Clarion MiND 4.8-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Black)

by Clarion

Product Features

• Portable Internet-connected navigation/entertainment device in black with for GPS turn-by-turn directions and multimedia playback
• 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
• Store music, movies, and photos on 4 GB internal memory or on optional MicroSD memory cards; pre-installed MySpace and YouTube software
• Connects to the Web via Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) or through Bluetooth-connected cell phone; access to email; PDF viewer
• Includes car and AC chargers; rechargeable battery provides up to 1.3 hours of continuous use

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Product Description

Color: Black

From the Manufacturer

Manufacturer's Review (December 26, 2008)
Combining personal GPS navigation and real-time Points of Interest (POI) with Internet based entertainment and full web browsing, the easily portable and pocketable Clarion MiND Mobile Internet Navigation Device provides rich GPS navigation with full PC-like Internet browsing capabilities thanks to its 4.8-inch, 800 x 480-pixel touchscreen. You can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi at home, in the office or via hotspots out and about in the city. The ClarionMiND also allows for Internet connectivity via Bluetooth when paired with a mobile phone.

The Clarion MiND in black.

This next-generation mobile device uses the power of Intel's Atom processor, and it also features a 4 GB internal memory, MicroSD memory card slot for expansion, built-in speaker and headphone jack, USB connectivity, and a rechargeable battery that provides up to 1.3 hours of continuous use. It's pre-installed with complete mapping and points of interest (POI) coverage for the U.S. and Canada from Navteq and you can easily use Google Maps for additional searching.

It comes with both DC (in-car) and AC (in-home) power adapters as well as a windshield/dash mount kit. Additionally, with the optional car docking station (model NK1U), you can receive real-time traffic info via the Traffic Message Channel (RDS-TMC) and route navigation audio and music files through your vehicle's audio system.

Navigation
A full-fledged navigation system that guides you accurately to your destination, the Clarion MiND offers ease of operation along with a brightly colorful touchscreen display as well as a unique combination of Internet access and navigation. In addition to pre-installed POIs, you can use information supplied by Google Maps to check out information about a place you've been wanting to go. You can then obtain your destination’s information using Send button on Google Maps, and then transfer that information to your ClarionMiND and navigate directly to its location.

The Clarion MiND provides smooth movement and automatic zoom during route guidance, as well as lane guidance, display of speed limits, and text-to-speech voice guidance (in English, Spanish and French). Other features include 2 million POIs listed in 59 categories, fast route and re-route calculations, flexible routing options for type of transportation (car/pedestrian/bike/motorcycle) and type of route (short/quick/economical), both 2D and 3D map views, and house number resolution for door-to-door navigation.

The next turn direction and distance to the turn are displayed on the top left section of the screen. When you approach an intersection, the top of the screen shows the direction and the voice guidance gives you instructions.

The Car Mode's split screen.

The Mobile Mode's slide view (top) and carousel view (bottom).

The Clarion MiND's web browser.

The MySpace browser.

Portable, Dockable
As a portable device, the Clarion MiND allows you to use it in the home or office, or when you are out and about. In your car, the navigation mode starts as soon as the unit is placed in the standard cradle or the optional Car Dock. The touchscreen makes operation easy, and you can use the split screen display to see and operate both the map and a quick information screen that shows other applications available while in the Car Mode. The optional Car Dock also provides a lifetime RDS-TMC subscription to help you navigate around traffic and save gas.

In Mobile Mode, the Clarion MiND acts like a portable media player (PMP) with graphical icons providing access to all the device's multimedia and Internet capabilities. The icon layout can be switched between a Slide View and Carousel View, which can be arranged to your liking based on what you use most .

Stay Connected and Entertained On The Go
When connected to the Web using a Wi-Fi network or using a Bluetooth link to your mobile phone's cellular network, you can use the MySpace icon to go directly to this popular social networking website with over 100 million members. The easy-to-operate MySpace browser has enhanced viewer functions to make MySpace even more fun to use than with a PC. What's more, you can receive e-mail from friends or display blog update messages in either Car Mode or Mobile Mode, so staying connected with friends is easier than ever.

The YouTube icon on the Home Screen gives you one-touch access to one of the world's most popular video community--no need to activate the web browser. The easy to view and operate YouTube viewer displays thumbnails so you can use buttons like Featured, Most Viewed, Related and Most Discussed videos, to quickly view the videos you want to see.

Using the Firefox-based browser, you can navigate the Web the same way you do on your PC. Find where you want to go, such as restaurants, concert venues and shops by checking the information on the Internet.

Check the latest weather conditions with information from The Weather Channel. One day’s weather information for a designated area is displayed in the Quick Information Area of the home screen, and activating the weather application will display meteorological information for 5 days. The latest news is displayed in the Quick Information Area of the home screen and updated every 60 minutes from both BBC and CNN.

Enjoy your favorite music, movies and photos on the Clarion MiND with the pre-installed RealPlayer software, which will play multimedia files stored on either the Clarion MiND's internal 4 GB memory or on optional MicroSD memory cards. It's compatible with a wide range of file formats (audio - mp3, mp4, mpg, mpeg, rm, ra, rv, rmvb, aac, ac3, ogg, wav, wma; video - wmv, 3gp, divx; photos - jpg, jpeg, png, gif, bmp). To listen to music, tapping the playback files for category lists like Now Playing, Artist and Album brings up the playback screen and displays artist names and album and song titles. You can select random or repeat for playback, or even use other applications while playing music.

The ClarionMiND also comes with e-mail software compatible with all the major mail protocols, including POP3 and SMTP. Input is easy using the on-screen keyboard. You can register multiple e-mail accounts, enabling you to send and receive emails separately as required for personal or business use.

Other Features

• Software Keyboard: Tap the fields for mail or keyboard search and a soft keyboard will appear on the display. Large and easy to use, the keyboard allows you to input navigation destinations and search words.
• Quick Information Keys: A Quick Information Area is displayed in miniature at the bottom of the home screen. By tapping the four key icons at the edges of the area--News key, Weather key, MySpace key, and Portal Sync key--you can display information from each in real time on the home screen.
• Touch Panel Control: Using a stylus pen or your finger to tap or drag objects displayed on the screen makes operation easy.
• Contacts: Registering your address, phone number, and e-mail address in your address book enables you to smoothly link functions by activating Navigation from the Contacts screen, inputting the settings for your destination, and sending e-mail.
• PDF Viewer: PDF file viewing capability. PDF files can be opened in the File Manager or the Browser. You can use touch operation to change the display location by dragging it across the screen. Long-pressing the screen gives you the full-screen display.
• File Manager: ClarionMiND provides file management, allowing you to search for, move, copy, delete, or change the names of files in the directory file within the ClarionMiND folder. In addition to ClarionMiND file management, connecting to a USB / micro SD device automatically activates File Manager, which makes it possible to manage files saved to USB / micro SD devices, such as USB memory cards and micro SD cards. Use this to manage documents and PDF files, as well as music, videos and photos that can be reproduced using RealPlayer.
• Note Pad: You can create simple documents using Note Pad. In addition to creating and editing sentences, you can use the text editor for search and replace, selecting fonts, and setting the Word Wrap and Auto Indent functions.
• Connection: You can connect to the Internet via WiFi or via dialup connection using a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone with an Internet subscription.

Specifications:

• 4.8 inch WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) LCD Display with touch screen
• Intel Atom Architecture (800 MHz)
• 512MB DRAM
• 4 GB solid state drive (SSD) flash memory
• Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR with DUN (Dial-up Network) profile
• SiRFstarIII GPS module with 20-channel GPS receiver
• Li-Ion battery (Small Battery: 2 hours, Optional Large Battery: 4 hours)
• Built-In amplifier and speaker
• 3.5mm external headphone connector
• 2 USB ports (standard/mini)
• microSD card slot
• Docking Station (NK1*1) connector
• RDS-TMC Traffic Ready (lifetime subscription; optional car dock required)

What's in the Box
Clarion Mind navigation device, stylus pen, AC adapter, plug converter, car adapter, battery pack, support arm, attachment, suction plate, quick start guide

Product Description

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.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Mixed experience so far, from awesome to awful May 14, 2009

By Stan Matofu

Color Name:Black

6/3/2009 Update
I've been using the device for a few weeks now. It has a lot of potential and things can be done, but many applications/features lack the quality of a mature product: inconsistent and unfriendly interface, missing features etc.

Major issues:
1. Small POI database. Only 2 mln POIs, and so far, no way to buy or import additional POIs. Big problem for me, and no easy way around. Finding missing POIs using Google at home takes longer than on a regular GPS unit with built-in POIs. You cannot use Google on the road (or it is much more difficult). Some GPS devices have 6 or more millions of POIs; you can really appreciate it after using the limited 2mln Clarion's database.

2. POI search speed can be from 10 seconds to 3 minutes!!! depending on user's entry. 3 minutes - it is just an absurd number. It must be fixed.

3. No Bluetooth hands-free calling. (The GPS is supposed to work with a phone. Why not hands-free calling? I need a BT headset? How many more electronics should I carry?)

4. Bluetooth dial-up network (DUN) doesn't work with my phone. I was surprised because it was one of the major selling points. Clarion provides only a list of compatible networks and my network is on that list. No list of compatible/supported phones.(My phone's DUN works with my other devices)

My hope is that Clarion will keep releasing updates and improving its functionality.

Written before 6/3/2009
The great:
1. Integration with the Internet:
a) You can send POIs from the Internet to ClarionMiND. Even with good GPS units finding POIs may be difficult: you either don't find it or you find too many. ClarionMiND lets you plan your trip on your computer at home using Google Maps, and send POIs to the device. Great feature!!!
b) Great desktop-class Internet browser. You will be able to do everything you can do on your desktop at home, including Flash videos.
c) Google search, and it is integrated with navigation.
2. Navigation (I will update this review on route quality after I use the unit more):
a) So far routes look good.
b) Lane assist. It shows which lane on a multi-lane road you should take.
c) Nice job with voice directions. For example, it tells you something like, "go to the right side of the road" in order to prepare you for right turn.
d) All info needed for navigation is on the screen: compass heading (N, NE, E...), arrival time, distance, next and current street.
e) auto-zoom.
3. POI
a) Very fast search
b) You can preview POIs on the map. This is something nice and unique. You can select a single or a group of POIs and see them on a temporary map.
4. Address entry
a) Very fast.
b) QWERTY keyboard
c) Predictable entry. Only valid keys are active. As you keep entering data, it shows what was found at the top of the screen.
d) It remembers previous entry, and lets you re-start search from any level: state, city, street.
5. Hardware:
a) Gorgeous, high-resolution, large screen
b) Touchscreen works well. It is responsive.
c) Dedicated hardware buttons for Home, Top Menu, Music/Sound.
d) Great to hold in hands
6. Free Internet traffic. So far, I didn't find if it is integrated with navigation. There will be an option for radio traffic which, most likely, will be integrated.
7. Internet weather, news, email etc
8. Fast GPS lock. Less than 30 seconds.

The bad:
1.POI database is small. I couldn't find retail stores like, Walmart, Target, Costco etc
2.The car mount is awful. It is a few 100s dollars device with a "$1" mount. Very difficult to mount/dismount.
3.After you mount the device, it automatically limits its Internet functionality. Result: you cannot use the Internet in your garage when the device is mounted. You have to dismount it 1st, check the Internet, mount it again. AWFUL!!! If they wanted to make it safe, they should detect vehicle speed from the GPS.
4.Addresses are not displayed in the American format (number street, city zip), but as zip city street number.
5.Keyboard
a) Inconsistent keys. Sometimes, it is character-only; sometimes, characters and digits.
b) Inconsistent behavior: to accept, sometimes you have to click "Back", sometimes "Enter"; sometimes something else.
6.Too many keystrokes needed to see the route overview.
7.Current time is not displayed during navigation.
8.The device gets very hot.
9. Video player doesn't accept many video formats.

The bottom line:
It is a great navigation device: very fast, detailed spoken commands, plenty of details on the screen, great map, good routes. The device could be a perfect GPS but they have to add more POIs, BT hands-free calling, and polish the interface. ClarionMiND works very well with the Internet: it will have more or less of a practical meaning for different people.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Linux Geeks Dream January 1, 2010

By Richard Jerrido

Color Name:Black

Overall as a GPS I pretty much agree with "Stan Matofu's" review of the device above. However, I purchased this device in December primarily as a portable media player for my car. Everything else that this device offers was extra, especially considering that I purchased this device for a shade over $100. After having it for a couple of weeks and hacking on it for a while, I would say that I am pretty pleased with the device. Firstly, the device has an Intel Atom Z530, Intel GMA500 (Poulsbo) integrated graphics and 4GB SSD, which is pretty "standard" netbook/UMPC class hardware. With the standard USB port that is built in, one can attach a thumbdrive of practically any size for an infinite amount of music on the go. Additionally, by plugging in a USB keyboard, and switching to virtual console 3 (Ctrl-Alt-F3), you can login as the root user and hack the device to your pleasure (default password is '1234'). Wifi support is pretty rock-solid. DUN support over Bluetooth works well with my Blackberry Storm, which is great because I can use this device as a quasi-internet tablet while in the car(parked of course :) ) The device itself is based on Asianux Midinux Linux which is a offshoot of Fedora. Ubuntu's netbook remix also runs on the device. Installing whichever OS you want on the device is pretty simple, as the USB ports are 1st in the boot order of the device. Heck, even Windows XP runs like a champ on this device. The hardware, according to its specifications, supports up to a 4GB microSD card. I've happily been using a Transcend 8GB microSDHC card with this device to store my music. At its original price of ~$600, there would be no way that I would have bought it. As a ~$100 GPS unit, it is quite serviceable. It has its quirks as all devices do, yet it has some pretty nice features, especially if you can connect it via PPP over Bluetooth so that it gets Internet in-vehicle. Finally, as a portable Linux based computer, it is very much worth the cost alone. I am purchasing a second one, just because it is so hackable.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Traffic integration is not a strong point. July 19, 2009

By Phu

Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have used this unit for a few weeks. The navigation part is excellent. Google search is useless without Wifi. POI is a joke...it cannot even find Walmart down the street. In order to get any usefulness in searches, I had to setup Wifi in my car. Traffic integration is awful. The traffic applet cannot zoom. You have to switch screens to see traffic. This cannot be done if you mount the unit. Mounting the unit switches it to car mode. The traffic receiver NK1U works okay if you get a signal. See my review. Overall, the unit is still very rough. I am hopeful that with software updates, traffic can be updated via Wifi instead of the Docking station. I had a Dash Express prior to this unit, but it got stolen. The Dash Express had better traffic information...I miss my now stolen and dead (company is on skeleton crew) Dash Express.