I don't recommend this item. There are a couple of pluses, but there are a number of problems:
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br /First, the pluses--
br /--The price is good for a GPS unit and PDA.
br /--The SIRF III GPS received is responsive, receiving good reception even inside my house (except for the basement).
br /--The Wifi is fast.
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br /Now the minuses:
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br /--The battery life is poor. I ran through a fully charged battery in a little over an hour with the Wifi on.
br /--The screen is poor quality. There is bleeding of text and images and the resolution does not appear good. Possibly, this is because the screen is quite large for 320x240 resolution.
br /--The PDA functions are not integrated with the mapping and GPS functions. E.g., there does not appear to be a way to access your contacts list within the Mio Maps.
br /--Mio Maps is clunky software. It requires multiple taps and is not intuitive.
br /--There are typical Windows Mobile memory problems because applications do not shut down when closed. I guess I'll need to pursue the third party software route to address this problem.
br /--Internet Explorer is a dated and inconvenient browser for mobile devices. It doesn't format pages well and will not load secure sites such as Chase Banking. I downloaded Opera mobile but they want to charge $24 for a registered copy.
br /--The device is quite heavy. It is industrial in appearance; not attractive but not terribly ugly. It is a bit odd that the screen is so recessed.
br /--I was surprised that the device connects to ActiveSync via USB 1.1. This causes synchronization to be very slow.
br /--Skype did not work very well even though I have a very fast home Wifi network.
br /--Almost no software came with device (only Worldmate, Mio Mapping and the basic Windows Mobile). Outlook was not even included. This is a first, in my experience.
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br /I haven't used the mapping software extensively. It's based on TeleAtlas.
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I think that this is very functional and well executed device. Once you get used to the software it is accurate and easy to use. Very good car mount which allows for many configurations inside your car.
br /WiFi and Bluetooth both work well and fast.
br /Windows Mobile is not any worse or better then other hand held PC. Messaging and sinchronization work OK and this could be reasonable travel companion rather then laptop. You do need to carry a charger since battery life is short. You get couple hours if you use your energy saving mode.

So basically, I have found this product to be more then what I needed intially, but that isn't a bad thing. I have to admit that the GPS program that comes with it " MIO MAP" was a horrible program, It wasn't easy to use, and I am a computer tech. There were just a lot of problems connecting with the GPS, that is untill I installed my own GPS software which is TomTom Navigator 6 for PDA Smart Phones. I just had to play with the settings for the GPS to work with this program, but now I have to say it works like a charm. I really do recommend this little device. it is an awesome price for all that you get. Now if only they could come out with a GPS/PDA/Phone. That would blow the Iphone out of the water.

MIO P550 has a solid construction feel and MIO Map is EXCEPTIONAL. The smart zoom feature truely showcase user interface excellence. My 06 Jeep's factory navigation (which is made by Alpine with Navtech) does not even come close with the amount of features.
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br /Useful features include graphical display that informs you Satelite signal, user selectable display on car speed, time, and destination distance etc. Real time one touch to change map view to birdeye view, true North or direction. You can view the entire route before doing any edit on the routing. User selectable routing methods include shortest, fastest, by car or walking. The map is so detailed, it even shows incoming lane and center island.
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br /"My POI" feature allows user to set a large # of addresses limited only by the size of "disk" space. One can also create groups for addresses by state, city or anything one wishes. I would say give yourself 15 minutes to play thru the basic features.
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br /Because the operation system is Microsoft. So one would expect to know the importance of performing "CTRL_ALT_DELETE" which is simplified by a reset button. The Microsoft media player, as many Microsoft products, is not exactly stable and can take up a lot of memory. When one closes a program, Windows DOES NOT close it; you have to go to system setting in order to terminate any Microsoft applications. MIO map needs 6 MB to run; so one needs to know "how to operate" the OS a little.
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br /Mobile PowerPoint, Excel Word are actually useless. If you need to use any of these software, Take your laptop with you. IE works fine but finding a free hotspot is getting harder. I have not tested SkyPE, so really can not say anything on phone call performance under 802.11G or B.
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Very poor Battery life. But worst of all is the tech support there are no vista drivers for this. emailed tech support they me to change my OS to XP. then I called tech support and was told they aren't going to put a driver out, because the unit was built before vista came out. Also, it's very hard to use the gps in progams other than Miomap. The PDA/GPS is a great idea but this is the wrong one to buy.

Its not too bad of a product, the wireless card works great in it. It even works with my stereo bluetooth headset. One problem with it is that if it is left alone without turning it on, it won't turn on, and i have to plug it into the charger and reset it. I dont know if its a problem with the device itself or the battery. The gps part is ok, just wish you could get updated maps on it. But if you have an internet connection you can use the gps with google maps through the pda part of the device. This device also does not come with java preinstalled, so you will have to find software to be able to use any java software or games. Another problem is with windows media player on it, sometimes it wont find all the songs on the sd card. I haven't had any problems connecting it with my computer using windows vista, I use windows mobile device center (available on microsoft's website for free) to sync it with my computer. But once you learn the quirks the device has and how to deal with them, its a good product at a great price.

Very good GPS, plus fully functional PDA. Short battery life - if you are going to use WIFI or bluetouth its just 20-40 minuties.
br /Bigest advantage of PDA GPS - you can install software from different vendor.
br /I tried to use Skype on this unit (WIFI). Built-in mic has very bad quality and I can't connect and re-direct sound stream to the bluetouth headset.

I bought this PDA/GPS wondering if it could possibly deliver all the features that it advertises. Well guess what? It does!
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br /My old PDA (ViewSonic V37) was great but I had to get rid of it because it wasn't Vista compatible. This one synchronised immediately with my Outlook settings the first time it was attached to the computer. It also found my wireless network (as well as my neighbours unprotected one!) the instant that I turned on the built-in wireless. My old PDA had an external WiFi card and it was the devil to get to operate properly. In addition I was able to access my shared folders on my desktop and laptop computers connected to the network with no setup hassles at all.
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br /Of course it provides all the services of the Pocket MS Office Suite and they are great. I especially like the feature of being able to enter text by simply writing on the screen and having the text generated for you. It is fast and very effective. But in addition to this software the unit also comes with a fantastic service called WorldMate (with a free two year subscription). This little module synchronises with databases whenever you are online and provides up to date information on weather, currency exchange rates, flight information and many other useful bits of information.
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br /Finally and most importantly, the MioMap/GPS function is unbelievable. I already had two GPS units - A Garmin GPSMap 60CS and Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 with GPS sensor. Both work fine in their own way but this one provides all the essential services that they do in a simpler and more compact interface and with voice instructions that make driving and navigating at the same time safe and easy.
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br /I have seen negative reviews of this device and it makes me wonder what exactly people are looking for in a combination PDA and GPS. I cannot think of anything that this one doesn't offer and doesn't do well.
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br /One caautionary note, however. The software used on the North American model is not the same as that on the European models and I have seen self-styled experts advising users who are having problems with their units tell them to download patches from the European websites. This is a disaster and will result in the unit becoming completely inoperable and having to be returned to the factory for a total overhaul. This is mentioned in the FAQ's on the Mio North American website but evidently the "experts" can't read!

It's really a terrible PDA with so poor quality. I bought it in November last year. It stopped working when I used the GPS last month, and when I tried to restart it, it formated itself. I had to restore the system and the map. Then this problem occurs again and again. Whenever I plug the charger in, it stops working. After some days it recovers.
br /I contacted the customer service of MIO, the agent let me try this and try that. Now I still cannot use it.
br /I asked for a return or a replacement, but they said no way.

The worst equipment you could ever buy.
br /Firstly, it didn't come with any navigation software. I imagine some versions may come but mine didn't. After that, Mio gives you no support to buy a software.
br /Battery life is just about negligible. Every time I wanted to use it, it was dead, even without having it on with the GPS function.
br /When I finally got a navigation software, it is so slow, it tells you to turn after the corners. It constantly is looking for its position and never catches up with your driving. Only good for walking.
br /As a Grand Finalle, it froze completely and never goes beyond the splash-screen. Hundreds of discussion groups on the Internet tell you what to do but seems that nobody can get theirs to go again.
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br /In summary: never used it for anything good!!!

The GPS is helpful, but at this point is the only way I can use the product. The company has not made a driver for windows vista and when I was forced to buy a new computer when my computer crashed I got a windows vista computer. I spent alot of money on textbooks for work to download on the ppc and I can no longer use them because of the incompatibility with my computer. I tried to contact the company regarding this problem, but they don't seem to care.
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I did some research on this product before hand and I've been using it for a couple of months now. This product does exactly as it says it will do. The wireless works great. My kid likes to play the games on it. The gps works well, the unit starts up and loads quickly. ok to the cons..
br /The gps sometimes takes 5 mins to find the gps which is kinda long when your waiting on it. But once locked it rarily lost signal, and if it did it would only be for a second. It says it has 11 million POIs. I found it didnt see streets or businesses that were built in the last couple years and I didnt see any way to update them. If I could go back, I would of still bought it. I am very happy with it. I put it in my cupholder, and slide it under the seat when not using.

Easy to use and idiot friendly! Couldn't have made a better birthday present for my husband as he frequently gets lost and forgets things like my birthday! He claims that it could use a longer battery life Mio is not currently offering map updates. The extra long car charger cord comes in handy as well.

This is a very good product, the WiFi is fast, The map program is good, I like the color detail of the maps. I also own the Mio 520 so I have read the map software manual from cover to cover, that is the key because you will not know the full advantages of the program unless you do so. And I have added programs that I need to make it a better PDA. Good construction no problems. Fast processor that is also important. I have TeleAtlas and NavTec Gps devices and they both have their share of missing streets .

I bought this product using Amazon site around 4 months ago.
br /After using it for only two weeks, it stopped working. I tried soft reset, hard reset but nothing helped.
br /Unfortunately I was already back in Israel and I had to send it to US in order to fix it.
br /Mio did fix it but now, after another 3 months that I use it, the tab screen sends completely wrong coordinates. Again soft reset, hard reset and nothing.
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br /1. I own this device for 4 months and I used it for only something like 3 months.
br /2. I pay lot of money on international phone calls from Israel to US.
br /3. I pay lot of money on the delivery to US and back to Israel in order to fix the device.
br /4. Each time I have problem - all the data I stored on the device is lost!
br /5. It has been almost a week since I called MIO service in US and still I got no answer from them regarding to whether I get full refund or not.
br /6. MIO never offered any compensation for what I have been through.
br /7. I am exhausted, frustrated and anxious to get rid of this device.
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br /Buttom line - Do no dare to buy it! I would love to talk to you personally: +972-54-3161498 (GMT +2).

I bought this item not working within one month. I sent it back for repair, just two days not working again and then sent it back for repair, again two days dead again. Waste my shipping fee, don't put your money to the garbage can as me.

Fine PDA with GPS.
br /If you don't really need PDA function you should go for the "normal" embedded GPS units.
br /They run much longer on battery, louder and the screen usually brighter.

I purchased this from a local store because I figured it was a good buy for all the features. When I got it home I found out that it was very slow to boot up and the battery life was horrible. I tried to find tech support on it to see if it was a common problem and it took me a couple of hours before I found something. The problem was that it was on the European site and not the US site. So I downloaded this update to make my Mio have better battery but I found out that that update was only for the European versions after I downloaded it. When installed it screws up the PDA and it has to be shipped in for repair. I got the local store to take it back and bought the HP rx5915.
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br /My suggestion, don't buy this, it will leave you disappointed in the long run. If you are looking for a good one, look toward the rx5915

This product is great and buying it through Amazon made it even a better deal. My unit came with a small glitch in the program and Amazon exchanged it the very next day with no problem. Great service from Amazon and Mio!!! In any case, I cant stop playing with my Mio P550. It has everything you would expect from a good PDA/GPS including ease of use, durable outer case and construction. The GPS feature and maps are very simple to use and fun. I would recommend this product to anyone.

Nice, fast and load with a lot of extras. GPS: Up to 6 sat very fast, nice reception even inside the car. It have a really bad, poor quality, bad res screen. But the rest is good. If you don't mind the bad resolution screen is a nice option.

this is my first PDA system and GPS system, and having both in one easy to use unit has been a great time saver. I love my Mio P550, I don't leave my home without it. My daugther will be driving soon and I plan to give her her own Mio P550. What are the chances of getting a discount!!!!
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br /zulema
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