End User: The Android You're Looking For: Garminfone Ups GPS Ante

The Android You're Looking For: Garminfone Ups GPS Ante

by Agen Schmitz on June 09, 2010

The convergence of GPS navigation and smartphones is pretty much complete these days, what with a plethora of choices available across the spectrum of cell phones (smart or otherwise) via apps, add-ons, Google Maps, and cellular provider services (such at AT&T Navigator or Verizon's VZ Navigator). But if you're someone who needs navigation capabilities even when you don't have cellular connectivity, and are looking to streamline to one device (instead of carrying both a smartphone and a GPS receiver), the new Garminfone might be just the ticket.

The successor to the rather lackluster Nuvifone (the original Garmin/Asus navigation handset for AT&T), the Garminfone for T-Mobile has been enhanced with the Android operating system (version 1.6 Cupcake) that allows you access to a wider variety of apps as well as a sleeker design (and CNet calls it a "complete package" of cell phone and GPS device). Like HTC does with its Sense overlay, Asus and Garmin provide a UI overlay that makes navigation more prominent on the home screen, but also includes a widget app on the right side of the screen that can take you to five customizable home screens.

But for this Android phone, the big draw of the Garminfone is its Garmin navigation software and built-in maps. From The Boy Genius Report:

(With) 2 GB-worth of maps locally, you’ll always have location information available regardless of signal, and with a myriad of GPS and location sensors, the Garminfone can get a lock relatively quickly. The maps include points of interest, and extra custom software allows you to plan routes and track logs. The big draw here is that the maps are pre-loaded onto the Garminfone, which means you’ll be able to navigate yourself without having to rely on a wireless data connection...

In addition to apps available via the Android Market, Garmin includes several of its own apps (referred to as Connected Services) that provide local gas prices, real-time traffic, flight status, and a way to navigate via geo-tagged photos. Other features include a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, 3-megapixel auto-focus camera, and microSD memory expansion. T-Mobile also kicks in a 2 GB microSD card as well as the dash mount car kit (pictured at right)

It's available for shipping right now for as low as $129.99 for new accounts via the AmazonWireless store. $199.99 for T-Mobile new customers $129.99 for new individual accounts via the AmazonWireless store.

--Agen G.N. Schmitz

May 2011

Topics

Comments

satuiku on June 20, 2010 at 05:35 AM

Some of the weaknesses that exist in the mobile navigation is accelerated and the connection with the satellite data.

For this product I will try it.

Tks for information

Jacob Albrecht on June 25, 2010 at 05:04 AM

NDrive would like to build relations with enduserblog.com. We are currently promoting our partner program which allows profit sharing through your blog. For more information, please contact me personally at Jacob.Albrecht@NDrive.com

Visit: http://www.ndriveweb.com/npp/

cheap valium on July 10, 2010 at 12:48 AM

This phone has got all the features which all the other smart phones provide, it even has the android which is becoming more and more popular as the days are passing by.

barcode scanner on August 09, 2010 at 12:06 AM

Good features, I think it's worth trying out.

rip blu ray for mac on August 15, 2010 at 08:47 PM

Very good, my sister just bought a, like very much!

blu ray ripper on September 16, 2010 at 01:09 AM

I have used it and found that it is very good.

sandy on September 20, 2010 at 01:12 AM

good phone,I think it's worth trying out.

snap dome on September 24, 2010 at 07:18 PM

oh, this is also looking wonderful.

labercrombie online on October 08, 2010 at 06:51 PM

It’s also a happy day,
isn’t it ?