Garmin Asus nüvifone M10 review
Poor battery life, an obsolete operating system and confusing software make this hybrid satnav/mobile phone frustrating to use, and we don't see the point in it.
Unlike TomTom satnavs, there’s no way to set a preferred arrival time and there’s only a choice of fastest, shortest or – oddly – off-road routing preferences. Finally, you can get traffic information via GPRS, but keep in mind that this will use your data allowance.
With new Android phones coming installed with Google’s free Navigation software, and the recent release of the open-source Skobbler satnav app for the iPhone, there are other choices for mobile satnav that don’t require you to use Microsoft’s obsolete mobile operating system, and the M10’s poor battery life and resistive touchscreen don’t help matters.
Moreover, integration of Garmin’s satnav software isn’t as seamless as you might expect, and you’re stuck with a virtual keyboard that works best with a stylus – definitely not something you want to do while driving. We simply don’t see the need for this hybrid device.
Details | |
|---|---|
| Price | £299 |
| Rating | ** |
Hardware | |
| Main display size | 3.5in |
| Native resolution | 480×800 |
| Second Display | No |
| CCD effective megapixels | 5-megapixel |
| Video recording format | MP4, 3GP, H.264 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB, WiFi |
| GPS | yes |
| Internal memory | 4608MB |
| Memory card support | microSDHC |
| Memory card included | 0MB |
| Operating frequencies | GSM 850/900/1800/1900, 3G 900/2100 |
| Wireless data | GPRS, UMTS |
| Size | 116x58x14mm |
| Weight | 144g |
Features | |
| Operating system | Windows Mobile 6.5.3 |
| Microsoft Office compatibility | Word/Excel/PowerPoint editors, PDF viewer |
| Email client | POP3/IMAP/Exchange |
| Audio format support | MP3, WMA, 3GP, AAC, AAC+ |
| Video playback formats | MPEG4, H.264, H.263, WMV |
| FM Radio | no |
| Web Browser | Internet Explorer |
| Accessories | data cable, charger, car charger, car cradle |
| Talk time | 8 hours |
| Standby time | 25 days |
| Tested battery life (MP3 playback) | 11h 49m |
Buying Information | |
| SIM-free price | £299 |
| Price on contract | £30-per-month, 24-month contract |
| SIM-free supplier | www.maplin.co.uk |
| Contract/prepay supplier | www.garminphone.co.uk |
| Details | www.garminasus.com |
