Hasta La Gadget!

We’ve been waiting on pins and needles for confirmation, but it looks like an all-too-vague Reuters report actually is referring to the Garmin-Asus nüvifone G60. After a senior company official noted that a “Linux-based operating system” would be used in one of its two smartphones, we pinged Garmin directly to cut through the mystery and get down to the meat. What we were told was this: “The Garmin-Asus nüvifone G60 has a proprietary Linux-based OS, and we’re still working towards delivering the nüvifone G60 in the first half of 2009 in limited markets, which haven’t been named yet.” Of course, the tandem is quickly running out in months in that window, so we’re pretty jazzed to be all up on top of an imminent release. Now, if only we knew where those patience pills made off to…

[Via Boy Genius Report]

Filed under: Cellphones

Garmin-Asus nüvifone G60 to rock LiMo, launch in 1H 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just a month ago, Garmin came clean with the nüvi 1390T as part of its 1300 lineup, and today we’re being formally introduced to the numerical successor. The nüvi 1490T sports a chassis that’s some 25 percent slimmer than most nüvi models and an expansive 5-inch touchscreen. As with other new Garmins, this one also arrives with free lifetime traffic alerts and lane assist with junction view. Other expected amenities are also included, namely multiple-point routing, automatic time zone transition and a speed limit indicator that displays speed limits for most major roads. As insinuated, an integrated traffic receiver comes standard, and there’s even an ecoRoute feature that suggests the most fuel efficient path. Finally, prospective buyers can count on Bluetooth technology for making and receiving handsfree calls, and the support for optional CityXplorer maps makes this suitable for the pedestrian in you, too. Expect it on store shelves everywhere this July for $499.99.

[Via GPS Tracklog]

Filed under: GPS

Garmin intros super sleek 5-inch nüvi 1490T navigator originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wouldn’t you know it? That leaked Garmin Oregon 500 is indeed a real, bona fide product, and it’s on sale now for argonauts over in the UK. The outdoorsy navigator officially boasts a rugged 3-inch sunlight-readable touch panel (400 x 240 resolution), a tough, waterproof casing, a built-in electronic compass, barometric altimeter (seriously!), AA battery support, USB connectivity, a microSD card slot and a bundled carabiner clip to really set it apart. Oh, and there’s also an integrated camera for automatic picture geotagging, which seems to be a pretty rare commodity in GPS units these days. We’re not quite sure it’s rare enough to justify the lofty £353.97 ($519) price tag, but thankfully that’s not our call to make.

[Thanks, Jordan]

Filed under: Digital Cameras, GPS

Camera-packin’ Garmin Oregon 500 navigator on sale in UK originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Garmin, the first name in sports watches, updated two of its premium products with models that deliver even stronger training data.

The top-of-the-line Garmin Forerunner 405 running watch has been improved with the 405CX, just in time for runners training for the Paris and Boston marathons. The 405CX monitors micro changes in the user’s heart rate and uses that info to better calculate the number of calories burned.

Buyers also have their choice of two new form-fitting bands for extra comfort. The GPS-enabled 405CX isn’t just for outdoor workouts, as it can work with an optional footpad (which fits on laces or under certain insoles) for indoor use. Once you’re done, it sends workout data to your Windows of Macintosh computer wirelessly using ANT+ technology. It weighs 60 grams (2.1 ounces) and sells for $369.99.

For hard-core triathletes, Garmin is offering the updated Forerunner 310XT, a continuation of the Forerunner 305. This model offers improved battery life (up to 20 hours) and a more comfortable design. It will also work with a waterproof soft-strap heart rate monitor which will be introduced this summer. The 310XT is the choice for triathlons since it’s waterproof to up to 50 meters, and has a quick-release feature that lets you use it with a bike mount. It weighs 72 grams (2.5 ounces) and sells for $349.99.

As the saying goes, it’s five o’clock somewhere. OK, so maybe it’s a little early to start happy hour, but it’s Friday, so kick back with some superb bargains. Check out Gearlog’s deals for Friday, March 6:

1. If you’ve been thinking of buying a camcorder, now’s your chance. The Canon ZR950 MiniDV Camcorder with 48X Optical Zoom and 2.7″ LCD is only $149.99. The camcorder has a list price of $279.99, which saves you almost half of the original price. Hurry, the sale is first come, or ends at midnight tonight.

2. If you’re tired of using the tinny computer speakers that you’re straining to hear, try the Logitech Z Cinema Advanced USB Surround Sound System for just $79.99 from Tigerdirect.com. The system normally runs at $299.99. The set includes one large subwoofer, two satellite speakers, and a remote control.

3. The Garmin nüvi 760 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Automobile Navigator is 62 percent off from Amazon.com. Originally $599.99, the GPS system is on sale for only $226.49.