Mio C520 GPS $199.99 @ FS

[calvinsea]

Mio Widescreen (4.3") GPS Navigation System With Text-To-Speech And Bluetooth (C520) is $199.99 @ Futureshop:

Update Nov. 7, 2008: $179.99 now!
Update Nov. 17, 2008: $166.99 after "e-certificate". See post #79 (by towhytea). Thanks towhytea!
Update Nov. 21, 2008: back to $179.99 again.
Update Nov. 28, 2008: $199.99 again
Update: $152.99 Dec. 7 5:00 pm - Dec. 8, 2008 10: am EST;
Dec. 8 5:00 pm - Dec. 9, 2008 10: am EST;
Update Dec. 5, 2008: $169.99 now

Update Dec. 12, 2008: $199.99, in Stock
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...gon=&langid=EN


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FAQ

1. Why Mio C520? How does it compare to Mio Moov series, Garmin, TomTom, etc?
Mio C520 basically is a PDA with WinCE 5.0 operating system after being unlocked. Therefore, you may install many popular navigation software, like iGo, Garmin, TomTom, etc. More important, you can use newest map. So thinking it as a PDA, very flexible. Garmin also can be unlocked. But so far, the unlock for C520/C320 is best, and there are lot of people our there providing you the technical support: the most famous C520/C320 unlock package MioPocket is updated continuosly.
On the other hand, C520's hardware is pretty strong: 4.3" wide screen, blue tooth, 2.0GB ROM, SDIO support (see below) etc, while the price is very low: $152.99 right now. For comparison with Mio new Moov series, see the #5 post.

2. What do I need to do after getting C520?
Do not eage to unlock it first. Run with original settings to see if there is any problem with the device itself. Somebody reported some problem of this device right out of box. After making sure the device is ok, then you may go ahead to unlock it if you want.

3. Why do I need to unlock it?
If you want to (1) install other navigation software; (2) install newer downloaded map; (3) install games, dictionary, ebooks, etc; then you need to unlokc C520 first.

4. How to unlock C520?
To unlock C520 to become a PDA: (1) MioPocket (2) Simple Unlock. There are other unlock packages available if you search the Internet.

5. I do not want to unlock C520, but want to install newer map.
Firstly, you need to follow this instruction to unlock MioMap (C520 basically same as C320 regarding to unlock), then download new map for "MioMap". C520 orignal POI is only around 6.0 million, while this 200701 Canada premium map has much more POI; this is USA 200707 Premium map has 12.5 million POI. You may find other new maps for MioMap.

6. Do I need to upgrade firmware?
Generally speaking, if your Mio C520 works well, there is no need to upgrade firmware. If there is some malfunction (like bluetooth problem), try to upgrade firmware, it may fix the problem.

7. I am confused with "MioMap", "iGo", GPS maps, etc.
Before Mio's latest Moov series, all Mio GPS (C520/320/720, C310, C220, C230, A710, A510, etc) installs "MioMap", a navigation software which is based on iGo 2006 with different interface, but same core or kernel. The new Moov series still has "MioMap", but it is totallly different from its predecessor.
The latest iGo version is iGo 8.3.2.64873 (Nov. 13, 2008).
There are two kinds of GPS map for North America: TeleAtlas and NAVTEQ. The latest TeleAtlas map for North America is 2008.04. It can be used by iGo 8.0.xxx, not iGo8.3.xxx. The latest NAVTEQ map for North America is 2008Q2, it can be used by iGo8.3.xxx, not iGo 8.0.xxx, or iGo2006. iGo8.3.xxx has a new "reality view" function. Some people say NAVTEQ is a little bit more accurate than Teleatlas in North America maps. NAVTEQ's POI is much less than that of TeleAtlas. You may use TeleAtlas 2008.04 POI in iGo 8.3.xxx with NAVTEQ maps.

8. How to install iGo 8?
Check this tutorial to install iGo8. For latest iGo software, check this excellent forum. Be sure to download the version for PNA, not PDA. Please note, the downloaded iGo 8.3.xxx version is not a full version. You may need to first download a full version of iGo8.0.xxx (containing TTS), then copy all missing files from full version of iGo8.0.xxx to iGo8.3.xxx. There is a TTS fix for iGo 8.3.xxx, go through the above forum for it. You may need new skins (user interface) with more functions. Check this fantastic forum.

For iGo8 skins, see Post #546 in Page 37.


9. How to install Garmin, tomTom, or other navigation software?
Check above forums.

10. How to connect Internet with C520?
You need a SDIO WiFi card. Check this post.

11. What kind of SD card does C520 support?
Though the menue did not say C520 supports SDHC, it does. Many reported that it supports 16GB SDHC, while you may choose certain brands. Check here. The A-Data 8.0GB SDHC Class 6 ($18.99 only) works very well in my C520.

12. I have other questions about C520.
You may post here, or those excellent forums I mentioned above. This FAQ only gives you the initial instructions and information for C520 to start. You need to browse the Internet to find the answer for your own questions.

Have fun and Merry Christmas!

[villi]

That MioPocket 2.0 looks great.
Never heard of it before but apparently it should work on my Magellan 4040 - going to try it out!
Thanks op

[aasoror]

I managed to snag one when a similar deal was posted last month ($178 taxes and shipping in).
I really very content so far, check youtube for the vedios's for both hacked interface and factory one.
and yes hacking is as easy as inserting an SD card.
A nice and powerful samsung processor there.
I combined that with 8GB SDHC for $18 (on sale) at TSCC and can't be more happy
p.s. $200 @ FS is still attractive price, TSCC has it on clearance for $299.

[gheart008]

Was down to about $160 at the beginning of Oct when I picked up mine. Saw it even cheaper a few day before that. It's an older model that everyone's trying to get rid of.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...highlight=c520

I'd say @ $199, it's still a decent deal, but warm at most.

[calvinsea]

Mio C520 (old model) vs. Mio Moov 300c (new model: $199.99 @ Sears, Zellers) -- Hardware comparison only, because both can install new GPS softwares and maps

C520 Pros:
1. Larger memory -- ROM 2GB vs. 1GB
2. Larger battery capacity -- 1300 mAh vs. 720 mAh
3. Earphone jack
4. Bluetooth
5. AC Charger included
6. Better unlock so far

Moov 300c Pro: InstantFixII

BTW, I ordered C520 in A-Power (cheaper), but already waited 3 weeks, still in backorder, no supply. FrontTierPC.com now is $324, and out of stock. http://www.frontierpc.com/ProductDet...70101&version=

[SiuBun]

Mio C520 (old model) vs. Mio Moov 300c (new model: $199.99 @ Sears, Zellers) -- Hardware comparison only, because both can install new GPS softwares and maps

C520 Pros:
1. Larger memory -- RAM 2GB vs. 1GB
2. Larger battery capacity -- 1300 mAh vs. 720 mAh
3. Earphone jack
4. Bluetooth
5. AC Charger included
6. Better unlock so far

Moov 300c Pro: InstantFixII

BTW, I ordered C520 in A-Power (cheaper), but already waited 3 weeks, still in backorder, no supply. FrontTierPC.com now is $324, and out of stock. http://www.frontierpc.com/ProductDet...70101&version=

Calvinsea, I have the Moov 200c, just a 3.5' model of Moov300c. But where do you find new maps for them?

[SwooshICE]

Hows the quality of video playback on this??

And aside from hacking, how's the GPS functionality?

[162]

Hows the quality of video playback on this??

And aside from hacking, how's the GPS functionality?

I installed a couple of .avi movies to the SD card and video was choppy. I then deleted some of the unwanted files in the device such as various maps and languages that I would never use and it seems to have improved video frame rate although still slightly choppy. Resolution is excellent.
Gps functionality is good using 2007 maps. I see an update disk is available from FS for $49 now as well.

[calvinsea]

Calvinsea, I have the Moov 200c, just a 3.5' model of Moov300c. But where do you find new maps for them?

1. I think urs is qualifying for official map upgrade: http://www.freemapupdate.com/

2. Use Mio Pocket 2.0 to unlock it first, then install whatever new GPS software (like iGo 8), and get the new map here: http://www.gpsunderground.com/forums...isplay.php?f=4

Actually, the reason I like Mio is that most of Mio can be unlocked; therefore, we can always have new map to use.

[calvinsea]

Gps functionality is good using 2007 maps. I see an update disk is available from FS for $49 now as well.

When I ordered C520 from FS, the update map CD is included and free of charge.

[162]

When I ordered C520 from FS, the update map CD is included and free of charge.

Good for you!
Wish there was a link available for current owners to update..

[tweebs]

Thanks Poster! I ordered one.

I recently went to Garmin after my c310 was stolen. I really dislike the Garmin interface as it turns out. Good thing I bought it at Costco!

For the 2 years I owned the c310 I never got around to hacking it or updating the maps. I think I'll be trying the IGO 8.3 software with the hack on the c520. The internal batter eventually stopped holding a charge and I didn't feel like ebaying/installing a new one.

Nice to see they are including the Map update CD free of charge. Keeping this in mind I'd say it's a hot price.

[Rizeup]

yeah just purchased a Garmin and Ill be returning it.
The interface is terrible.

Why would I want to know the speed I'm going at when I could just look at the speedometer in my car?

[Feebz13]

Thanks OP. Got mine today. Still charging it, but it loooks great.

[BBucKK]

Can anyone who has this model tell me if it will turn itself on and off automatically if left plugged-in in your car? My Garmin does this and I love it as I use it mainly for bluetooth phone and never have to worry about forgetting to turn it on or off. It detects when the car starts or stops and if there is power at the plug.

Thanks
BBucKK