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6/3/2009 Update
I've been using the arrangement 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 former product: inconsistent and base interface, missing features etc.
Major issues:
1. Dinky POI database. Only 2 mln POIs, and so far, no diagram to acquire or import additional POIs. Tremendous jam for me, and no easy device around. Finding missing POIs using Google at home takes longer than on a regular GPS unit with built-in POIs. You cannot spend Google on the road (or it is grand more difficult) . Some GPS devices have 6 or more millions of POIs; you can really enjoy it after using the slight 2mln Clarion's database.
2. POI search hasten can be from 10 seconds to 3 minutes!!! depending on user's entry. 3 minutes - it is objective 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 sustain 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 superior GPS units finding POIs may be difficult: you either don't pick up it or you win too many. ClarionMiND lets you conception your hurry on your computer at home using Google Maps, and send POIs to the draw. Mountainous feature!!!
b) Stout 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 utilize the unit more) :
a) So far routes stare top-notch.
b) Lane attend. It shows which lane on a multi-lane road you should capture.
c) Nice job with philosophize directions. For example, it tells you something like, "go to the moral side of the road" in order to prepare you for honest turn.
d) All info needed for navigation is on the screen: compass heading (N, NE, E...), arrival time, distance, next and unusual street.
e) auto-zoom.
3. POI
a) Very lickety-split search
b) You can preview POIs on the way. This is something nice and fresh. You can prefer a single or a group of POIs and view them on a temporary arrangement.
4. Address entry
a) Very quickly.
b) QWERTY keyboard
c) Predictable entry. Only top-notch keys are active. As you withhold entering data, it shows what was found at the top of the cover.
d) It remembers previous entry, and lets you re-start search from any level: status, city, street.
5. Hardware:
a) Pretty, high-resolution, huge screen
b) Touchscreen works well. It is responsive.
c) Dedicated hardware buttons for Home, Top Menu, Music/Sound.
d) Sizable to possess in hands
6. Free Internet traffic. So far, I didn't procure 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. Lickety-split GPS lock. Less than 30 seconds.
The bad:
1.POI database is petite. I couldn't regain retail stores like, Walmart, Target, Costco etc
2.The car mount is dreadful. It is a few 100s dollars arrangement with a "$1" mount. Very difficult to mount/dismount.
3.After you mount the draw, it automatically limits its Internet functionality. Result: you cannot employ the Internet in your garage when the draw is mounted. You have to dismount it 1st, check the Internet, mount it again. Dreadful!!! If they wanted to create it suited, they should detect vehicle bustle 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 derive, sometimes you have to click "Relieve", sometimes "Enter"; sometimes something else.
6.Too many keystrokes needed to survey the route overview.
7.Modern time is not displayed during navigation.
8.The map gets very hot.
9. Video player doesn't catch many video formats.
The bottom line:
It is a gargantuan navigation device: very swiftly, detailed spoken commands, plenty of details on the mask, gargantuan plan, valid routes. The intention 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.
I have conventional this unit for a few weeks. The navigation section is edifying. Google search is useless without Wifi. POI is a joke...it cannot even secure Walmart down the street. In order to bag any usefulness in searches, I had to setup Wifi in my car. Traffic integration is abominable. The traffic applet cannot zoom. You have to switch screens to examine 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 come by a signal. Eye my review. Overall, the unit is serene very rough. I am hopeful that with software updates, traffic can be updated via Wifi instead of the Docking plot. I had a Waddle Narrate prior to this unit, but it got stolen. The Plug Verbalize had better traffic information...I miss my now stolen and tiresome (company is on skeleton crew) Waddle Thunder.
I was very disappointed with this for several reasons. I bought it primarily for a GPS unit, which worked sparkling, but I was really disappointed to seek that it does not feature the Bluetooth hands free calling. This was one of the features I was told (by an Amazon tech) that it had prior to my grasp. The unit has a "Contacts" setting to store your personal contacts, including telephone numbers. What's the point of this setting, if you cannot call through the GPS via Bluetooth? As far as the internet, I do not have many Wi-fi connections in my spot, so the Bluetooth connection feature was enthralling. However, even though I have an internet connection service on my Verizon cellular phone, I realized that to connect to the internet through this arrangement, it would cost an additional $50/month for this service. What a joke! Because of this, I was unable to play with the additional online features of the unit. The unit is on its arrangement help to Amazon and I conception on purchasing a good Garmin GPS with bluetooth hands free calling. I hope my two cents will support someone with their future GPS buying decision.
