Originally slated for availability around a year ago, the Garmin-Asus Nuvifone G60 finally hit the market this year. Boasting strong GPS features and a proprietary Linux build at the helm, it offers one of the more interesting smartphone options available today.
As you may have expected, the Nuvifone G60 shines best with its navigation features. In this regard, it is actually a full-fledged GPS, with capabilities that rival dedicated standalone units.
Turn-by-turn navigation is available by default and will bundle all the needed maps, depending on where your phone was purchased. Other maps, along with updates, can be downloaded (with purchase) from the Garmin-Asus website. Features include a very helpful search facility (for both addresses and POIs) that's right out of Garmin-branded navigators, messaging integration (that lets you inform your contacts about your location) and browser integration (clicking an address on a webpage loads it on the map).
Physically, the G60 is a beautiful phone, with a well-designed hardware package. The 3.55-inch screen doesn't offer the best resolution (only 480 x 272 pixels), but it manages great display quality, nonetheless. The unique matte finish also works very well, making the phone extremely usable even under direct sunlight.
As a phone, voice call quality is pristine. Speakerphone system is easily one of the best around, making it perfect for hands-free use in cars. It offers a good set of messaging options, including a very easy email setup, although there's no MMS. Support for viewing various document attachments (PDF, Word and Excel) are also provided, though there's no editing facility.
Users can get online via HSPA and Wi-Fi, using a proprietary WebKit-based browser. Speed is generally acceptable (a little slower than average) and there's no Flash support, but layout is near-perfect. Other specs include 4GB of internal memory, USB mass storage, a 3.0 megapixel camera (average) and some basic media playback.
Overall, it's safe to say that the Garmin-Asus Nuvifone G60 is a GPS with phone features. The rest of the capabilities are really average at best, with the OS (which the company will be abandoning after this release) feeling unfinished. Its navigation talents as well as in-car use, though, is largely unrivaled by any phone out there, making it a tough choice to consider.
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