Garmin, the company that helps aviators, sailors, runners and hikers find their way, is getting into the wireless phone business.

In a first-quarter earnings report out this morning, Garmin said it is in talks “with a number of wireless carriers in our primary markets” that are interested in the company’s new nuvifone.

Earlier this year, Garmin announced that it was developing a new wireless phone that would integrate navigation and Web browsing services.

Some reviewers have grumped that they only viewed prototype versions of the phone kept under glass, but we recently got some brief hands-on time with the device. It has a good look and feel and could be appealing to consumers interested in a single device to handle their communication and navigation needs.

Garmin executives will field questions later this morning during a conference call with Wall Street analysts. While much of the focus likely will be on the company’s first-quarter performance and outlook for the rest of the year with the core parts of its business, nuvifone plans also should receive substantial attention.

“We believe this new device will change the way people connect, communicate, and navigate their mobile world,” Garmin stated. “Nuvifone also marks a significant step for our company, and one that we feel positions us for long-term, sustainable growth.”

Many of the mainline wireless carriers already offer a variety of popular navigation services. Would the Garmin phone offer a compelling advantage over what already is available? Which carriers are likely to be most interested in including the device among their menu of phones?