Laptops Arena

Announced last year by Clarion, a subsidiary of Hitachi, ClarionMIND is available for US and European customers earlier than it was scheduled for release, more exactly this spring.
It comes at a retail price of $649.99, which can be considered affordable if we take a look at all its capabilities.



ClarionMIND is basically a mobile navigation handset device but with advanced functionalities that enable mobile entertainment via the Internet.
It is powered by the low-power consuming Intel Atom processing technology and is the first model of its kind that delivers both enhanced GPS navigation and computer functionalities, in addition to high-speed Internet browsing with the Firefox-based built-in web browser with Flash support.

At any time you can use different connection options for each of your needs. If you are at a café bar in a hotspot you may use Wi-Fi for the Internet, and you can share files with other compatible devices via Bluetooth.

The 4.8-inch large LCD features 800 x 480 resolution and is a full touchscreen, enabling instant access to your favorite applications, while the user-friendly interface has direct access to popular online places such as Google, Maps, YouTube and MySpace.
<-300x250 Medium Rectangle - center->
There’s also an in-vehicle docking station that allows you to route sounds via the speaker system and get real-time traffic data through the RDS-TMC system. The interface is designed to automatically switch between the Mobile and Car modes when needed.
Users can access the MyClarion web portal for information on the navigation device and software downloads.

Specifications include a 800-MHz processor, 512MB DRAM memory, 4GB Solid State Drive storage, Wi-Fi B and G, Bluetooth 2.0 with Dial-up Network Profile, SiRFstarIII GPS Module with 20-channel GPS Receiver, a 2-hour or 4-hour Li-Ion battery, built-in speaker and amplifier, a 3.5-mm external headphone connector, two USB ports, microSD card slot for extra memory, stylus pen input, and the Linux 2.6.22 operating system pre-installed.



When it comes to navigation capabilities, ClarionMIND displays maps, points of interest, and features GPS positioning, map matching, assisted destination entry, house number resolution for door-to-door navigation, POI name and proximity search, route calculation and rerouting, 2D and 3D map display, automatic zoom, split screen, visual lane guidance, display of static speed limits, time-restricted speed limits and audible speed warnings, as well as voice guide and text-to-speech technology.
In addition to traffic information it keeps you up to date with the latest news via special widgets for weather forecast, world news and others.

More than these, you can send and receive emails, add contacts, and use the Calculator.
See what ClarionMIND can do in these demo videos.

(Thanks for the tip, Derek!)