Mio Launches C210 PND in Europe

Belgian-based navigational unit manufacturer Mio Technology had announced the C210 last February, but now it has finally been released.

Specifications

The Mio C210 is very small in size (85x59x40 mm) and only weighs 110 grams. It is shipped standard with regional Tele Atlas maps and the major roads of Europe, pre-installed on the 512 MB internal flash memory. As an option, the maps of 24 European countries can be purchased. Those maps are then used with the unit via SD/MMC card (up to 2 GB). The device has a 2,7 inch touch screen, a SiRF Star III GPS receiver and a 400 Mhz CPU. Also shipped with the unit are safety camera warnings with free updates for the first year.

British customers will be happy to hear that the C210 fully supports 7-digit postal codes. Navigating with these postal codes enables users to locate addresses up to within a few metres.

Contrary to many other PND's, the C210 doesn't use a non-removable Li-Ion battery, but rather four ordinary AA batteries. These four batteries should be enough for 4,5 hours of navigational use.

Software

This new unit uses Mio's MioMap version 3, which makes navigating very easy. There is even a help section which explains all the features and functions of the unit. This help mode can always be selected by pressing the question mark symbol at the top right of the screen. The software supports 16 languages. The unit can be used as a hand-held device when in pedestrian mode, and there are also modes for larger vehicles which should avoid narrow streets or low bridges.

Options

As a option, a TMC antenna can be purchased. With this antenna, TMC can be used when planning routes and that way traffic congestion can be avoided. When traffic problems occur on the planned route, the user will be alarmed, and then given the choice to plan an alternative route or continue as he or she was.

Pricing

The C210 is available now and costs € 299,- (£ 199,-). The box contains the unit itself, a usb cable, a car charger, a windscreen mount and a dashboard mount. As an option, a bike mounting kit is also available.