Clarion MiND Mobile Internet Navigation Device (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... more >>

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... more >>

I was very disappointed with this for several reasons. I bought it primarily for a GPS unit, which worked fine, but I was really disappointed to discover 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 purchase. 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 area, so the Bluetooth connection feature was appealing. However, even though I have an internet connection service on my Verizon cellular phone, I realized that to connect to the internet through this device, 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 way back to Amazon and I plan on purchasing a reliable... more >>