Garmin unveils Nuvi Phone

Garmin today announced its entrance into the mobile phone market with the n vifone, an all-in-one, sleek and slim, touchscreen device that combines a premium phone, mobile web-browser, and cutting-edge personal navigator. The n vifone is a work of art in features, design and functionality and is destined to transform how individuals connect, communicate and navigate their life.

I'm a huge fan of Gamrin products, and have been since my Nuvi GPS device and my Edge 305, but a phone?  I give them credit, they have balls. But what does this phone have that my Blackberry doesn't?

According to Garmin features include:

• Google local search
• Garmin Online services - traffic, weather, fuel prices, hotel discounts, etc.
• nuvi-like navigation on the road or in pedestrian mode
• Email, text, IM functions
• Camera, video camera, MP3 and MPEG4/AAC

However, my blackberry has all that (minus the "nuvi like navigation").  It even has Y! GO.  As for the navigation, I have Verizon Navigator which I tested earlier and it works fine. Although I credit Garmin with entering the space, I don't see many people rushing to ditch their iPhones or Blackberry's to get their hands on this.  I do give them kudos on design, and not making the device clunky and ugly.  Another company that gets it when it comes to style playing into device looks.   

If Garmin is willing to let me try one, I'd love to do a side-by-side test. 

Comments

[kevin]

well, its got touch screen which my BB does not. It has preloaded maps speeding up (doesn't have to download as it goes) I would also think that Garmin has some expertise in making things "ruggedized"

[tdw]

Well, for those of us looking for a 'keyboardless', touch screen PDA phone with Bluetooth, GPS, & WiFi, I think this has a lot to offer over a Blackberry. I'm hoping that it will not only sync with your calendar, notes & to-do; but, that it will also allow for the viewing & editing of Word & Excel files. Specifically, in answer to your question, depending on how the final procuct is configured, I think it's advantages are (i) large touch screen vs keyboard, (ii) ability to edit files, (iii) better online usability (based on screen size), (iv) more functional GPS (based on technology & screen size), & most importantly for me (v) it's all in one 'pocketable' device instead of carrying a Blackberry & a GPS (which you allude to in your review).

[Ronald G.]

Well, my BB 8800 can't do the things that Garmin's Nuvifone will do, and I have Garmin's GPS package; oh, I also have a regular GPSmap 60Csx, so it will be nice to have it all in ONE PACKAGE.
I just love the idea of a Garmin Cell Phone!