Mio Digiwalker C220

In a field dominated by Magellan, Garmin and TomTom, you might not have heard of the Mio brand. But the Mio Digiwalker C220 is not to be overlooked. Experts say it's just as competent as the premiere manufacturers at getting you around town, and for an outstanding price.

List Price: $40
  • Overall
Key Features
  • 3.5-inch display
  • 20-channel GPS receiver
  • SD/MMC memory card
Pros
  • One of the cheapest GPS devices on the market
  • Navigation accuracy akin to that of higher-priced models
Cons
  • Sunlight glare can greatly affect readability
  • Volume control is difficult to access

Mio Digiwalker C220 Overall - NA

The Mio Digiwalker C220 is noteworthy for its speed and usability. However, reviewers did find room for improvement with regards to volume control, and some found the display very difficult to read in sunlight. But then again, there is that can't be beat price -- even if improvements would be helpful, the Mio Digiwalker C220's less than $100 price tag makes its shortcomings seem less harsh.

Mio's follow-up to the Digiwalker C220 is the Digiwalker C230, which features real-time text-to-speech and an improved display. 

What the Experts Say:

  • "Mio C220 does a good job at all the features it promises. It is easy to use and has a great value for the price. We strongly recommend it." -- Navigadget
  • "Recall that the Mio C220 is a value oriented model that can be bought for less than $200 online. With a price like that, you'll get an entry level GPS without text to speech, and without media players, but what you will get is a solid unit with good routing." - GPS Lodge
  • "Though the Mio C220 offers ease of use, accurate directions, and an affordable price tag, its poor screen makes this in-car GPS device almost unusable." -- CNET

  • "If you're looking for a no-nonsense GPS unit that does navigation very well, you should take a look at the Mio C220 -- it delivers an incredible value for that price level." -- Ubergizmo

Mio Digiwalker C220 Performance - NA

The Mio C220's focus is performance without clutter. "GPS units tend to pack more and more features including contacts, music and video but with the C220, Mio chooses a different strategy and creates a GPS unit that is very good at GPS navigation at a very affordable price," says Ubergizmo.

Mio Digiwalker C220 Ease of Use - NA

Opinions on the Mio Digiwalker C220's usability are mixed. Laptop Mag likes the no-brainer setup, saying "the Mio DigiWalker C220 works right out of the box and gets you where you need to go with little hassle." But GPS Lodge is somewhat non-committal about the interface, saying that it's "a decent interface that is better than most other offerings out there, not the best, but one that I don't hesitate to recommend to buyers." Reviewers also would have liked for it to have been easier to change the volume. 

Mio Digiwalker C220 Design - NA

The Mio C220 is small and light, weighing in at 3.8 ounces. "The look of the Mio C220 will blend with most car interior as it is fairly neutral", says Ubergizmo. "It has a decent display, which makes the maps quite readable." However, some reviewers have a very difficult time reading the Mio Digiwalker C220's 3.5-inch screen in the daytime, as the display handles sun glare poorly. 

Mio Digiwalker C220 Features - NA

Reviewers like the points-of-interest (POI) database, but the Mio Digiwalker C220 isn't really known for being feature-rich. "As a basic, entry-level system, you don't get much else with the Mio C220," states CNET.

Other GPS Devices to Consider

MSRP: $250 Navigon 2100

While most manufacturers are trying to impress with you flash and color, Navigon 2100 chooses to woo you with its simplicity.

MSRP: $300 Magellan Maestro 5310

The Magellan Maestro 5310's large and easy-to-read screen is one of its key highlights for the class, but GPS writers contend a similar or better device can be had for a fraction of the 5310's price.

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: $350 TomTom GO 920T

According to reviewers, the TomTom GO 920T is not the very best of its class, but it's certainly in the top tier. It sports a stunning design and excellent performance, but its voice command feature could use a little work.