[pianolady]

Hi everyone - I'm new to this forum but have had a 7290 forever, and now feel it is time to upgrade to something better.
I'm looking at the curve 8310 or the Bold, and understand all the features of both, but I am interested in getting a phone that will integrate everything I need into one unit (including GPS).
I currently have a standalone GPS system that I use but can no longer get updated maps for. It is free and the maps were downloaded from the internet to a memory card and then updated to the unit.
I'm hoping that the 8310 or BOLD or another BB if it is available will be able to do the same thing. Do they both have a built in GPS antenna?
I realize I need a data plan to download the maps and a program on to the BB, but is a data plan necessary to actually use GPS with or can it behave like a standalone unit (free, turn by turn with voice, etc.).
What are these separate Bluetooth GPS antennas or pucks for if you have a phone like the 8310 or BOLD with GPS built in? When would you ever need or not need one?
I'm so confused and my service provider doesn't seem to know either..
Thought I'd ask you BB geniuses out there since I've already learned quite a bit from what I've read so far.
Thanks in advance!

[ezrunner]

Wirelessly posted (off to see the wizard)

Both 8310 and bold have built in gps.

In order for the devices to render maps you will need the data plan otherwise all you get are coordinates!
The external pucks are for devices that do not have built in gps.

I believe there are methods to get maps without data plans but not sure

[ezrunner]

Wirelessly posted (off to see the wizard)

If you want turn by turn with voice you will have to subscribe to a ccarriers gps service for ATT it is telenav/att navigator which is ten dollars a month

But you will also need the BB data plan

[dude33333]

most bb's with built in gps only work if you pay for their particular software monthly. For free apps i believe the gps is locked (unless theres a crack). To get around that lock, or if you just dont have a built in GPS receiver you can purchase a GPS puck that sends a GPS signal via bluetooth.

then you can use any nav software you want... but theres no good free ones. from what I've seen, verizon and ATT nav programs are as good if not better than any other apps out there (opinions obviously vary)

maybe the built in GPS would work with google maps? but this isnt a nav app... its more just a map/directions/your location

[takeshi]

Originally Posted by ezrunner

If you want turn by turn with voice you will have to subscribe to a ccarriers gps service for ATT it is telenav/att navigator which is ten dollars a month

Not quite. At&t users are free to use any GPS app. Mapquest and Garmin are just 2 other possible apps available to those on at&t who want voice prompts.

Originally Posted by dude33333

most bb's with built in gps only work if you pay for their particular software monthly.

Again, not quite. The GPS receiver works just fine on its own. However, the latitude and longitude it provides are pretty useless to most people. That's where the GPS app comes in. Some are free. Some are not. Refer to the stickied list of GPS apps for more details.

I think you're thinking of Verizon's GPS-equipped BB's.

[perrydap]

are you saying that Telenav GPS is free if your on an ATT data plan?

[SgtRick]

I'd have to say the Curve........at least it works.

[funkym]

If you have the choice take the BlackBerry Bold.