Mio P550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS
Navigator
Best Gps Ever...All Other Gps's Are Trying To Catch Up.
Perfect for any road trip, the Mio P550 Portable GPS Multimedia
Navigation System is a versatile navigation device, providing full PDA
capability, Internet access via built-in Wi-Fi, and wireless connectivity with
Bluetooth. Both affordable and stylish, the Mio P550 makes it easier than
ever to get where you are going, even when you arent quite sure where
that might be. And because the P550 is compatible with most Windows
Mobile 5 software, you can use it for off-road navigation as well. Since it
runs on the Windows Mobile 5 operating platform, the Mio P550 can
support the GPS software of your choice. This means you are not
restricted as to where and when you can use GPS, nor do you need
different devices depending on the activity you want to use them for, for
ultimate flexibility. For the road, the manufacturer does recommend Mio
Map software, which guides you to your destination with a seamless
journey, and has maps of the US and 24 European countries available.
However, the P550 is equally in its element if you want to go sailing,

biking, or hiking, requiring you to just add the software and get going. The
highly sensitive SirfStar III GPS chipset in the P550 can receive signals
from up to 20 satellites for extremely accurate positioning, even in the
toughest terrain. And when it comes to connecting the receiver, you dont
have to worry about getting tangled up with external antenna and extra
wires, because it is already built-in. Slim and sleek, the P550 has an ultra-
compact design offering pocket-sized portability thats perfect whether you
are traveling on foot, by bike or in your car. The Mio P550 even makes
exchanging files quick and easy via reliable, high-speed Bluetooth
connectivity for synchronizing your Outlook or calendar with your desktop
computer. More than a convenient navigator, the P550 can be used with
SD/MMC cards to store pictures, MP3 files, videos, and eBooks, turning
this unit into a multimedia entertainment center. Now you can always take
a couple of eBooks, your favorite MP3s, a film or two, and your photo
album along, in the convenience of a standard memory card. And since
you are only limited by your number of SD/MMC cards, you can read on
the train, show relatives your family snaps, or listen to music strolling
around town, taking unlimited entertainment with you wherever you go.
The Mio P550 also offers all the advantages a surprisingly powerful,
incredibly versatile PDA running Windows Mobile. Providing access to all
Microsoft Office Pocket applications, you can go through your PowerPoint
presentation, edit Word documents or create an Excel spreadsheet any
time you need to, so youll always be prepared and up to speed. And when
youve had enough of work, you can also use the P550 to play games to
pass the time, or use the Wi-Fi to get online and surf the Internet. The Mio
Digiwalker P550 utilizes a 3.5-inch color resistive, anti-glare LCD touch-
screen display with LED backlighting, 65,000 colors and 320 x 240 pixels
of resolution. This unit includes 64 MB of on-board RAM, 128 MB of
memory, and infinitely expandable memory via the built-in SD/MMC card
slot that is SD/IO compatible. The P550 includes a USB 1.1 connector, a
built-in speaker and mono microphone, a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack,
and an internal rechargeable 1,200 mAh lithium-ion battery. This unit
utilizes Bluetooth 1.2 wireless technology, and 802.11 b and g Wi-Fi
connectivity. The included cradle doesnt just hold your navigator, but will
also charge the battery while you drive when connected to the power
cable. Combined with the windshield mount, this cradle forms a very solid
device holder, providing investment security and preventing vibrations. The
Mio Digiwalker P550 portable GPS multimedia navigator weighs six
ounces, measures 2.8 x 4.5 x 0.7 inches (W x H x D), and is backed by a
manufacturers one-year warranty. Whats in the Box
Mio Digiwalker P550 portable PDA and navigator, device holder,
windshield mount, AC power adapter, DC in-vehicle power adapter, USB
cable, CD with users manual, getting started CD, license agreement,
windshield mount guide, quick start guide, Mio club registration card and
warranty card.
Personal Review: Mio P550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

I've had my new Mio P550 for about a week now and I like it. The first thing
I noticed was the screen has much better contrast compared to the h-p
IPAQ hx2495b I also have. Also, there is no need to calibrate the touch
screen as is the case with the h-p. At 6 oz, the Mio is 1 oz lighter than the
h-p, though the h-p seems to have a somewhat more rugged case and a
display shield. Still, I would not want to drop either onto the floor or
sidewalk.
I also like the fact the P550 has a real on/off switch which competely
disconnects the battery if your not going to use it for a while. With the h-p I
have to remove the battery. The only problem with using the on/off switch
is the unit has to reboot which takes a minute or two and the date/time
needs to be restored. That can be done using the GPS.
Another good feature of the P550 is the speaker which you can actually
hear and sounds reasonably decent for its small size. It is also placed on
the back of the case with the mic in such a position you can use it as an
internet phone. Unfortunately, if you want to use headphones, you need to
use the adaptor cable to use standard 3.5mm phone jacks.
From the product discription, I could not tell if it came with the maps loaded
or not, happly I found that they were. I was also pleased to find the maps
were quite detailed and showed forest service roads and jeep trails in
remote areas, along with streams and rivers. As I plan on using this device
off road in these remote areas, this will be a big help. The GPS locked on
to half a dozen satellites in a minute or two, so long as your outside and in
the clear. Inside a building its a little iffy, but thats usually the case. I
haven't tried it in the car yet, but belive it will work well as long as its up
next to the windshield.
Some people have commented on the joystick navagation button was hard
to use, but I find it easy.
Now to the question of battery life. I was a bit worried about this from the
other reviews. Indeed, if you use Wi-Fi or even the GPS, the battery life is
a bit short. Maybe an hour with Wi-Fi and a bit longer with GPS. I don't see
this as a big problem, as often you will have AC power available when
using WI-Fi or can charge at some point in the day. If using GPS, likely you
will be in your car and use the 12V adaptor.
Your not going to be doing much web surfing with a little hand held
anyway. Just a quick check of email or of the weather. Remember to turn
off the wireless when your done and you won't have any trouble with
running down the battery if your not on AC power.
Battery life in stand by mode or just using basic PDA functions seems quite
good. It helps to learn how to disable Active Sync from always turning on
and to stop running programs when they are not needed. Thats the one
thing I don't like. You have to make a number of screen taps to get into the

stop program function and no where do they tell you how to disable Active
Sync. Other people have discribed how to do that, so I won't repeat it here.
Why they make you go through that, I'll never understand.
The battery does charge quickly which is nice and I found I could charge
the battery with a small 5V, 100 ma solar cell panel. With the panel in a
window and a few hours of morning sun, the battery went from about 50%
to nearly full charge. That will be handy, as I can be away from AC power
for up to a week.
So all in all, at the current price I think the P550 is a pretty good deal. If
you need something like this, better get it soon as smart phones are
quickly replacing this type of device. (I have no need for a phone or an
expensive service plan)
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