Mio DigiWalker C320
Manufacturer: MiTAC Industrial Corp. Part number: C320
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The sleek Mio DigiWalker C320 offers the navigation basics and solid performance at a wallet-friendly price, but you can get more bang for your buck with other systems.
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Where to buy
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| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Mio DigiWalker C320 price range: $109.99
- Reviewed by: Bonnie Cha
- Reviewed on: 12/04/2007
The good: The Mio DigiWalker C320 features a nice wide-screen display and sleek design. It offers text- and voice-guided directions; a split-screen map view; safety camera warnings; and MP3 playback.
The bad: The Mio C320 lacks text-to-speech functionality and has a small POI database compared with other systems.
The bottom line: The sleek Mio DigiWalker C320 offers the navigation basics and solid performance at a wallet-friendly price, but you can get more bang for your buck with other systems.
Mio Technology is gaining a reputation for producing some solid portable navigation systems at really affordable prices, and the Mio DigiWalker C320 is no exception. Like the Mio DigiWalker C520, the C320 boasts a sleek design with a beautiful widescreen display, and it performs solidly, providing accurate text- and voice-guided directions. However, we couldn't help but be disappointed by its feature set. There's no support for text-to-speech functionality for spoken street names, and its points-of-interest database isn't as comprehensive as that in competing systems. Even the entry-level Mio DigiWalker C230 offers more. True, you can find the Mio C320 for as low as $199.99, which is undeniably a good price, but you can also get the C230 for about the same price and get more bang for your buck. Alternatively, if you can afford to spend a little more, the Mio C520 is also a great value.
Design
The Mio DigiWalker C320 resembles its older, more full-featured brother the Mio C520 in looks, and that's just fine by us. We like the sleek design (4.9 inches wide by 3.1 inches high by 0.5 inch deep; 6.7 ounces) and the nice 4.3-inch-wide touch screen. The display has a 65,000-color output at 480x272 pixel resolution, so maps were bright and easy to read. For the most part, we were able to view the screen in various lighting conditions, though colors washed out a bit in bright sunlight. In that case, adjusting the backlight helped the situation.
As with the company's other models, the C320 uses the Mio Map v3 navigation software. Though not quite as simple and user-friendly as a Garmin or TomTom device, the menu system and interface is still pretty intuitive. The main page presents you with four clear options: MioMap, Audio, File Manager, and Settings. But as we've noted on previous Mio reviews, however, a number of tabs on the map screen that open and hide various navigation tools require some time to learn.
On the left spine, there's an SD expansion slot so you can load your multimedia files, as well as a 2.5mm headphone jack. Once again, as with the C520, we're disappointed that Mio didn't equip the C320 with a 3.5mm jack since this would allow you to plug in your favorite pair of headphones. You will find a power button on top of the unit, a mini USB port on the bottom, and the speaker and an external antenna jack on the back.
The Mio C320 comes packaged with a car charger, an AC adapter, a vehicle mount (windshield and dash), a USB cable, and reference material.
Features
The Mio C320 is equipped with a 20-channel SiRFIII GPS chip and comes preloaded with TeleAtlas maps of the United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. You can start planning a trip by entering a specific address, picking a POI, selecting a destination from your My Favorites or recent destinations list; or you can tap a point on the map and hitting the Route To option. The system can create directions by fastest, shortest, or most economical route; with or without toll roads, highways, U-turns, and so forth; and in various modes, including car, bicycle, and pedestrian.
The C320 supports multistop routes, and there's a database of 1.7 million POI. The number of included POI is a bit disappointing, since even the entry-level Mio C230 offers more entries at 3.5 million while the C520 contains 6 million POI. That said, you get all the major categories--gas stations, ATMs, lodging, and restaurants--as well as more specialized interests, such as concert halls and amusement parks.
Maps are presented in 2D or 3D mode, and there's a Night Mode option that automatically changes the maps colors for better visibility at night. You also have your choice of viewing a full-screen map or a split-screen view. The latter displays various details about your trip. You can cycle through several views that give you the distance and direction of your next turn; a list of upcoming turns; nearby gas stations; current time; estimated time of arrival; speed; and more.
Navigation guidance comes by way of text- and voice-guided turn-by-turn directions. Unfortunately, unlike the Mio C230, the C320 doesn't support text-to-speech functionality, which is a disappointment. You can view a detailed list of instructions before you head out under Itinerary or get a running demo of the route with the Fly Over function. If you want to steer clear of a certain portion of the route because you happen to know there's road construction or heavy traffic, just hit the Avoid button and choose from a list of options. The system also supports automatic route recalculations and has a number of safety options, including speeding alerts, a screen lock that prevents you from using the touch screen when the car is in motion, and safety camera information. The C320 doesn't ship with traffic capabilities out of the box, but you can add this function with an optional traffic receiver. Finally, the system comes with a music player that supports MP3 files. The player is basic but includes equalizer settings and allows for playlist creation.
Performance
We tested the Mio C320 in San Francisco, and from a cold start, it took the unit about 3 minutes for satellite acquisition under clear skies, while subsequent starts were almost instantaneous. On unspecified trips, the C320 did a good job of tracking our location and only lost a signal when we drove through the Broadway Tunnel.
We also entered our standard trip from the Marina District to CNET's downtown headquarters. Route calculation was swift, and we checked the trip itinerary and agreed with the prescribed route. Once on the road, we found the voice directions to be clear and loud enough, and you can set the system to alert you to upcoming turns with a chime. While this is handy, what we really missed is the text-to-speech functionality. Finally, we missed several turns to test the C320's route recalculation rate, which was quick and accurate.
Music playback sounded pretty decent through the system's speakers, with plenty of volume and good balance. It's too bad the player is only limited to MP3s. The C320's lithium ion battery is rated for up to 5 hours of use.
User reviews
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You get ALOT for your money with the Mio C320, widescreen, voice prompts and split screen ability
by dalan66 on October 13, 2007
Pros: $250 get you -Widescreen, voice prompting, changing between POIs, route changes, and ETA info just once touch away by switching modes while your route map is always on the left side of the screen.
Cons: While charging from the PC the device is not usable. Unsure if there is upgrade for traffic receiver. No PC to USB cable or AC charger
Summary: I was prejudiced after reading all the wonderful things about Garmin and TomTom information on the web, so when I purchased the C320 from Radio Shack, I decided to keep ...
Summary: I was prejudiced after reading all the wonderful things about Garmin and TomTom information on the web, so when I purchased the C320 from Radio Shack, I decided to keep my receipt handy so I could return it in a few days after a trial run to get something different if I did not like it. It has been a week, I have no plans to return this unit. It was the same price as the onsale TomTom 3.5 inch unit, but the C320 screen was bigger, looked sleeker, and when I turned the retail boxes over, I also noticed there was the ability to see your mapped route in widescreen splendor, or split the screen and have Points of Interest, Trip ETA and Speed information, or a route preview which lists the turns and streets upcoming. If I am on a planned route I can see my navigation on the left side of the widescreen in almost 3.5in splendor while also seeing my upcoming navigation need while also seeing my next 4 required turns on streets three or four steps ahead, so that I can be prepared. As a avid mapquest and google maps person, I would constantly scan my printed route to make certain I knew where I was going, always within arms reach. I had my first true roadtest this week. I recieved a change of venue for my meeting, so I printed the email and got in my car. I forgot to do another Mapquest as I was rushed to leave. I put the destination into the C320 and just hoped the information was correct. The C320 got me to my destination. I no longer have to scan my printed directions, it is right in front of me on the right hand side of the screen as a bulleted list, while my map is on the left, guiding me the whole way.
That's the good stuff. The bad stuff is, unsure if traffic will be available for this unit. As the unit is so new, the Mio-Tech website had limited info when I purchased the C320, but in a week, the site has been updated, but I still have a few questions on upgrading maps and such, which I cannot get info on until the website is updated.
I wanted to preprogram all of my favorite addresses while charging the unit from my computer or wall outlet, but when charging from something other than the car adapter, the unit will not let you program any data.
I had to fully charge the unit, unplug it, then go through my contact list and enter the info into the C320. It is probobly a safety feature, but that I would like to have the option to disable.
All in all, very happy with the unit. For the price I got everything I need, execpt for the traffic, which would have put me over my budget anyway.
The splitscreen widescreen and additional functions are the overwhelming reasons why I purchased this unit, and I am exteremly happy. If anything changes, I will be back to update this post.
I gave the user rating of 7, only because I am unsure of any possible upgrade paths for maps and traffic reports.23 out of 23 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great deal for a GPS
by regulator on November 25, 2007
Pros: great black friday sale price, VERY customizable, nice bright display and wide screen
Cons: routing is iffy sometimes, small POI database
Summary: I got this for sale at Radio Shack on Black Friday. Overall, I'm very pleased with this unit. It's very customizable right out of the box (windows recognizes ...
Summary: I got this for sale at Radio Shack on Black Friday. Overall, I'm very pleased with this unit. It's very customizable right out of the box (windows recognizes it as an external drive when you plug it in), so you can easily change skins, maps, voices, etc. Furthermore, while this unit does not have Text to Speech (TTS) out of the box, it is easily altered to include this (see http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=101284). I know that some people might enjoy this feature and be turned off that the C320 didn't include it, so I'm sure they'll be glad to know that it can be included later.
The screen is very clear (it shares none of the problems its predecessor the C220 had in terms of visibility). The mp3 player option is nice - also, since the unit is so customizable, it is possible to add a video player if you wished. Of course, all these changes are easily undoable (just save your original files and replace), and they require no firmware changes.
The only negatives about this unit are the routing (it's iffy sometimes, requiring me to make sharp turns or u-turns if I miss my main route). Also the POI database is very small (1.5 million POI), but more can be easily added with the software that comes with it. You can also download free POI lists that users contribute.
Overall, the ability to customize and the wide screen made me want to get this over the TomTom One. With just as many features as the more expensive Garmin units, I decided to give this a go and I'm very happy I did.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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You get your money's worth and more
by Harimanok on October 16, 2007
Pros: wide splitscreen, great price, easy to use especially for novice
Cons: somewhat washout under the sun, only 1 choice for US voice guidance
Summary: I have this unit for a week now and loving it. Ready to use out of the box and picked up a signal at once. I like the fact that ...
Summary: I have this unit for a week now and loving it. Ready to use out of the box and picked up a signal at once. I like the fact that for a cheap price, compared to other GPS of its class is a widescreen and you have the choice of splitting the screen to view your 5 incoming turns, POI, TMC (needs subscription),and informational tools. It delivers a crisp display but somewhat washes out under the sun. Should be better if its text to speech but for the price of this unit compare to others, I ain't complaining.
I'm a little bit disappointed though because as far as media goes, you can only play music but not video or display photo as shown on its features. Hopefully they will have a fix soon. Right now I have a GPS and MP3 player in one, I don't have to have different gadgets to carry with me.
Overall, I'm satisfied for what it can deliver and the widescreen is a plus. I rate this a 7.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Needs Work
by cquigley47 on January 9, 2008
Pros: Great Price and Screen, Dual screen.
Cons: Incorrect routes and difficult interface.
Summary: This is my first GPS. Although it was a great price, overall I'm disappointed. My first trip with the unit was from Philadelphia to a northern suburb of NYC. ...
Summary: This is my first GPS. Although it was a great price, overall I'm disappointed. My first trip with the unit was from Philadelphia to a northern suburb of NYC. Halfway up the New Jersey Turnpike I exited to make an unplanned stop. After exiting the highway I pulled over to enter the new local destination. I had gone in the wrong direction getting off the turnpike and needed to make a u-turn. The MIO told me to go back on the turnpike to the next exit turn around and come back to the exit I was at. It would have been about a 20 mile u-turn. Then entering upper manhattan from the George Washington Bridge it repeatedly told me to make turns that didn't exist. It doesn't appear that it could tell that the bridge was not on the same elevation as the streets below it.
It took a while to get the hang of the user interface and I still haven't used the avoid street function succesfully.
I do like the dual screen mode. It can display route information or POI on the same screen as the map.
As previously noted the POI isn't very complete but that isn't a big issue for me. I haven't tried the MP3 player.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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POORLY OUTDATED
by kenn1948 on January 8, 2008
Pros: good screen
Cons: 10 Year outdated maps, inaccurate arrival time
Summary: Used in Fayetteville, North Carolina, found map and addresses over ten years out of date. Many new communities built with in last four year non-existing , no roads shown.
Destination arrival ...Summary: Used in Fayetteville, North Carolina, found map and addresses over ten years out of date. Many new communities built with in last four year non-existing , no roads shown.
Destination arrival time based on average speed of trip, to include stops, and not current speed. Ex. 120 mile trip. If you averaged 30 mph the first 60 miles due to traffic and stops the C320 will calculate the remaining 60 miles as 2 hours even as your traveling the last 60 miles of the trip at 60 mph.
It is also better to remove all Road Parameters to make any use of an accurate route, otherwise they are useless.
Speed warning option not functional or does not work with actual speed movement of the GPS.
Has limited use in the United States1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Loud Speakers, Nice Screen, Lacks Needed Features
by xdviper on December 28, 2007
Pros: Bright Big Screen, Loud Clear Sound Music Player
Cons: No Text to Speech, Takes Longer way instead of Short Way
Summary: Alright, I've brought this GPS unit at Radio Shack on Black friday for a really good deal and I wanted one for a long time. I already know my ...
Summary: Alright, I've brought this GPS unit at Radio Shack on Black friday for a really good deal and I wanted one for a long time. I already know my way around NY but this time I had to go to a restaurant for a friends birthday. I fired up this junk and I choosed the Short way of getting there so instead of getting on the highway it took me on regular streets, turn after turn and turn and turn. I did get there but not using any highway which I perfer to save gas and time.
After I got there, and time to leave, I needed gas and it showed me where the gas stations where so that is a big plus and i really liked that. after that i selected going home by "fast" option and guess this time it showed me the highway and let me in!. great machine but a little slow. But for the price its great.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Poor customer service for US citizens
by bucksfan--2008 on December 28, 2007
Pros: none, unless you are a citizen of Belguim
Cons: Company doesn't care about their US reputation
Summary: My husband purchased the c320 for me for Christmas. When I opened the pkg. I noticed that there was no USB cable, even though the unit has an MP3 player. ...
Summary: My husband purchased the c320 for me for Christmas. When I opened the pkg. I noticed that there was no USB cable, even though the unit has an MP3 player. I contacted Radio Shack, they asked if the pkg. had been tampered with. When I replied, "no", they told me to contact the company. I looked online, saw that a USB cable was supposed to be included. I called the company, was on the phone for an HOUR. The supervisor told me that the USB cable was ONLY for citizens of Belgium! I said that the webpage was in English, and that nowhere on the page did it say it was for Belgians only. He stated that the URL had a "be" in it, so I was out of luck. He told me to email a Paul Sanchez at the company (He couldn't transfer the call, nor could he give me a direct number). I emailed Mr. Sanchez 2 days ago, and I still haven't gotten a response. I ended up with a Garmin Nuvi 350 for $276. It HAS a USB connection, an AC AND DC charger, and a case. All things that you have to pay extra for if you buy a Mio (just like every other GPS system has a USB connection included in their package). Plus, if they won't respond to a email, how do you think they'd handle a complaint about their product? So far, three other people that I know have bought other GPS systems due to my problems with Mio. I hope other follow suit as well. Maybe, Mio won't be so biased and prejudiced against the American citizens that buy their products. Maybe then, they will include the $17 USB cable, $20 case, and who knows how much for the home charger (that the owners manual says should be included, but a paper addendum says "no more") for a unit the regularly costs $300.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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best one out there, for your money
by stikkiaden on November 9, 2008
Pros: Thomas, as i call mine is hot. he gets me pretty much anywhere i want to go. he never complains to me. and he has an awesome british accent. he whoops clarices bootie!
Cons: the only cons are sometimes, hes a bit off from the destination, thats about it. its the best.
Summary: if you want an outstanding gps, look no futher than the Mio brand.
Summary: if you want an outstanding gps, look no futher than the Mio brand.
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can i use the mio-320 GPS in Canada?
by faizalm on September 13, 2008
Pros: I hv bought a C320 GPS in USA but there is no canada maps. please help.
Cons: i need a solution immediately
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Very disappointed
by lobovita on July 29, 2008
Pros: Display options, Basic Navigation
Cons: Poor battery life, outdated maps, costly updates
Summary: I've owned the C320 for only 6-months and the battery will no longer hold a charge. Only the manufacturer can replace it...for a minimum charge of $100. Since ...
Summary: I've owned the C320 for only 6-months and the battery will no longer hold a charge. Only the manufacturer can replace it...for a minimum charge of $100. Since I only paid $150 for the unit on sale, I'm junking it. Will NOT purchase another MIO!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: MiTAC Industrial Corp.
- Part number: C320
- Bottom Line: The sleek Mio DigiWalker C320 offers the navigation basics and solid performance at a wallet-friendly price, but you can get more bang for your buck with other systems.
GPS System
- Recommended Use Automotive
Manufacturer info
- MiTAC Industrial Corp.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse MiTAC Industrial Corp. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.mitac.com/
- Address:
42001 Christy St.
Fremont, CA 94538 - Phone: 800/648-2295
- Email: service@mitacinds.com
