Mio DigiWalker H610 user reviews

Pros Lots of extras

Cons Difficult to learn.

Summary I'm a first time navagation device user. I bought this item on clearance at a major electronics retailer for $99. I couldn't believe the price, but now I do. The biggest problem I ran into was that the manual (which did not come in hardprint) was not even close to complete on the DVD disc that came with the unit. I had to go online at www.mio.com to download a complete manual. The various functions of the H610 are very querky and it is very difficult to move smoothly from one function to another. I was also very dissapointed that this device is not compatible with Napster. It is recommended that you check your MP3 provider for supported devices prior to purchasing this unit.

Now for the good news. I did find the navigation function to be very easy to use, and despite other reviews that do not recommend it for in-car use, I found it to work just fine. The turn-by-turn directions were very easy to use and reading the screen while it was mounted on the windshield was not a problem. For the money I do not regret purchasing this unit, but if I paid full price, I would have taken it back by now.

Pros Does a lot of things well. The MP3 player is very good, which can be used in many situations. The GPS is responsive and has good voice instructions.

Cons Screen a little small for auto use. POIs very inadequate.

Summary I really like this little device. It does many things well, but has to make some compromises. The screen is a little small for a dedicated auto gps, a little large to use when jogging. But it can do the job in both instances. The MP3 player is very good, especially compared to other gps multimedia offerings. I have a Garmin, and while the Mio has almost equivalent direction finding ability, with excellent voice directions, the POI database is quite inadequate. I can find almost anything with Garmin, but the Mio is frustrating as its database is just not complete enough--- at least in comparison.
All things considered, the Mio packs a lot of capability in a small package.

I have not been able to find out how to update the maps, or if there are indeed any updates available. So this little unit is becoming of less and less use with each passing day. Mio has to work on its product support. Hope this lack of interest is not typical of all this company's products.

Pros Form factor, UI, Text-to-Voice

Cons Calls out 100 ft as 100 yards!

Summary Something is wrong with these devices and the support group knows it. They say to wait until August 07 (now!) for an impending flash/download upgrade but it's still not available. At this point the device is useless because it tells you to turn in 300-400 yards when you should have turned in 30-40 feet.

I will re-post a new review after the upgrade is available.

Pros Price, Price, Price

Cons Poor Support

Summary The product is fair at best. The lousy customer support tells me to advise you go look else where for a GPS. I ordered a "free" map upgrade for my 310X that is now costing me $24.90. They billed me a month ago and I am still waiting for my merchandise. AVOID THESE FOOLS!! Spend a little more and get a Garmin.