Garmin-Asus nuvifone M20 Preview

We have been informed by Garmin-Asus that some of the problems we have encountered while testing the nuvifone M20 are not typical for the production units. This is the reason we are making this review a preview of the phone and you will learn our final opinion once we have received a new unit from the manufacturer.

Introduction and Design:

Oneof the latest tendencies in mobile phones nowadays is installing a GPSmodule and functionality, turning the handsets into a more practicalalternative of standalone navigation systems. The Garmin-Asus jointventure targets this particular niche with its models, combining theexperience of both companies in different areas. It makes perfect sensesince the former is specialized in navigation systems, while the latteris producing computer components and Windows-based cell phones. Todaywe are introducing the nuvifone M20that runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional and not the proprietary,Linux-based operating system that powering the other Garmin-Asusproduct, the G60.

The Garmin-Asus nuvifone M20 sports a 2.8 inch display with VGAresolution, which keeps the devise compact in size. On the front youwill find the D-pad and send and end buttons, while the volume rockeris on the left hand side. The screen lock slider is on the oppositeside, next to the opening of the stylus compartment, while the miniUSBport to charge your phone and connect it to a computer is on the bottom.




You can compare the Garmin-Asus nuvifone M20 with many other phones using ourSize Visualization Tool.

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As a whole, the design of the Garmin-Asus nuvifone M20 is not too impressive. But let’s see what software features it has to offer.

Software:

TheGarmin-Asus nuvifone M20 runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, howeverthe manufacturers have made some personalizations and improvements.They affect mostly the home screen, as well as the binding of the phonebook, organizer and messaging with the navigation. As a whole, thepersonalization pack is decent and even penetrates basic functions likephone contacts and settings. All told, the interface of the nuvifoneM20 brings pretty much the same functionality as Acer Shell, but is farless spectacular.



The home screenshost shortcuts and some of them show small digits notifying you ofmissed events. Icons are removed by dragging them to the recycle binand if anything, the thing is accompanied by a nicely looking animatedeffect. There are shortcuts to three major phone functions at thebottom of the screen – calls, search and maps. The first unifies thephone dialer, contacts, call register and your favorite contacts withpictures (no more than 21). The basic data about contacts like names,home, mobile and work telephone numbers are entered via personalizedmenu, but the relevant tabs for additional details (address, picture,ringtone etc.) come with the standard Windows Mobile list interfacethat´s just as unhandy as ever. The search function allows access not only to various navigation functions, but your contacts as well.



Fortunately, Opera Mobileis preloaded and we must say it´s quite better that Internet Explorer.The device also supports Wi-Fi and HSDPA 7.2Mbps, which means surfingthe web at higher speeds.



GPS:

Themanufacturers tried to modify the interface and make it relevant tonavigation.  Calling up maps from within the calendar, messaging andphone contacts is a neat idea, especially if address details have beenentered into events and contact entries.



Thenavigation software delivers some really interesting functions, asidefrom the pretty standard “calculate the route from point A to B”. TheGarmin-Asus nuvifone M20 can help you find your way home, show youinteresting places nearby, like hotels, restaurants, gas stations etc.grouped in 16 major categories, remembers your findings, providesinformation about road junctions, plus you can filter results and makethe list of results more manageable. The function called Ciao! lets youshare your location with friends and gives access to local informationlike flights, news and traffic information, but only works in certainareas.



You get a free map on registering the phone, but you will have to buy any other you may need here. There is nice voice navigation and we must say we just fell in love with the British English voice pack.

Camera and Multimedia:

Since the Garmin-Asus nuvifone M20 is a navigation-oriented smartphone, we can’t expect a thrilling multimedia experience. The 3MP camerawith AF has an archaic interface. We have included several picturesshot with it, but bear in mind that the results could be much differentwhen we get the final unit.



Garmin-Asus nuvifone M20 sample video at 352x288 pixels resolution





The audio playerlooks nice and delivers simplified interface showing large sized albumart that takes up the best of the screen. The preloaded app that letsyou cut parts of songs and save them as ringtones makes for a niceextra feature indeed.



Expectations:

Much like the Nokia 6710 Navigator and the HTC Touch Cruise, the Garmin-Asus nuvifone M20is an alternative to standalone navigation systems. Having one of thetop names in the field of navigation manufacture it is certainly anadvantage, but the outcome will be decided by the interfaceoptimization and usability of the maps. And to be able to fight thetough competition, the device must also perform adequately as a phone,meaning good in-call and audio quality, durable battery and reliableperformance.

Garmin-Asus nuvifone M20 Video Preview: