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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I guess we're up for a couple of GPS-centric phone releases this year.  While we wait (and wait and wait) for the Garmin-Asus Nuvifone, Taiwan-based GPS company Mio just announced a worthy competitor in the Explora K70.

If this doesn't push Garmin to finally roll out their much-delayed handset, I don't know what will.  They should be in for a serious head-to-head with Mio, though, because this device sports a very appealing form, apart from packing in pretty impressive hardware.

The Explora K70 features a 3.5 inch TFT touchscreen with a 240 x 400 resolution and a 3 megapixel camera with autofocus and geotagging.  It runs Windows Mobile 6.1 on  a 528 MHz Qualcomm processor and packs tri-band HSDPA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB connectivity.  It's got an accelerometer, microSDHC support and about 4.5 hours of talk time.

While the hardware probably won't leave any smartphone manufacturer shaking in their boots (240 x 400 screen and no onboard storage doesn't exactly impress), I'm willing to bet Mio is rolling this out at a significantly lower price tag.  When they do, I expect Garmin to scramble trying to find a way to market their own GPS-centric device.

Of course, Mio is no stranger to announcing vaporware itself, having shown off a touchscreen GPS phone with a Mitac UI from last year.  Hopefully, this one actually makes it to market.

Photo Credit:  PMP Today

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.