Although Intel's latest push to put the Internet on your TV grabbed most of the headlines during last week's Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco, Clarion announced its latest Mobile Internet Navigational Device.  

Even though it looks like a standard GPS unit, its integrated Wi-Fi and focus on Internet applications makes it a higher-end PND to be released.

The ClarionMiND is a Linux-based personal navigation device (PND) that is powered by an Intel Atom 800MHz Z500 processor, 512MB RAM, and uses a 4.8" touch screen.  It also ships with two USB ports, an SD card slot and 4GB of built-in flash memory.

Owners can utilize preconfigured maps offered from Google Maps and Google Earth, with updated information available when connected to the Internet through Wi-Fi.  YouTube and MySpace have also been optimized for the ClarionMiND, although MySpace or sending an e-mail seemed more trouble than its worth by a passenger in a moving vehicle.

Owners can use the device in the car via hot spots, or at home or in the office.  It's also possible to tether the ClarionMiND to a mobile phone via Bluetooth.

"ClarionMiND represents the next generation of portable navigation devices. It will deliver turn-by-turn directions, provide real-time POI, help you get there, and while you are there, finally give you the full Internet experience you always wanted but could never get on today's mobile devices," said in an official press release.

Clarion is shipping its latest gadget with an Internet browser, e-mail program, and a built-in tool so points of interest (POIs) can be updated easily.

The display unit at the Clarion booth had some basic hiccups that should not appear in the final models once they are released.  For example, the Clarion representative at the booth had to use the touch screen several times to get the MID to switch programs.

Clarion hopes to release the ClarionMiND to U.S. consumers in November, and it will be available in Europe and Japan prior to the holiday shopping season.