Mio DigiWalker C520

#2

in Midrange GPS Systems

Score: 8.5/10 , Based on analysis of reviews and performance evaluations.

A great device for going against the grain, the Mio DigiWalker C520 offers abundant features for its price class, and an easy-to-use 4.3-inch touchscreen. However, some say its navigation capabilities are not superior to other mid-range GPS devices.

List Price: $299
  • Overall
Key Features
  • 4.3-inch display screen
  • MP3 and WMA player
  • Bluetooth
  • Video player
Pros
  • Minimal learning curve on performance and entertainment functions
  • Numerous features, even video
  • Great, sleek design
Cons
  • Other devices provide better routing

Mio DigiWalker C520 Overall - 8.5 (Very Good)

If you don't want to conform with society and buy a Garmin, nor do you think that TomTom is the proper brand for you, the Mio DigiWalker C520 might be a good alternative mid-range device for your navigation needs. Offering a sleek design that deceptively holds the most coveted convenience features in the GPS market today, the C520 does a good job at all the navigation basics, even if it doesn't shine in any particular function specifically.  

If you can forgo the Bluetooth, check out the Mio DigiWalker C320. Also keep in mind the bargain prices for the now discontinued Mio DigiWalker C220. 

What the Experts Say:

  • "The Mio DigiWalker C520 offers a lot of value for the money spent. Its widescreen, large POI database, text-to-speech conversion, and improved user interface make it a worthy competitor in the medium-price GPS category." -- PC Magazine
  • "This one is going to give Garmin a run for their money. I was impressed from the moment I took the unit out of the box -- this GPS receiver looks great and feels great. It offers high-end features at a very reasonable price point." -- GPS Tracklog
  • "Mio continues to offer a great value in the GPS world, delivering a well-designed unit that only has a blemish here or there. The bottom line is that the unit is a solid choice that will navigate well for most people." -- GPS Lodge

  • "Perfect for the fashion-conscious traveler, the Mio C520 features a widescreen 4.3" display and a low-profile design that allows it to seamlessly integrate into the styling of your automotive cockpit. Bluetooth support and unique split-screen display, which allows for address lookup or route information while the map is visible, make the Mio C520 a powerful, elegant, easy-to-use navigation solution." -- GPSNews 

Mio DigiWalker C520 Performance - 6.5 (Acceptable)

Most describe the Mio DigiWalker C520 as a good performer, but note other mid-range options might provide better routing. The GPS Tracklog reviewer had a trouble-free test of the unit in the San Francisco area, but found problems when returning to his hometown. "I did see a tendency to try to redirect me back to a major thoroughfare if I was taking a back street to my home, even though I was only blocks away from my destination," he writes. "My nuvi 660 did better, not only did it redirect me back to the highway, it successfully called out the turn I wanted to make that would parallel the main drag." 

Mio DigiWalker C520 Ease of Use - 5.75 (Mediocre)

From its performance features to its well-documented convenience extras, the Mio DigiWalker C520 is easy to operate. ConsumerElectronics.net says, "This GPS unit is very easy to use and has a well designed case that allows you to grip it in both hands and input information, whether it be the route information, address book information, calculator information or to dial a phone number." 

Mio DigiWalker C520 Design - 9.17 (Excellent)

Most are appreciative of the Mio DigiWalker C520's no-muss, no-fuss design. According to GPS Lodge, "The Mio C520 has a sleek design that is not some bargain block on a suction cup GPS, that on top of being good looking comes with a nice set of features." 

Mio DigiWalker C520 Features - 8.3 (Very Good)

The Mio DigiWalker C520 is one of the best-equipped GPS units of its class, and those extra functions work fairly well. PC Magazine says, "Like the C220, the C520 does a particularly good job of managing POIs," by allowing you to search for points of interest near a specific address, a previously visited location, or by GPS coordinates. But what other reviewers point out is the wealth of features offered. In addition to an MP3 player, Bluetooth, and an upgrade for live traffic, GPS Tracklog gushes, "Heck, this device can even play videos," and later states, "This unit does it all, and that is its strong suit."

Other GPS Devices to Consider

MSRP: $300 Garmin nuvi 500

The Garmin nuvi 500 Series gets favorable reviews because it can handle any navigation situation you throw its way -- in the car, on a bike, on a trail, even on a boat.

MSRP: $200 TomTom ONE 3rd Edition

The TomTom ONE 3rd Edition is an affordable, no-hassle solution for those in the market for an entry-level GPS device. While it's not loaded with extras, it will get you to where you're going.

MSRP: $250 Garmin nuvi 250

The Garmin nuvi 250 excels at inexpensive yet astoundingly accurate GPS navigation, but it offers little to none of the convenience features many shoppers are looking for.

MSRP: $130 Mio Moov 200

Like other Mios, the Moov 200 has a bottom line that's easier to digest than other GPS devices, but you'll have to do without some coveted convenience features -- the Moov's appeal is basic navigation.