[ravencr]

I'm currently using a cell phone that's provided by my current employer. I'm changing careers and doing something on my own, and I need to know what type of cell phone/smart phone/blackberry to get that will fit my needs the best. Because my business is sales/marketing, I primarily need the following functions:

1) Email - from multiple accounts
2) Cell Phone - main concern is reception and loudness...I hate not being able to hear the person speaking
3) Speakerphone
4) Calendar - Sync with laptop and office computer
5) GPS - Would be nice if it's easy to use and a good system, but if not I'd rather just get a separate one if they don't work as good

I'll likely use a laptop in the evenings, but during the day while traveling the Blackberry or similar device.

If you haven't noticed I'm so new to this it's not even funny. I don't know the capabilities of these devices, what service providers are the best, essentially nothing. I need the basic of the basic help to determine what types of devices to look at, service providers, etc.

I travel pretty much nationwide, but mostly AZ, CA, NV, UT, CO, so nationwide coverage is a must. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg for service or the phone, mainly something that will work well for the functions I need.

Thanks in advance for the help on all my elementary questions.

Chris

[jeremyckitching]

The BlackBerry can do everything you need it to do. Now, the first thing you must do is find a suitable carrier. You will need to research which carrier provides the best coverage for the areas you frequent. Then you can select a device from that carrier that best fits your needs.

[ravencr]

Thanks for the prompt reply. In regards to the actual Blackberry to get, do any of them have a GPS chip built into them instead of having to have another antenna of some sort? If so, what models have this and does it work on all networks? Is it best to pick and provider and go with what they have available or buy an unlocked phone and choose to use whoever I want? Thanks again for everything.

Chris

[jsconyers]

The Blackberry will seems like it will suit your needs. Before pick a model, I would suggest looking at the coverage areas of all the carriers. Choose the carrier with the best coverage, may be a slightly more expensive plan, but what good is a cheaper plan that doesn't get coverage. From there, take a look at what model devices the carrier has and determin which on suits your needs best. Sounds to me any of the models out right now should suit your needs.

[JSanders]

The 8310 and 8800 have gps built-in to the device.

[juwaack68]

....and the 8830 (from Sprint)

[ravencr]

Originally Posted by JSanders

The 8310 and 8800 have gps built-in to the device.

So, does this mean that all other blackberry devices require a separate antenna to have GPS, then?

Chris

[JSanders]

Originally Posted by juwaack68

....and the 8830 (from Sprint)

Yes it does, thank you.



The others will require what is referred to as a "gps puck" which normally communicates with the BB via a Bluetooth connection.

[ravencr]

Gotcha...Do you guys feel the GPS software and functionality on these things are pretty robust and similar to separate units. I like turn by turn directions, ability to change routes if I go off course, and voice notifications.

Chris

[JSanders]

If you have those requirements, TeleNav is what you want. It will cost $10/month, and IS worth it, it is the leader in the GPS BB applications.

Otherwise, for voice directions, you can use Nav4All, and is free, just not as robust as TN.

TN is right on. I run it often side by side with me Ford Expedition built in GPS, and TeleNav is much more up to day with current roads.

[ravencr]

Nice, thank you very much. I'm chatting with Verizon right now.

Chris

[ravencr]

Verizon is saying the only phone they offer with the GPS capability is the Pearl or 8130. Does this sound right?

Chris

[jsconyers]

That is correct at the moment. They are rumored to be releasing VZ Nav for the 8830 in December.

[newfette]

verizon already had the 8830 in their line up and has for a few months i believe..

a friend of mine works for verizon in WA and has had his 8830 since may

[JSanders]

Originally Posted by newfette

verizon already had the 8830 in their line up and has for a few months i believe..

a friend of mine works for verizon in WA and has had his 8830 since may

Yes, but much to many user's surprise, the 8830 did not have gps enabled on the device from thebuilt-in source.

[newfette]

Originally Posted by JSanders

Yes, but much to many user's surprise, the 8830 did not have gps enabled on the device from thebuilt-in source.

really....

thats kinda interesting..

[ravencr]

That's my question. I went to a verizon store last night and they have the 8830's and it has I think what he called blackberry maps on it, but what I'm interested in is if it will support and work with Telenav? Does anyone know? It appears that this is the only unit they have that might possibly work. He said the VZ Navigator is something totally different.

Chris

[Dawg]

They have vznavigator available now to use on the 8830