Cloud storage: Lower cost and increase uptime
Cross country running
The lifetime map update feature is just that. You have to register your device through Mio’s PC-only MioMore device management software and updates are limited to four per year but other than that I can’t see any catches.
Mini USB port in the base but no headphone jack nor Bluetooth on this model
The bundled maps cover all 44 European countries stretching as far east as the borders of Turkey and Ukraine. Oh, and don’t forget, if you venture further afield, Mio will rent, as well as sell you maps of more exotic places. For another £50 you can add Bluetooth, voice activation and some Google local search options in the form of the 697 LM but having a smartphone I can’t say as I need nor want any of those features.
The only quibble I do have is that Mio bundles the device with a fixed mini USB 12V adapter, so you will need to find a proper USB cable to connect it to you your PC for the map updates. And come on, who on earth is still using mini USB in this day and age?
Fuss-free with maps for life – what's not to like?
Verdict
Mio’s updated Spirit PNDs are very easy to use and understand, packed with features and most importantly offer lifelong map updates. If you feel the need for a stand-alone satnav, I can’t think of a better place to spend your hard-earned. ®
More Car Tech Reviews |
||||
 Pure
Highway 300Di in-car DAB radio |
 Ten... e-cars
and hybrids |
 Ten... Satnavs
to suit all budgets |
 Ten... in-car gadgets
and accessories |
 Sony
BDP-SX1 portable Blu-ray player |
Mio Spirit 695 LM
COMMENTS
No thanks, never a Mio again
I have bought Mio kit, and the first thing to disappear were the free map upgrades. So I had a brand new device, the promise of map upgrades and, well, no map upgrades. Tech support couldn't tell me anything else than that the device was of a company they bought and they had not integrated maps yet - well, duh, that's the most vital part of a GPS - and then don't promise what you cannot deliver.
About 4 years later I suddenly got an email I could now buy map updates for the device. Buy, mind you, not get for free for a year as was originally claimed to be included in the purchase price. By that time I'd ditched the things and switched to TomTom on an iPhone, which works great because I rarely forget my phone. Map updates are frequent in mini (download) and macro form (iTunes updates of the whole App) - if they had only stayed away from doing anything with social media inside a device that has to work in a car (generic disadvantage of TomTom is that it requires FAR too much screen interaction - it's clearly not designed by people who use this kit themselves, or who see taking their eyes off the road as a safety problem).
Apropos the feature of repeating the last instruction: I don't know of other devices, but TomTom does it by tapping on the bottom of the screen. It also reduces the volume of any iTunes playback in progress for an announcement, and it shuts up when you have an incoming call (which I tend to avoid - I don't like driving and making calls, even though I have very good handsfree kit)..
So, no more Mio for me. There are better alternatives, alternatives you can actually trust..
Re: fastest
I have this test I do on SatNavs. North London to Luton avoiding motorways - if it tells you the fastest route is through St Albans town centre (a town centre - wtf!) then avoid it as it has no inteligence of traffic flows.
tempting
But with TomTom coming to Android soon I'm going to wait and see
Agentless Backup is Not a Myth
Steps to Take Before Choosing a Business Continuity Partner
Requirements Checklist for Choosing a Cloud Backup and Recovery Service Provider
Cloud storage: Lower cost and increase uptime
SaaS data loss: The problem you didn’t know you had
