New GPS devices from Mio Technologies bring 3D mapping technology. Contrary to some other marketing hype, this technology really makes you riding easier.
Article continues below
Mio Technology is a company founded in 2002 and today there are Mio offices from Belgium to Taiwan. In the last five years Mio employed 1500 workers and had outstanding growth. No surprise here because Mio Technology is a player on GPS market, a very hot and exploding market.
To differentiate itself from the numerous other GPS manufacturers, Mio upgraded some models (they have about 30 GPS/PDA/PTA devices out there), so we got C620 and C620t with "high-end 3D mapping". We saw 3D GPS devices before, but the news here are 3D models of landmarks superimposed on a map. That way, says Mio, you have a true 3D view and your brain will process information easier and travelling will be pure joy and fun.
OK, we admit that huge buildings along the road really make your life easier. The models are large so you can't miss them and that also means that your eyes will capture the picture in a fraction of a second and you can look back at the road ahead of you. And that means better security.
Mio's devices use Tele Atlas maps displayed on a 4.3-inch colour screen. Along with the known functionalities, as time and destination, the display is split-screen, which means it is used for navigation, MP3 player or for browsing through you digital pictures. (Although I don't know why should I look at the pictures while driving, but the chance is there are buyers that would. Maybe...)
Mio has Traffic Message Channel and speed camera alerts. For a full year Mio user may download speed camera database upgrades for free and they can add their own data and share it with other Mio users via Internet. Again, I don't see a reason for speed camera data; if you need it that means you drive too fast. And you shouldn't. There are roads to step on it, and there are road to keep it down. So, intelligent driver doesn't need a speed camera alert.
Picture on C620 is good, maps are very intuitive, 3D models are nice, and interface is easy to use. Mio uses 20 channel SiRFstarIII GPS technology for fast positioning, MP3 player is integrated, as well as photo-viewer and Bluetooth. To pick up an incoming call you'll need just one touch, and MP3 player can be stopped while navigation. C620's heart beats on 400 MHz, there's 2 GB or RAM memory, display resolution is 480 x 272 pixels, microphone and speaker are built-in as well as headphone jack. There is also a slot for memory card (SD or MMC), battery if Lithium of 1300mAh with charging time of 100 minutes...
All said and done, Mio C620 and c620t are very good devices. Their 3D mode really improves navigation on a foreign ground and the price of 399 euros and 499 euros for C620 and C620t is reasonable. The only thing you must do is to forget that speed cameras database: slow down and enjoy the ride. ■