choice for your first portable GPS unit.