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Clarion have been showing a new prototype of their MiND UMPC and GPS navigation device at Computex, complete with a fresh case design and various color options. The so-called “Mobile Internet Navigation Device” is based on a 5.2-inch WVGA 800 x 480 touchscreen and, back in January at least, Intel’s Menlow platform (comprising the Silverthorne processor and Poulsbo chipset). Functionality includes internet and messaging, GPS and Office access, shortcuts to YouTube and MySpace, and multimedia.
Based on Linux, the OS looks relatively finger-friendly but Clarion were still demonstrating it with a stylus. Connectivity includes WiFi and Bluetooth. It’s uncertain whether the hardware has changed from the previous versions, or if the only difference is in the new - and, to my eyes, less attractive - case shape.
Clarion will launch the MiND in the US later on this year, and in Europe in 2009, priced at around $700. They also intend a “Pro” version, which will integrate 3G WWAN for mobile internet access, although that model is yet to be priced.
[via GottaBeMobile]
Why would anybody want this, since their cell pgones can do all these an more already for free? One example is http://mobile.roadcomm.com/ I am using. Stronger navigation feature, location social feature, messaging, Internet, ….
This company design and manufacture Telematics systems (includes navigation system) and they brought the technology to phone now.
They already have half million users.
How much storage? So many articles about UMPCs don’t cover storage! It’s kinda basic.
Hey Jules. Short answer is that we don’t really know. The original prototype spec Clarion suggested (detailed in the article I link back to in the above piece) said 4GB. We don’t have any updated information, but that now seems a little low so I wouldn’t be surprised if it was increased before the MiND eventually releases.
I agree that things like storage are important, and we’ll always try to include such details (or where to find them).