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
This review is from: Clarion MiND 4.8-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Black)6/3/2009 UpdateI'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 6/3/2009The 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. POIa) Very fast searchb) 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 entrya) Very fast.b) QWERTY keyboardc) 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 screenb) Touchscreen works well. It is responsive. c) Dedicated hardware buttons for Home, Top Menu, Music/Sound.d) Great to hold in hands6. 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 etc2.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.Keyboarda) 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. V...
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