The Mio C310x is an affordable way to grab a pocket-size portable GPS unit with enhanced entertainment features. It won't replace your MP3 player, but the C310x's digital audio playback adds an enticing new layer to a straightforward and effective navigation system.

The C310x is a WAAS-enabled GPS unit. Its diminutive size forces it to have a smaller antenna, so it takes longer for this unit to connect with the geosynchronous GPS satellites than larger units with traditional-size antenna. Once locked on, however, the C310x provides accurate positioning information, and it is relatively quick to plot a route.

While it offers both text and voice turn-by-turn navigation, the C310x lacks the more advanced text-to-speech (TTS) voice guidance that actually says particular street names. Instead, the C310x provides more generic "turn in 50 feet" prompts. The unit's 1GB of internal memory comes preloaded with maps of the United States (with Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada, including over 3.5 million points of interest such as restaurants, gas stations and many other businesses and attractions. Unfortunately, some of the maps don't appear to be as current as those used by competing GPS units, with some newer addresses missing from the database.

Maps are displayed on the C310x's 3-1/2-inch LCD touchscreen. While it has an antiglare surface and is bright in dim conditions, the screen is difficult to read on sunny days, which presents a serious problem if you are driving. In addition, maps don't appear as sharp as on some competing units, and the small on-screen keyboard makes it hard to enter information both quickly and accurately.

In addition to the 1GB for maps, the C310x has 64MB of storage space for your MP3 files, and there is a SD/MMC memory card slot to make music transfers a simple process. The small speaker produces predictably unimpressive sound quality, but the C310x has a headphone output that improves the music playback considerably.

While it lacks some handy features and has a less-than-spectacular screen, the ultraportable Mio C310x GPS system offers effective basic navigation and a functional digital audio player.


Pros:  Very portable, accurate navigation, built-in media player
Cons:  Screen washes out in bright light, on-screen keyboard is hard to use, no traffic alert options

Warranty
1 year