The Nuvifone from Garmin is still due for an early 2009 release despite being delayed earlier this year. It will be a carrier-exclusive offering, though the company is not revealing its choice of partner network to the public. As Garmin is traditionally a portable navigation device manufacturer, the Nuvifone will bring many of the company's technologies to its GPS mapping functionality, as well as access to high-speed 3G data networks.

When it launches, the 3.5-inch touchscreen will be responsive and simple to use, as per a hands-on report from those who had a chance to review the device. A windshield mount will be available for use in vehicles, which will turn the Nuvifone horizontally and allow it to be used as a conventional portable GPS device.

The Nuvifone's exclusive UK carrier and other information is due to be released in the coming months, along with pricing information, though it is confirmed that the device will launch in the first quarter of 2009. In the US, the Nuvifone is expected to be carried by AT&T due to its support for HSPA-based 3G over the carrier's 850MHz band. [viaT3]