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In a statement released with Garmins earnings report, the Nuvifone has been pushed back from its original estimate of Q4 of this year to the “first half of 2009”.  Surely, it is not the navigation part of the convergence device that is slowing the team down, or is it?

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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]

Who’s trying to upstage the iPhone now?  Um, everyone… Last night, I got to witness first hand from out of nowhere (almost) comes Garmin with the nuvifone (hey, maybe the third time is the charm?) and I’ve got to give them credit, it is pretty slick.  So if phone industry noob, if you will, Garmin can make a serious stab at Job’s baby, are there more to follow?

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