Clarion MiND 4.8-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Black)
ClarionMiND is a completely new type of mobile Internet device created by the car audio and navigation expert Clarion. As a Next Generation Navigation plus Internet-Based Entertainment device, it provides GPS navigation, and with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled cellphone, the Internet can be accessed via a full browser anytime and anywhere. ClarionMiND has a new interface that allows you to navigate the real-world and the unlimited possibilities of the Internet at the touch of a finger. Standard Features: Available in Black, White and Red; 4.8-inch TFT WVGA Touch Screen; Built-In Navigation; Built-In WiFi; Stylus and Quick Reference Guide; Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery; Cigarette lighter and AC Adapter; Windshield Mount Kit. Hardware: Intel Atom Processor Architecture; 4.8 inch WVGA(800x480) Widescreen LCD Display with touch screen; Simple Three Buttons (Home, Control,Audio); Built in stylus holder; Headphone Jack; Built-In Speaker / Amplifier; Inter-changeable Li-Ion Battery and extended battery is available as an option. Storage: 512MB DRAM; 800MHz Clock Speed; 4GB Solid-State memory for Storage. I/O: MicroSD Card Slot; 2 USB Port (Standard 2.0/Mini); Built-In WiFi b/g; Built-In Bluetooth 2.0 EDR for Dial-up Networking (phone tethering) uses phone as a modem; Built-In SiRF GPS III 20-Channel GPS Antenna/Reciever; USB media control to external MP3 thru RealPlayer; Docking Station Connector for optional NK1. Dimensions: 6.61in(W) x 3.78in (H) x 1.06in (D) with Standard Battery; 6.61in(W) x 3.78in (H) x 1.42in (D) with Large battery (Option); Total Weight : With Standard Battery: 11.64oz With Large Battery: 13.76oz (Option.
Clarion MiND 4.8-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Black) Features
- Connects to the Web via Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) or through Bluetooth-connected cell phone. access to email. PDF viewer
- Store music, movies, and photos on 4 GB internal memory or on optional MicroSD memory cards. pre-installed MySpace and YouTube software
- Pre-loaded with Navteq maps and 2 million POIs for U.S. and Canada. send Google Maps information to device. 2D and 3D map views
- Portable Internet-connected navigation/entertainment device in black with for GPS turn-by-turn directions and multimedia playback
$335.00
The Clarion Mind is an interesting device as it doesn't have much in the way of competition from others in it's category. It handles mobile Email, text documents, PDF viewing and media playback all while also providing navigation services and WiFi access to the internet.
Audio Playback: It should be noted very clearly that the Real player is mostly for show, it lacks a good deal of functionality and if it is going to be used for the primary audio playback source in a vehicle installation it should be considered as an interface only. It has no playlist or organizational ability other than the basics of Artist, Track and Album as well as it is very limited in it's video playback capabilities. That being said, the device does work well to multitask with a browser, navigation and audio playback with minimal interruption to any of the three processes.
File Management; there is a very intuitive file manager program embedded in the linux OS of the device which allows for file management on the internal as well as external storage. It should be noted that the USB A plug on the unit will support flash drives up to 8GB-at least that is as far as it has been tested.
Navigation: The Navigation system is very intuitive and easy to configure, it allows for a good deal of options/flexibility in preferences. POI's are limited so if there is a long trip ahead; plan ahead and utilize one of the more powerful options of this device and link google maps POI's to the clarion portal site-you will need WIFI to the device to do this-the Bluetooth tether feature does not work with all phones. Specifically it will not work with a Samsung 837-A (Rugby) which tether's to most PC's with ease.
Process Management: A very versatile feature has been worked into the device; the program manager key (center of the three hard keys on the right hand of the unit) will call up active processes into a window and give you shutdown options for each. This is a key feature to keep productivity at a maximum with an Atom processor and limited RAM.
Overall Impressions: For the price it is available for; this is a stellar deal. You will not find a device which has all of the features that this unit does for less than $5-800. A tablet PC can do what this unit does, however the Boot Time, stand alone options and power management tie-ins make this an excellent value for those looking to check their email via WIFI once in a while on the road, but primarily use the GPS and Browser based news/weather services. Navigation is good, not excellent; it will get you where you need to go but don't expect it to know where every business in the continental US is located by name. For what it does the MIND is an excellent value at $150.00 shipped, a niche market, but a good product nonetheless.
Failsafefabrication -- Clarion Mind
I AM ONE WHO DOES MY RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING. THIS PRODUCT IS JUST WHAT I EXPECTED. IF YOU WANT A GPS AND PORTABLE WEB BROWSER THEN THIS IS THE ONE. BUT DO BUY THE EXTENDED BATTERY, YOU WILL NEED IT. AND BY THE WAY CLARION DOES HAVE A SOFTWARE UPDATE ON THEIR WEB SITE. GOOD PRODUCT. -- IT DOES WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO DO
This piece of equipment is handy to have on a road trip. I love the USB connectivity to play music from my flash drive. I have it set up to work through the car stereo speakers and was surprised when the turn by turn directions were audible even though music was playing. We enjoy most of the features on the Mind and people who have seen it at my house all want one too. I would recommend the Clarion Mind over the Garmin anyday. -- Clarion Mind
