Hi, I'm considering the 8130 or 8830 with Verizon. I see people have touched on needing VZN to use GPS but also read about having some GPS functionality using cell towers even without paying 10/month to verizon? I'm aware of the blutooth transmitter approach. Can someone clarify exactly what, if any, GPS functionality you get without subscribing to VZN?
Other than screen size, is there a diffence between 8130 and 8830 GPS?

Thanks!

The 8130 has newer software, allows for 8gb microSD cards, video recording, 2mp camera, and many other media features the 8830 doesnt allow. the 8830 is a world phone, meaning it uses GSM when outside of the US, the 8130 doesnt support this feature. The tower triangulation is not gps, it is a decent approximation on position, usually within 1/4 mile of your current location. there are no free GPS alternatives with verizon unless you use the external GPS device via bluetooth

Just a couple more questions...I'm curious how you access the triangulation app? I would rather buy a bluetooth xmitter than give verizon 10 extra every month. Does the Bluetooth transmitter give voice directions?
I can get the 8130 for $50 or the 8830 for $150. (I have new every two and an additional $50 towards a phone for the next month) I'm leaning towards the 8130 although the larger screen on the 8830 is appealing.

Thanks for your help!

the application is what gives the voice guided directions, TeleNav is a great options for that $10 a month though. THe 8130 is free after rebate on New every 2

So how do you access the app that uses the cell towers for triangulation?

Does the Bluetooth Xmitter come with the app that gives you voice directions?

I think I'm out of questions !

Google Maps is the only app that uses towers for triangulation. In my experience it it will not do much more than give you a very general idea of where you are...you should not expect tower triangulation to be very usable for navigation purposes.

The Freedom Keychain 2000 GPS is the best small GPS puck I've seen...I bought one and use it w/my Pearl and love it. There's a thread on it here:

http://www.blackberryforums.com/bbf-...-receiver.html

In the GPS forum there is a thread on the Mapquest navigation software...free, turn-by-turn voice directions.

Has anyone figured out how to enable the GPS feature in the 8830 for use with other GPS Apps like TelNav or Garmin? I dont want to use verizon's gps feature.

I don't want to hear that the phone does not have a true GPS feature it does. Look at the other CDMA 8830's offered by other carriers like sprint they have the same phone and the GPS is turned on. Some how vz is blocking the GPS for other vendors but not for thier own GPS app. NICE what happend to choice???