Knight Rider GPS by Mio

#6

in Midrange GPS Systems

Score: 7.5/10 , Based on analysis of reviews and performance evaluations.

The Knight Rider GPS by Mio is the perfect "Where do you want to go today" device for any 80s TV buff, but practical minded navigators can find more efficient devices to get them from A to B.

List Price: $269
  • Overall
Key Features
  • 4.3-inch screen
  • LED indicator lights on the side
  • Turn-by-turn navigation by actor William Daniels
Pros
  • KITT's original voice
  • Attractive pricing
Cons
  • Doesn't speak street names
  • Short battery life
  • Outdated maps

Knight Rider GPS Overall - 7.5 (Good)

Boot up Mio's Knight Rider GPS and you'll feel as though you've actually stepped into the television show's black Trans Am to fight justice. Featuring the red LED lighting and text-to-speech directions given by the original KITT voice (actor William Daniels), this GPS makes more of an impression for its nostalgia than its navigation. Most GPS reviewers describe the navigation system as undeniably cool and well designed, but its short battery life and outdated maps mean it's only an advisable choice for hard-core Knight Rider fans.

The Knight Rider GPS by Mio is sold exclusively through Amazon for $269. If you're looking in this price range, you should note the Mio Moov 310 is nearly identical to the Knight Rider GPS, minus the Knight Industries technology. 

What the Experts Say: 

  • "This device is geared toward Knight Rider junkies and those who enjoy 80s nostalgia. So they're sure to bite. ... For me, however, the novelty wore off pretty quickly, and I disabled the LEDs and reverted back to the same text-to-speech voice found on the other Moov devices." -- PC Magazine
  • "The Mio Knight Rider GPS is a portable navigation device like no other, featuring the voice of KITT, but behind all the fun, you'll also find a solid, entry-level in-car GPS." -- CNET
  • "We were ok with the blinking red lights and talking car voice of the Mio Knight Rider. What we couldn't get past were the inaccurate maps and addresses." -- Blast
  • "While there isn't much to recommend the Knight Rider GPS by Mio beyond the voice, that's enough to make driving with it fun." -- Laptop Mag

 

Knight Rider GPS Performance - 6.5 (Acceptable)

The Knight Rider GPS loses some cool points when it comes to navigation. Even though PC Magazine finds, "Route calculation times after missed turns were acceptably quick," more than one tester notes the maps are already out of date only a month after the device's release.  

Knight Rider GPS Ease of Use - 8.0 (Very Good)

Many say the Knight Rider by Mio is easy to figure out. Laptop Mag cites the GPS system's menu as "clearly arranged and makes it simple to enter an address or change settings. Shortcut buttons let you find gas, parking, restaurants, and attractions with one tap." 

Knight Rider GPS Design - 8.0 (Very Good)

No brainer -- the Knight Rider GPS by Mio has a great design. That's because it simulates many of the physical traits most familiar from the television series -- such as the all black border or the scanner lights that pulsate in time to the navigation. CNET writes, "Its pretty cool ... the first few times, but then it can get old, so thankfully there's an option to turn it off completely." Tech reviews also note the Knight Rider's 4.3-inch, 480x272 pixel resolution screen as sharp and vibrant. 

Knight Rider GPS Features - 7.25 (Good)

Reviewers are a little disappointed the Knight Rider GPS' cool features doesn't include text-to-speech directions -- so in other words, KITT tells you to "turn right in 80 ft," but doesn't say, "turn right on Third Avenue." According to CNET, "To have this functionality, William Daniels would have had to sit in the studio and record the name of every street in North America." 

Other GPS Devices to Consider

MSRP: $150 Magellan Maestro 4200

Grandfather to the popular Maestro 4250, the Magellan Maestro 4200 offers many of the well-liked navigation extras that have distinguished the series but for a more agreeable price tag.

MSRP: $556 Garmin nuvi 660

For a discontinued model, the nuvi 660 has a price tag that ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous, but electronics reviewers say you'll be pleased with your investment.

MSRP: $299 TeleNav Shotgun

The TeleNav Shotgun is only the second GPS-dedicated device to offer Internet connectivity. But its appeal lies more in its innovation than in its functionality.

MSRP: $400 Magellan Maestro 4250

The Magellan Maestro 4250's sharp design, easy operation and nifty features are a nice blend. Some reviews point out occasional touch screen lag and even some cases of the unit freezing up. But despite this, the Maestro 4250 receives favorable reviews for its overall value.