[psuwtb]

In the past, I have used a USB GPS receiver along with my laptop and Microsoft Streets & Trips (2006/7) when traveling. I haven't upgraded my 8700C, but wondered if the 8800 was capable of serving this purpose (i.e., can the 8800 be used as a GPS receiver)? From what I have read, the GPS feature is provided/enabled with a monthly subscription to TeleNav. If I didn't want to pay this monthly fee, could I simply use the device as a standalone GPS receiver (since it must have this same capability built-in anyway)?

[test54]

I did not want to pay either, you can try bbmaps - its free.

as for using it as a receiver for MS streets, not sure, maybe someone else can answer that.

but BlackBerry - BlackBerry | BlackBerry Maps <----for bbmaps

[psuwtb]

Thanks for your response. I had reviewed Stinsonddog's very thorough Blackberry GPS review but didn't see anything about using the BB as an external USB receiver.

[test54]

yeah, to export the data might be the problem. It might be possible but probably not going to be something that RIM would have done.

[dudeonthenet88]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8800/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

Well you don't necessarily have to pay. If you check the gps section there is a hack to enable blackberry maps which does navigation with the gps right on the bb

[test54]

i dont think you need a hack? I just downloaded it and it works fine. Just download it and try it, its not as good as telenav but it works for me because I dont use it all that often.

[takeshi]

Originally Posted by psuwtb

In the past, I have used a USB GPS receiver along with my laptop and Microsoft Streets & Trips (2006/7) when traveling. I haven't upgraded my 8700C, but wondered if the 8800 was capable of serving this purpose (i.e., can the 8800 be used as a GPS receiver)?

Not as far as I know... I suspect it would take some work to get this sort of setup working if would work at all.

[psuwtb]

Thanks guys, I understand the concern with exporting data from the BB device. Would be a neat feature to have...to provide full screen GPS capability.

[Mikepraba]

I was told by another member here that, using bb maps with gps would cost approx. 0.25 mb per half an hour . Since I have a .5 mb data plan, i stop using the GPS. If we can us the bb 8800 as a gps with Microsoft trip/map software, (if its possible) would I be paying for data usage? I love to use the gps, but based on what I heard, i am afraind of using it due to cost.
any advise?

[test54]

well in theory if the data was from MS streets/maps then you would not need to download any data(maps) but again it sounds likeno one has done this or see it happening easily / soon.
Man those Canadian cell companies kill the data useage up there...

[Stinsonddog]

Haven't seen anything that allows it to transmit the GPS data. See my GPS tips page for the various programs.