[nexus4400]

So is a data plan needed for GPS functionality?

[ensignkid]

I wondered how the Holux GPS receiver worked with the Pearl...looks like I will be getting that unit since it is cheap and readily available.

You can all try MGMaps ... the url is the same as the name... which pairs Google Maps with a GPS configuration to be used similar to the BB Maps program.

There is another program for $10/month with voice, but I forget the name.

If you need a cheap GPS solution for driving, the Pearl with a Holux GPS receiver is the way to go. If you need real GPS, get a TomTom!


A data plan is needed to refresh the maps...it is not saved. It works just like Google Maps! Once a program comes out that uses mapping software on the microSD, you may not need the BB data plan.

[walshb6413]

Nexus4400: Yes, to use one of these solutions a data plan is required, the maps are downloaded to the phone as needed and are discarded after they leave the screen, so there is lots of network activity.

So... this is not a good system if you drive through.. say Eastern Oregon where there is no data service, it would be quite useless out there

I too would love to know if there is any software available that is more like using TomTom's software with voice prompts etc... even if we have to load maps up on the microSD!

That service for $10/mo is called TeleNav and I hear it's pretty good, but it's $10/mo I'd rather not spend

[sonybuff]

I use Holux 240 and it is awsome. Tiny, but locks into 20 satellites and is a little workhorse. I have probs however with BB maps, especialy setting up Directions from/to usage. When I input "to from Map Center "- it tries to give me directions from the ... Middle of the US (its basic config) to say 57 street in New York, whereas I actually proceed from Queens, NY. For some reason I have little luck in setting it up in an easy, user friendly manner. Also being on 43 rd street on my way back to Quuens, BB Map does not help me to find how to get to 57th street, so I assume that a tourist could have a problem relying on his/her navigation as you have to know how to get there first. I am going to LA soon and am afraid that this solution will cause me some grief. Therefore I think a professional map solution with directions by voice is highly needed. I do not want to invest in another gadget. Hardware wise (Pearl+Holux) I am in heaven, but mapwise (BB Map) still in hell...

[walshb6413]

So, here's a quick follow-up to my GPS escapades...

I was ok with the novelty of BBmaps for a couple of days...

But the lack of it giving any kind of indication of what turn I needed to do next either verbally or on screen was really a sorry state of affairs...

AND the maps frequently locked up for several minutes at a time, or had me travelling through those "slashed graphics", when I had perfect EDGE connections. For all it's faults I looked for something else, and ended up trying out the Telenav service.

I didnt want to have to pay $10 a month, but damn it is better! Actual turn be turns with warnings, mini maps, GPS signal strength, blacklight management (comes on at turns), the ability to input addresses via keypad or by voice (through an 800#) is awesome. It sends your location off to its servers when you are looking for a business and returns results in categories, its very cool. I couldn't get the mapping to work without using a route, but if you know where you want to go, this (for now) is the shit...

Will I use it past the 30-day trial? I'll let you know

[jsf]

So, I've got 2 questions on this, as I'm about to go and order a Holux 236...

1. I assume calls can still come through while using the Holux and TeleNav software while driving a route?

2. Can I still use my BT earpiece while using the Holux 236?

[kmccarthy]

what is the big hoo-hah for gps? do it the good ol' fashion way and go to the friggen gas station!

[walshb6413]

JSF:

Yes, calls come through but I haven't received my headset yet so I can't speak for that part of your question...

Does anyone know if there are any problems using 2 BT devices at the same time?

[flar]

Originally Posted by jsf

2. Can I still use my BT earpiece while using the Holux 236?

My normally reliable bluetooth car kit (Sony HCB-300) drops the connection quite a bit if I use a BT GPS in the car. It doesn't drop right away which may indicate some hope that the phone can do 2 BT things at once. Also, the BT connection may be weaker than most since the BT receiver for the car kit is in the trunk and I didn't do much work to try to position it for optimum BT reception.

[OpTiCz]

GPS is flippin sweet. Paired up with my Holux 236 last night, entered the from and to address, and showed me my route as I drove.

[cedoc]

Originally Posted by walshb6413

For all it's faults I looked for something else, and ended up trying out the Telenav service.

Do you still need the Holux GPSlim 236 GPS reciever? Makes sense that you would. Is there a different application that you have to run on the 8100 that replaces BBMaps? Can you 'uninstall' BBMaps?

Thanks,
Cedoc

[Activator]

I've heard that this works well when paired with the 8100 and a GPS.

skylab-mobilesystems.com/en/products/spot_8100.html

[walshb6413]

Originally Posted by cedoc

Do you still need the Holux GPSlim 236 GPS reciever? Makes sense that you would. Is there a different application that you have to run on the 8100 that replaces BBMaps? Can you 'uninstall' BBMaps?

Thanks,
Cedoc

Yes, you still need the receiver, the Telenav service is basically a replacement for BBmaps software. I haven't uninstalled BBmaps, as sometimes I like to just have the map up and tracking, without a destination...which I havent been able to do with Telenav.

I installed the Telenav software OTA which worked great for me.

[stac]

Originally Posted by walshb6413

Yes, you still need the receiver, the Telenav service is basically a replacement for BBmaps software. I haven't uninstalled BBmaps, as sometimes I like to just have the map up and tracking, without a destination...which I havent been able to do with Telenav.

I installed the Telenav software OTA which worked great for me.

What URL did you use? I went to their site to see if there was a trial - and I got caught in the T-Mobile 8100 but Cingular service loop... you can't select 8100 for Cingular... any thoughts on how to get around this? Use the 7100 series and cingular service???

TIA,
Stac

[Stinsonddog]

Originally Posted by Activator

I've heard that this works well when paired with the 8100 and a GPS.

skylab-mobilesystems.com/en/products/spot_8100.html

This is different software. Telenav and Waylink are directional routing with POI's while Spot is where you are with geocaching.

[walshb6413]

Originally Posted by stac

What URL did you use? I went to their site to see if there was a trial - and I got caught in the T-Mobile 8100 but Cingular service loop... you can't select 8100 for Cingular... any thoughts on how to get around this? Use the 7100 series and cingular service???

TIA,
Stac

Here is the OTA address, just go to

http://ota.telenav.com/ota/tn

on your phone's browser and it should install!

[JinFocker]

Originally Posted by walshb6413

Here is the OTA address, just go to

http://ota.telenav.com/ota/tn

on your phone's browser and it should install!

sorry for this noobish question, but is this install going to make my fone have gps? Or, do I need to get a gps receiver?

[walshb6413]

You'll still need a bluetooth GPS like my Holux 236 pictured above, the Pearl does not have any GPS technologies built in.

[funkym]

I am using Spot. It does not give turn-by-turn directions but has other interesting features for me like the nice waypoint management and their flexible maps.

BlackBerry 8100 Pearl

[stac]

Originally Posted by walshb6413

Here is the OTA address, just go to

http://ota.telenav.com/ota/tn

on your phone's browser and it should install!

I did the OTA with the link (thanks!) - and tried to sign up for the 30 day trial, but it sent me to the store asking for credit card info, and not allowing me to select a free option... any thoughts??

Thanks,
Stac