Tech blend is latest in toys

The category creator cometh: Clarion is not the first manufacturer to merge GPS, multimedia and WiFi.

But, with the release of the Clarion MiND (Mobile Internet Navigation Device), it may end up getting credited with creating the category nevertheless.

This puppy plays music and movies, surfs the Internet, does the Bluetooth thing and provides turn-by-turn voice directions for Canada and the United States while maintaining a split-screen mode so you can keep track of directions while browsing the web.

You do need to come armed with an existing mobile

Internet account, but Canada’s major Internet service providers will be more than happy to assist Clarion MiND customers in this regard.

It mounts in the car but can also be carried around and, like the iPod in its launch days, is sleek and intuitive enough that it could convert people who might never have considered this type of device in the first place.

Expect at least five copycats by next Christmas.

Cost isn’t cheap but typical for the technology at $650 US.

For more information, visit www.clarion.com.