You know, the trend here lately has been for cell phone makers to include GPS capability!  I mean it only makes sense.  But since GPS makers like Garmin are only looking to expand their product line, it really makes sense for them to become a player in the cell phone market as well!  Introducing the Garmin Nuviphone!

As far as specs, I can't tell you a lot right now, other than it will feature a 3.5 touch screen, internet browser, HSDPA support preloaded maps of North America, eastern and western Europe, millions of PIOs, turn by turn spoken directionsand Google local search capability.  Look for availability quarter 3 of this year. 

Don't take my word for it, head on over to Garmin's site and see how good they hype it!

 I have been fired up about this little $400 puppy making its Debut at the Walmart!  In fact, I posted this a few days ago in excited anticipation. But I just learned that it has been delayed a few days to make some necessary tweaks.  Comparing this against the Eee PC, certainly gives the consumer some wonderful options! And the fact that this is supposed to appear in Walmarts across the USA probably means that the World will see a very affordable alternative to Windows units!  If all you need is email and web, this is certainly a great way to get there without breaking the bank!  I am betting this segment of the market heats up!  Low end processors, mature Open Source Operating Systems and effecient manufacturing processes should mean affordable computing for everyone!  Add the fact that this is a lightweight, portable laptop with a camera and suddenly these units appear at starbucks everywhere.  Go ahead and grab an extra shot of espresso!  You can afford it!  You just saved a bunch of money by switching to ubuntu!

Palm Solo has posted some brief thoughts around Gadget Lust!  And this got me to thinking . . .  I have had Gadget lust in the past!  Most of the time, it has had to do with a PDA phone of some sort . . . . . But for the most part, once I buy something, I tend to stick with it!  For example, the Palm OS.  I have owned many Palm devices and resisted to upgrade to the latest and greatest as soon as a new one appeared!  I have been comfortable with the OS and both its pluses and its limitations! These devices have been beneficial in many ways!  They have saved me time and effort by being more than a phone!  Google Maps, Email, messaging, calendar, Weather, the web, movies, radio and music, all in the Palm of my hand! 

 But lately, I have been exeriencing this "Gadget Lust" in a big way!  A co-worker recently picked up an HTC Touch and looking at the beautiful screen, the killer WM06 graphics and the very cool touch flow interface has made me very aware of how archaic my Palm is!  I have been shopping, and have been pondering hard taking the plunge in a big way to grab the HTC TyTN II.  In fact, I have been spending a little bit of time on Ebay, just trying to get a feel for what is out there and what I might expect.  This is a very large decision.  Because this type of lust is going to lead to other accessories that moving to another Palm device wouldn't bring!  For example, all the applications I am currently using for my Palm Treo, will no longer work on a WM device.  All the chargers and cases, will be next to worthless to me.  I will need these things for this device so that is an added cost. And because its an HTC device that isn't sold at the local AT&T store, this means I buy unlocked, and though I get to skip the two year, its a lot of $$$$$ up front!

So here is how I am shaking out!  I am trying to justify this plunge by looking at what this device will give me that I currently don't have in my current device.  

 So you would think that this might mean "what are you waiting for?"  Well, there is this other side of me.  The side that says, be frugal, be sensible!  And even though my eyes have really been wondering these last few months, and that TyTN is certainly a device I lust for,  the Treo is paid for, is comfortable, I know what to expect . . .  Did I mention, its paid for? I mean, right now, it gets me up in the morning, its how I manage my email, its my entertainment device when I am killing time with movies and music, and its how I get weather, podcasts and newsfeeds.

So what I am trying to say here is that I am about ready to leave the Palm Platform totally!  When that will be is not yet determined, but I am very close. And if I were leaving today, it would certainly be for the HTC TyTN.  So I haven't taken the plunge yet, but I am certainly about to!

 This cat never stops.  Its like the Energizer Bunny!  This is typical of this cat for every waking moment.

Amazing what you find just killing time on YouTube!  If you are wondering what the gPhone might look like, this will give you a pretty good hint!  Looks like some powerful stuff for sure!  That web history graphical stuff is just awesome!  This OS could change the mobile world in many ways!