Hi, I just got a new Blackberry 8100 (pearl). There is an application for maps that came with the phone. Is there a way to view maps without starting GPS? Also, how does google maps work and would this app let me view maps "offline"? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Your phone doesn't have GPS. You can use BlackBerry Maps just fine w/o GPS. Neither BB Maps or Google Maps will let you view maps w/o a data connection

Wirelessly posted (8700g: BlackBerry8700/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

I assume the mapping app you are taling about is BlackBerry Maps. You should be able to map a location (address), but you must have a connection and a data plan. Google maps is similar but it provides much search capabilty. Stinsonddogs GPS FAQ would be great help to you if you haven't looked at it already.

hrmm... i haven't switched to a data plan yet so is this the reason why i cant view maps? is there a way to view maps w/o a data plan?

Wirelessly posted (8700g: BlackBerry8700/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

Lot of discussion on the board re what your asking. So far as I'm aware, answer is no. All nav apps for BB download the maps.

Yes, you'll definitely need a Blackberry Data Plan.

Does it seem to anyone else that more and more people are trying to avoid the Blackberry Data plan? Why do they keep trying?

I think that's the direct result of their consumer push for the phone. It's attractive but a lot of people can't afford it but still want it. I bet back before the Pearl/8800 you didn't hear questions like this nearly as much.

Yes, data plan...


(question to self), why does someone get a blackberry without getting a data plan? It's like getting a Ferrari without tires...

hi!
i got my bb pearl, and i didnt choose and data plans, but when i installed opera mini, i could go to websites and stuff. im i going to be charged ??

I would think that you might. When I had my Razr, I would accidently activate the "media net" button and I'd get charged for going online. I didn't have any kind of media plan for that either.

think you mean Pearl/8300

oh it always happens to me on the samsung d800 and motorola z3, but you can turn that off, from the menu, i dont know about the razr but it sure works for samsung and the z3( im not sure if it is called z3, ut its a slide phone(new) :p
and i found a way to use the media net with your internet, but it might use minutes!! let me know if you need more info on that ;)
i will see if i get charged for using the internet on the pearl!!!
if any of you guys know if i will get charged, please let me know!!

no data connection, but doesnt it use the minutes???

no, again, it uses data from your BlackBerry Data Plan.

i dont have a data plan.

Because they want something for nothing. A common human instinct.

I'm just guessing as well but it does seem related to the number of people picking up the more consumer-oriented BB's.

At the peril of spinning off topic...

I have observed a strong correlation between greatly increased numbers of requests for free services (like data) as well as for hacks and cracks.

It's a tough position for RIM and the carriers. RIM needs to gain more market share - every public company needs to do this. The carriers want to increase data subscribers - it's a big profit generator. But those who typically purchase the consumer devices don't have the disposable income to burn on data services.

If a carrier can pull off the fixed - mobile convergence (hotspot@home on steriods), there will be a way to make mobile data available to underserved consumers. Go T-Mo.