It’s been a while since our reviews and this time we got the newly announced Garmin Nuvi 500 for a spin. What’s so special about it? It’s waterproof. With road maps and topographic maps for the lower 48 US states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico the new Nuvi 500 is set to get you from point A to point B either on a bicycle, car, boat or when walking.

What can you expect from it? To perform just as good as any other Garming navigator that is going to show you everything on the 3.5-inch removable touchscreen (320 x 242 pixels). We also loved the part that it didn’t have any moving parts. Which means it won’t break that easy, unless you put your hammer on it or smash it to the ground for a particular reason. The windshield suction cup also did a great job in keeping the new Nuvi 500 in its place.

Other than the great specs, it also has two drawbacks. The added bulk / weight and the omission of text-to-speech. If the first one is not that big unless you have to walk your way out, no text-to-speech is really something we’d appreciate on the upgraded version.

So guys, if you plan to spend $399 for the new Garmin Nuvi 500, we can tell you it’s a good device to get your hopes into. Just make sure you check other GPS navigators, too, before you buy, and see what fits your needs the best.

I have to agree that it took me by surprise to find out that Garmin released a smartphone instead of a new GPS navigation model, but it’s a good surprise. The Nuvifone is a full-fledged GSM HSDPA phone, has it’s own operating system and of course has GPS navigation inside.

Garmin Nuvifone also comes with a camera, has a web browser, includes Google Search, Email, text and IM functions, plays MP3 and MPEG4 file and Garmin’s online services like traffic, weather or fuel prices.

It was announced in New York City today but I don’t have a price or a carrier for it, but voices in the market thinks it’s going to be on AT&T until T-Mobile gets their HSDPA launched. Correct me if I’m wrong, but a lot of people have been waiting for something like that and it’s now available. It could become big. What do you think? (send your comments below)

via Gizmodo