Garminfone now available from T-Mobile for $199 on contract, after rebate

Last year, Garmin-Asus and AT&T launched the nuvifone G60. Powered by Linux, the handset did not sell as cellphone users opted for the navigation services provided by their carriers and the rest of the usual smartphone features on the device (browser, video, music and messaging) failed to impress buyers. Now, the manufacturer is back with a different carrier and a different OS. The T-Mobile Garminfone is powered by Android, and is now available from the nation's forth largest carrier. Being an Android model has its advantages as the Garminfone can download apps from the Market, something that was missing from the nuvifone. Once again, navigation is the focus although there are some upgrades. The 3.5 inch screen is now capacitive and the resolution has improved from 272 x 480 to 320 x 480. Just having the stock Android browser, music and video player should be a major improvement over the nuvifone. One thing that might hold back sales is the price. At a cost of $199 after a $50 mail-in-rebate and a 2 year contract, the handset is up there in price with the Android Superphones like the EVO 4G and the Droid Incredible. And this is for a device with a 3MP camera. Oh, did we mention that the OS is Android 1.6? Heck, the carrier's own upcoming myTouch 3G Slide will cost you less for a phone with more features. There is no question that Garmin does a great job when it comes to navigation, but is that alone worth the cost of admission?

Garmin-Asus Garminfone Specifications | Hands-on
Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60 Specifications | Review

source: T-Mobile