Mio Moov 310

in Inexpensive GPS Systems

Score: 6.5/10 , Based on analysis of reviews and performance evaluations.

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Mio Moov 310 Overall - 6.5 (Acceptable)

Although it's not uncommon at this price range, reviewers are displeased with the Moov 310's sparse features. Instead, Mio focuses on basic navigation for a great value, with pricing starting at just shy of $200. Even still, many critics say the Moov 310's navigation speed and the sluggish quality of its routing engine should cause you to look elsewhere. 

For those interested in a Mio with more functionality, look to the soon-to-be-released (but more expensive) Mio Moov 380.  

What the Experts Say:

• "The Mio Moov 310 in-car GPS doesn't move very fast with all its performance issues, which is a shame since it otherwise offers a nice set of navigation features for a wallet-friendly price." -- CNET
• "If it weren't for all the navigation problems I listed, I would be happy to recommend this unit." -- ubergizmo
• "A good buy as an entry-level navigation system" -- Computerworld
• "The Moov 310 is a decent choice for the bargain-conscious, but other similarly priced models ... deliver a better driving experience for the money." -- Laptop Magazine

• "All in all, the Mio Moov 310 is a good deal considering its cost. True, it doesn't have outstanding specs or features, but it does what it's supposed to do: provide directions for your destination." -- Dev Hardware

Mio Moov 310 Performance - 4.38 (Mediocre)

For the most part, critics are disappointed in the Mio Moov 310's navigation capabilities. CNET notes the "sluggish performance" and says, "The more we played with the device, the more we realized that the Moov 310 is just slow, resulting in frustration." ubergizmo agrees, saying, "Navigation engine and database fail to meet expectations." 

Mio Moov 310 Ease of Use - 6.0 (Mediocre)

One major point of contention is the instructions and user documentation that come with the Mio Moov 310. CNET says, "The user documentation is pretty poor, and we found it practically useless." GPS Passion goes a step further: "I will state flatly that it is unforgivable to sell a consumer product with software such as this that is confusing, clearly not finished and undocumented. It's as if Mio deliberately wanted to befuddle their purchasers and, as a user, I find it insulting that they would take my money and give me this garbage..." Dev Hardware doesn't see a problem, saying that "if you decide to buy the Mio Moov 310, you'll be getting a GPS system that is as functional as it is user-friendly. You won't have to read a 100-page instruction booklet in order to understand how to use the system." Regarding the interface, GPS Lodge notes, "There are some concerns with the ease of use with the POI menu and some of the choices that they made in making the screen a bit more cluttered than I am usually comfortable with, especially when routing."  

Mio Moov 310 Design - 6.5 (Acceptable)

Reviewers look favorably on the sharp screen display. Dev Hardware says the Moov 310 "displays everything with clear, crisp and colorful graphics." CNET agrees that the "display is sharp" but warns that "colors tend to wash out a bit in bright daylight." Reviewers have no complaints about the look of the Moov 310. GPS Passion says, "The 310 is much more attractive, to me, then any of their earlier units. ...I think it looks rather elegant." ubergizmo says "it has a sleek and neutral look that fit most car interiors" but had an issue with the mount: "The mount is small and discreet, but does not stick on all dashboard materials; I had to fix it on top of the instrument cluster since it would not stick on the dashboard texture." 

Mio Moov 310 Features - 8.0 (Very Good)

Reviewers took into account that the Mio Moov 310 falls into the affordable GPS category and as such, isn't expected to be loaded with goodies. ubergizmo says, "Great feature set (text-to-speech, traffic, wide screen, multi-destination routing) for the price." The Moov 310 comes equipped with TMC traffic and a free one-year subscription to the service is included with the purchase. However, CNET points out what could be a deal-breaker for some: "Unfortunately, this seems to be a car-only device, since there's no pedestrian or bicycle mode." 

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