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So it looks like our friends from the UK are not the only ones getting the two new N-Series phones - the N79 and N85. Nokia has also announced the North American versions of these two powerful mobile handsets, and while the UK versions of the N79 and N85 are more than likely to start hitting the stores this month, US stores will start getting both sometime in October.

Anyway, in addition to the features that we already know about the N85 such as a 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, a 2.6-inch AMOLED display, GPS navigation, geotagging support and 28 hours of audio playback, we also know now that the N85 will support N-Gage gaming, high-speed HSDPA connectivity as well have Wi-Fi capability and a built-in FM transmitter.

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Archos recently came out with 3 new devices, all of which are Internet Media Tablets. These new gadgets are set to combine music/video playback, TV, and the Internet, all in one sweet device. These new Archos tablets are called the Archos 5, Archos 7, and Archos 5g.

Let’s begin with the Archos 5. This device ranges in models with storage capacities of 60GB to a massive 250GB. It comes with a 5-inch screen to display the Internet and videos as clear as possible. Next, we have the Archos 7 and the 7 stands for it’s screen size, a beautiful 7-inch display. The cool feature in this one as opposed to the Archos 5, is that it can play live TV, a nice feature to have in any handheld device. As usual, it also can access the Internet and play videos. If you have a lot of videos stored on your computer and need a big device to store it all, then the Archos 7 is the device for you as it stores from 160GB to a crazy 320GB.

Lastly, we have the Archos 5g Tablet, which is designed for people always on the go and wanting to use the Internet wherever. The Archos 5g comes with 3.5g HSDPA technology, allowing you to connect to the Internet on the way to work, or on a long car ride. It boasts a hi-res 5-inch screen, and a 30GB hard drive. All three of these Internet Media Tablets come with something unique and perfect for everyone. Unfortunately, no word on pricing or availability at this time.

Read [Archos]

Garmin’s first try in the phone industry, the Nuvifone, finally has managed to partner up with a carrier, and rumor has it that it will be the same carrier as the historical iPhone, AT&T. We also previously knew that this phone would be coming in Q3 of this year, but now we also know the price, $500. A hefty price tag, but this phone is destined to go head-to-head with the iPhone, so the price seems fairly reasonable.

To recap what we already know about this phone, it comes with integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth functionality, 3.5G, still camera, touch screen, video camera, and integrated Google Local Search. In addition, it was set to come with the same access as Garmin’s GPS’ have, such as real time traffic, gas prices, and weather.

Now what we just learned starting with GPS. It is set to come with 6 million POI’s, a touch screen that is comparable to other Garmin GPS’, and turn-by-turn directions. It can even find out where you parked your car in case you can’t remember. Of course, a normal Garmin GPS might be better suited to fulfill your GPS needs, however, this phone does a pretty nice job of at least meeting, if not exceeding your expectations. It also comes with audio and video playback, acting like a PMP, similarly to the iPhone. Moving onto Wi-Fi functions, it comes with high speed cellular internet, and, obviously, Wi-Fi. Garmin even says that the web on the phone is “PC-Like”.

Here’s the interesting part, a snapshot of a recent survey by Garmin asks a question to the person who was taking the survey.

“Now, how likely would you be to buy the Garmin nüvifone (for yourself or as a gift) if offered by AT&T for $499.99 with a two year contract? You would be required to have both a data plan that would include unlimited Internet browsing and unlimited Navigation for $19.99 per month and one of the standard voice rate plans for a monthly fee.”

What would your answer be to this question? If I were being asked, I think I would say “yes”, mainly because it comes with basically identical features as the iPhone, but comes with a reliable, and high quality integrated GPS. In today’s world, GPS is becoming a necessity, so that aspect will play a big role in drawing customers in buying such a phone. If you don’t feel like answering the above question, do you think it will be able to match the iPhone, in both popularity as well as quality?

Via [Engadget]