GPS Question: Mio C220 or Garmin Nuvi 200?

[jediphx]

I have two GPS units and im trying to figure out which one to keep. The Mio C220 has Miomap v 3.3 January 2008 with June 2007 Maps for US, The Garmin Nuvi 200 has latest firmware/software with 2009 US Maps.

I know the Mio can be modded easily to play mp3's, videos, word, excel etc since it runs WinCE 5. The interface for the Mio seems more in depth than the Garmin but the maps look better on the Nuvi and are newer of course. Both seem to get very good signal and both are very loud (I tweaked the audio files on the Mio so the low audio problem is not an issue anymore)

Would any users of either of the GPS units care to give me their opinion on which way I should go? Thanks

These are the first two GPS units I have owned btw.

 

[Phynaz]

What's your decision criteria?

As you say, for in depth features, the Mio may win. For ease of use and the getting the job done of getting from point A to point B, the Nuvi may win.

 

[jediphx]

Well see i don't know, i have never had a gps before so I don't know how to rate them. Im just not sure if Mio will update the maps newer than 2007 because the C220 is not supported anymore, I dont plan on traveling all over the US with either but mainly in the southern states.

 

[Phynaz]

Well, a 2007 map is pretty new, if it's really a 2007 map. That "2009" map on the Garmin actually uses 2007 data also.

Think of it this way, how often do maps really change? I have never updated the map on a GPS, by the time they are so far out of date to matter you will have moved on to a new GPS.

Let's change the question - why do you want a GPS? What purpose do you want it to serve?

 

[jediphx]

well I will be using it for my sales calls. Sometimes I need to drive to customer locations and especially with gas prices like they are the gps will keep me from driving around unnecessarily. I had one customer today that has a new business, I typed in his address in the Mio and it said no such street number, I put same address in the Nuvi 200 and it found it and set the route. I guess that will happen regardless of the gps or maps at some point.

 

[Phynaz]

Now we have a winner!

If you are using a GPS professionaly, don't consider either of these units. These are the botom rung consumer units - you can get the Nuvi 200 for < $100.

Get a unit that has text to speech (it speaks directions like "In 500 ft turn left on Elm Street"), also called TTS.

But most importantly you want a GPS that supports routing. Using this you enter in all the places you need to be, and the GPS plots the most efficient route.

You may also want one with a traffic receiver so you can route around accidents and construction.

I would check out the Nuvi 700 series if I were using a GPS for my job. Or the 800 series if I were rich.