Over the last six months or so we've seen the traditional in-car GPS updated to include a range of extra features, including MP3 players, walking modes and travel guides. With devices shrinking in size and compatible GPS modules now available for mobile phones, this form of navigation is clearly one of the hottest developments of recent times.

Mio has recently produced one of what we'd guess to be a new range of devices aimed more at handheld operation, managing to combine a powerful set of features into a slim and portable travel companion.

Having said this, it still sets its stall out as an in-car unit, with a full car kit provided and pre-installed MioMap v3 software providing seamless navigation through the UK and Europe. Mio is clearly making an effort not to alienate in-car users, but in practice the small display and even smaller touch-screen controls make it pretty awkward to use on the move.

Strangely you're not provided with a stylus either, which, considering the nature of the device, is a rather bizarre omission. This being said, the MioMap software present on the device is the same used on Mio's dedicated in-car range, so you'll find the same colourful mapping, intuitive cockpit view and range of setup and configuration options that, once you get used to the interface, make it very easy to find your way around.

As mentioned, though, the DigiWalker H610 is more than just a standard navigational aide. Aside from the MioMap software you'll find a number of additional features aimed at making life easier for frequent travellers. First up is the multimedia player, which can handle MP3 audio or MPEG4 video along with JPG and BMP photos.

Quality is relatively good here but don't expect anything packed with features; a graphic equaliser and some basic repeat and shuffle functions is about your lot. You'll find 2GB of built-in memory on which to store your multimedia files and if you run out of space an SD/MMC card slot on the side can up the capacity.

In addition to media playback there are also a handful of games installed, and pleasingly they're all actually quite fun to play, emphasising the vibrancy and clarity of the H610's screen. You'll also find contacts storage that you can synchronise with Outlook for keeping names and addresses handy while on the move.

The bulk of the additional features that help to distinguish the H610 from rivals, though, are contained in the WorldMate travel kit. This handy collection of tools includes just about everything you could think of in terms of an information resource for travellers. There's a world clock, weather reports and currency converter, along with a packing list, clothing conversion table and tip calculator among others. Potentially this is a very helpful collection, and along with the other features on offer we can see it being invaluable in the right situation.

Unfortunately the DigiWalker H610 isn't without a few drawbacks. As mentioned above, the lack of a stylus can make operation rather troublesome at times, particularly in map mode. It's not particularly stylish either, despite providing you with replacement covers to change the look of the device; it feels a tad cheap and plastic to hold. It's also fairly expensive and considering the drawbacks would probably be too much to pay for the casual user.

Verdict
If you think you'll take advantage of enough of the H610's features, or perhaps are planning a tour of Europe, this could well be an invaluable aide. It's packed with features and despite some niggling issues it'll certainly get you where you want to go and keep you both amused and well-informed along the way.

Company: Mio

Contact: 0905 464 0010

Tags: global positioning system worldmate jpeg gps garmin mio ipad iphone