Clarion Intros ClarionMiND Atom Powered Mobile Internet Navigation Device

Shown as a concept product at this year’s CES, Clarion has just released full specifications of its up and coming Intel Atom powered ClarionMiND Mobile Internet Navigation Device which, apart from serving as a fully fledged GPS also allows for full web browsing as well as digital music and video playback and which Clarion, somewhat understandably, claim will ‘transform the way people connect to their electronic lives whether they are on the go or in their vehicles’.

Sporting a 800×480 resolution touchscreen, the ClarionMiND allows for mobile internet browsing by, it would appear, pairing with a cell phone via Bluetooth and, interestingly, is billed as being optimised to both YouTube and MySpace applications – though perhaps watching YouTube videos whilst driving is not such a good idea. But its not until you take in all the other capabilities offered that the true scope of the Linux OS 2.6.22 powered ClarionMiND really become apparent as, along with GPS, internet and media player functionalities, the device will also offer a Google Map/Earth Viewer, email capabilities, PDF viewer, calculator, news reader (RSS) and even up to the minute weather information. Exciting stuff, indeed.

Clarion ClarionMiND Mobile Internet Navigation Device Key Features:

• 4.8 inch WVGA (800×480) LCD Display with Touch screen
• Intel(R) Atom(TM) processor Z500
• 800MHz Clock Speed
• 512MB DRAM
• 4GB Flash Memory for Storage
• WiFi
• Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
• GPS Antenna/Receiver
• Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
• Amplifier
• Speaker
• Headphone Jack
• 2 USB Port (Standard / Mini)
• SD Card Slot (Micro SD)
• Docking Station Connector

No word at the time of writing concerning envisaged availability dates (Q4 this year?) or pricing but there’s no doubt that the ClarionMiND is a gadget that’s going to cause a considerable stir – not least with those concerned with the fact that, in making our vehicles evermore like our front rooms we are potentially introducing greater levels of complacency into our driving habits.

[Clarion]