If you don’t already follow @Garmin on Twitter, there’s never been a better time to get on board. Last Friday at noon, we kicked off a five-week sweepstakes in which two lucky winners each week will win a top-of-the-line nüvi 3790T simply by being chosen randomly from everyone who follows @Garmin and “retweets” the specific key phrase announced at noon each Friday. Last Friday, for example, the instructions went out to “RT to enter: Follow @Garmin, Week1= #slimGarmin3790 & enter for chance to win nüvi 3790T! Rules http://bit.ly/3790info“

So if you follow us on Twitter, all you have to do is hit “retweet” on the weekly key phrase and Twitter will take care of the rest. If you don’t follow us – yet – don’t worry, we won’t take it personally. Yet. Just hit the follow button at http://twitter.com/Garmin or from whatever program you use for your Twitter feed. To be eligible to win, you have to retweet the entire phrase, be following Garmin, and be a resident of the U.S. (Sorry that this one is only in the States, but our international offices always have some fun up their sleeves as well.) And be sure to retweet the key phrase each and every week throughout the contest, because we start from scratch every Friday at noon. Click here to go to the Week 1 key phrase to retweet. To learn more about the nüvi 3790T that you might win, check out our interactive minisite and these tutorial videos. Good luck, and spread the word!

Today Garmin and Bayliner Boats announced that, beginning with the upcoming 2011 model year, all Bayliner navigation packages will feature intuitive, state-of-the-art electronics exclusively from Garmin International. Bayliner, a world leader in affordably-priced runabouts and cruisers, formed this agreement with Garmin to continue its enhancements in the ease and usability of its boats.

Bayliner manufactures runabout and cruiser models ranging from 16 to 33 feet. The optional navigation packages vary by model based on boat size and specific use. Bayliner already is installing Garmin electronics on its cruiser models with complete integration throughout the product offering by September when the 2011 model year begins. 

“In comparing product features, pricing and overall value, we believe Garmin is clearly the best choice and is a recognized leader in GPS mapping and VHF technology,” said Betsy Lazzara, Bayliner’s Vice President and Brand Manager. “In addition to being a great value, Garmin’s GPS and VHF radio combinations feature the latest interfacing technology available and will provide our customers with great quality and state of the art design. Our primary goal is to make boating fun and attainable to everyone. To that end, Garmin electronics feature intuitive designs and clear menus making navigating and communication easier.”

“This device has easily set the bar for PNDs going forward.” That’s what Engadget had to say after reviewing the nüvi 3790T. You’ll want to read their full review and watch the video to get all the details, but the long story short is they gave kudos to our new nuvi’s pencil thinness and “…as for the actual navigation? We still think Garmin’s software is the best around…”

The nüvi 3790T has just about every advanced feature in the book. One of our personal favorites is the speech recognition that lets you control it with your voice. You can wake up the nüvi with a customizable voice command and then begin to speak to program it. Now, you’ll never have to take your hands off the wheel.

In addition to all the cool built-in features, you can also customize it even further from our site. Garmin’s Voice Studio lets users put the voice-prompted directions into
familiar voices. Whether it’s a friend, a spouse, or the kids,
you’ll now always be able to take that special person with you wherever
you travel. There’s also the Garmin Garage where you can download your favorite icon to navigate you.

The Garminfone is now available! If you’ve been waiting for an all-in-one smartphone that gives you the
advantages of the Android platform plus built-in Garmin navigation, the
wait is over. You can get your Garminfone today from T-Mobile stores and the Garmin Chicago store. We’re also launching a national Garminfone advertising campaign today. Here’s a sneak peak of our commercial that will air tonight during Game 6 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals on NBC. If you miss it tonight, you’ll likely see it while watching your favorite shows throughout the summer. Enjoy! 

Don’t Miss Out! You’re invited to the Garmin Chicago store on Tuesday, June 22 from 6:00-9:00 PM for the unveiling of Frasca’s new Mentor Simulator featuring the Garmin G1000 Glass Cockpit. Also enjoy a product seminar from a Garmin Regional Sales Manager on the latest Garmin aviation equipment including panel mount products, GPSMAP
696 and aera series. Attendees will also have the opportunity to
participate in in-depth Q&A sessions with product experts. 

A reservation is required, so RSVP now and be the first to try the new simulator.  Please call 312-832-6798 or e-mail rsvp@chicagomag.com to reserve your spot. Valet parking is available and hors d’oeuvres will be served. The Garmin Chicago store is located at 663 N. Michigan Avenue (corner of Michigan Ave and Erie).