Google Maps Navigation, which comes default with Android 2.1, is already pretty good as a turn-by-turn navigation app. So the T-Mobile Garminfone (aka Nuvifone A50), with its navigation-centric functionality and Android OS, sounds a bit of an overkill.

Physically, the device is quite a looker, leagues ahead of the Nuvifone G60. Construction is solid and it has a no-slip finish that makes it easy to hold in hand. It has a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display (320x480 resolution), with vibrant colors, relatively sharp lines and good visibility under sunlight. The touch interface is considerably more responsive than their previous Nuvifone effort too.

As a phone, the Garminfone managed good calls. There was some amount of background noise, but it was very minimal. Those on the other end had the same remarks. Speakerphone added quite a bit of echo, but it was loud enough to be perfectly usable. Battery life is a bit of a downside, though - expect to charge this every night even with moderate use.

Performance was pretty good, with the handset working quickly when launching apps and changing screens. The onscreen keyboard was decent, but did register delays during typing. The navigation capabilities (it throws in the works) do stand out from your usual GPS-phone experience (plus, the maps are offline), so if you want better turn-by-turn assistance than what regular Android smartphones offer, you might want to head this way.

Garmin-Asus threw in their own custom skin over Android here. While it's no HTC Sense, it is easy to use and quite enjoyable. The handset only runs Android 1.6, though, so you do miss out on a lot of the newer functionalities from the OS.

Regardless, it delivers the typical Android experience, including robust messaging with Exchange synchronization and full support for Google services. It comes with a 3.0 megapixel camera, but offers limited editing options and below average photo quality. Other notable features include fast 3G connectivity (page loads on the HTML browser were impressive) and basic media playback.

Priced at $199.99, there's only one reason to get the T-Mobile Garminfone over the other Android offerings in the market: you want Garmin's admittedly fuller navigation services. If not, you'll probably be best served buying a different high-end Android smartphone.

Garmin-Asus introduced a new Android smartphone in their navigation-centric roster of handsets. Called the Garmin-Asus A10, it offers a change of pace for the company, integrating software that's better optimized for pedestrian navigation, rather than the turn-by-turn driving guidance that's been the focus of their previous releases.

Of course, it has provisions for automobile use too, so it won't exactly be useless when driving around the city. We're not exactly sure what it means to be optimized for pedestrians, since they don't detail it, but we're guessing it has something to do with public transport integration (bus, tramway, metro and suburban rail systems) on the cityXplorer maps and some of the bundled apps. There's really little to go on from the press release.

Details of the Garmin-Asus A10 include a 3.2-inch touchscreen (HVGA resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module, aGPS (obviously) and a 1,500mAh battery. It gets all the usual Android niceties, of course, from the Google suite of apps to Exchange support to the Webkit-based HTML browser with multi-touch capabilities.

Like all Garmin-Asus phones, it comes with pre-loaded maps, so you don't need to get lost when going without a cell signal (as you would with the Google Maps Navigation). While "optimized" for pedestrians, it comes with a dashboard mount in the box too. We're thinking a belt clip (or a wrist mount) would have been more appropriate, though.

The Garmin-Asus A10 is slated for a mid-2010 availability in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific. No word on pricing has been given.

[Garmin]

Garmin-Asus just announced two new phones, including their first Android-powered device.  The first is the Garmin-Asus Nuvifone A50, running Google's open-source OS; the second is the Garmin-Asus M10, which sees Windows Mobile 6.5.3 at the helm.

Both devices feature a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, along with features you will normally find in Garmin's high-end navigation gadgets.  Loaded with the company's proprietary software, it offers turn-by-turn navigation, preinstalled maps, voice prompts, lane assist and support for non-vehicle use with City Xplorer maps.

Details of the Nuvifone A50 include a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen, a 3.2 megapixel camera module, 4GB of internal storage and microSD card support.  Software features include Google's suite of apps (e.g. YouTube, Google Maps with Street View, etc.), Exchange syncing (mail, contacts and calendar) and a Webkit-based browser with multi-touch support.

The Nuvifone M10, on the other hand, comes with a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen, a 5.0 megapixel camera module, 512MB of RAM, 512MB of ROM and 4GB of internal storage.  Enhancements include a 3D task manager, social networking apps (such as Facebook and Picasa web albums) and various widgets for connected services (such as stocks and weather).

No details on release date or pricing yet.  Garmin-Asus will show both the Nuvifone A50 and the Nuvifone M10 at MWC 2010, though, so expect more details next week.

[via GSM Arena]

The Garmin-Asus Nuvifone M20 is the second release from the recently-formed partnership, bringing similar GPS capabilities as the Nuvifone G60 before it.  Instead of the proprietary Linux OS from the first handset, though, the M20 uses Windows Mobile 6.1, making it a more extensible system.

As expected, GPS features figure prominently in the device, shipping with a full turn-by-turn navigation system with a complete set of maps.  It's very similar to what you get from the G60, which is a terrific bundle, although the smaller 2.8-inch is a bit too small if you're used to standalone GPS units.  The points of interest (POI) database is very comprehensive and current, allowing you to find spots rather quickly.  Package comes with a car kit that includes a windscreen-mounted cradle and a charger.  The size of the screen, however, makes it a tad difficult for on-dash use.

Physically, I find the Nuvifone M20 a much more attractive handset than the G60.  The chassis is very compact, making it highly pocketable.  Screen, as we said, is a 2.8-inch touchscreen with a VGA resolution.  Images appear sharp, bright and detailed, making it excellent for actual phone uses, but a stylus is almost always necessary because of the small fonts and icons.

As a phone, call quality is great.  Same with the speakerphone, although it came with a noticeable bit of echo.  Battery life is very much lacking, requiring a nightly charge, thanks to the GPS unit that's always turned on by default.  With the GPS off, you can probably last a day and a half (two at most), but that's as much as the 920mAh battery can get you.

Overall OS performance is decent, especially since the phone is running on a 528MHz processor and 288MB of RAM.  Cross your fingers and hope that WM 6.5 actually runs faster, because the handset still posts some slowdown (such as when drawing a new map).

Phone comes with a full set of connectivity options, including HSDPA, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.  Messaging options are pretty complete, as has been the standard for Windows Mobile devices, and it fits in a good range of apps onboard.  The virtual QWERTY is a tad cramped, which makes use a bit of a chore, though.  Other features include a 3.0 megapixel camera (no flash, so largely unusable in poor lighting, but average quality, otherwise) and 4GB of onboard storage (with no expansion options).

Overall, the Garmin-Asus Nuvifone M20 works much the same way as other Windows Mobile devices, inheriting the operating system's advantages and drawbacks.  If you can stand working with a small screen, the GPS features are top-notch, performing at the same level as a standalone navigator.  It's a niche phone, though, but one you will likely find of great value.

Following the launch of the Nuvifone G60 last month, Garmin-Asus is now ready to roll out the second smartphone in their (long-delayed) pipeline.  Called the Garmin-Asus Nuvifone M20, the handset has just been scheduled for release in Taiwan under local carrier Chunghwa Mobile.

First announced last February, the M20 is running Windows Mobile 6.1 and, like the first Nuvifone, puts its focus squarely on the device's GPS features.  It should offer a better option for those considering the company's phone offerings, as it fits in the same high-end GPS capabilities, while sporting a more extensible OS (read our Nuvifone G60 review to brush up on potential problems with the proprietary Linux phone).

Details of the handset seem to be the same as originally reported.  Specs include a 2.8-inch resistive touchscreen display (640 x 480 pixels),  a 3.2 megapixel camera (with 15fps QVGA video), internal storage (either 4GB or 8GB),  stereo Bluetooth and 7.2Mbps HSDPA.  Users get to enjoy a complete messaging suite (including email, push email and IM), Office integration, full HTML browser, an onboard media player, and Garmin's GPS software and maps pre-loaded.

The Garmin-Asus Nuvifone M20 will be available for purchase from the telecoms company before the end of the month, and will share the spotlight alongside the iPhone 3GS and the HTC Hero.  No word on expected pricing.

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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.

After seemingly countless delays, Garmin-Asus is finally ready to roll out two of their navigation-centered phones. Both the Nuvifone G60 (pictured) and the Nuvifone M20 will debut in various Asian markets within the next few days and weeks.

First to roll off the production line is the Linux-powered G60, which will line retail shelves in Taiwan this Monday, with a Singapore and Malaysia release by the end of August. The handset's specs seems to be the same as originally planned, featuring quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, 3.6Mbps HSDPA, Wi-Fi b/g, Bluetooth and mini-USB connectivity.

It will be running a proprietary Linux brew (closed platform) and will, of course, highlight Garmin's time-tested GPS capabilities. Other details of the phone include a 3.55-inch resistive touchscreen display, a 3.0 megapixel camera module, standard email support (POP3, IMAP and SMTP) and a custom Webkit-based browser.

The Nuvifone M20, on the other hand, will hit the streets of Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia in August. It will run Windows Mobile 6.1, with support for upgrade to 6.5 when it finally comes out, and will use Opera as the default web browser.

Details include tri-band GSM, 7.2Mbps HSDPA, Wi-Fi b/g, Bluetooth and mini-USB connectivity. Other specs consists of a 2.8-inch TFT LCD with touch lens, 3.0 megapixel optics, full email suite (Enterprise, push, POP3 and IMAP) and Garmin's GPS technology.

Despite the imminent release, there are still very few details out about how the actual handsets work, though that should start changing, as some users are able to get their hands on the G60 beginning next week. No pricing has been given for either of the two units.

Last month, Garmin and Asus announced their partnership, touting a re-branded Nuvifone as their first product.  Recently, the new mobile company announced an upcoming Windows Mobile handset dubbed the Garmin-Asus M20.

As expected, the phone will feature high-end GPS functionality courtesy of Garmin and looks geared towards that segment of consumers.  The expansive GPS feature will include detailed streets and interesting landmarks all pre-loaded into the unit so you don't have to lose your way even without a cell phone signal in the area.  Currently included will be detailed street maps for the US, Eastern and Western Europe and several countries yet to be announced, along with special points of interest such as restaurants, gas stations and hotels.  Also included will be Garmin's Connected Services, which will add location intelligence to GPS and other phone functions.

Of course, it's a full-featured phone as well,  with a 2.8-inch touchscreen TFT sporting VGA resolution, built-in accelerometer, either 4 or 8 GB of memory, microSD expansion slot, built-in mic, stereo speakers and a 3 megapixel camera.  It works with tri-band GSM with HSDPA access, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Despite being a WinMo phone, users can expect a better interface with a similarly reskinned homepage as in the original Nuvifone.  Garmin-Asus is expecting to release the M20 during the second half of the year.