[jefwic]

Does anyone have an 8830 World Edition from Bell? Can you comment on the GPS functionality (I've read that RIM has built in GPS capability but carriers may lock it out and require you to purchase their own GPS navigiation system). Basically, can the GPS work without Bell's GPS Nav for $10 / mo?

Thanks.

[Perfect Storm]

Might have more luck in the 8800 forum: http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...es-discussion/

[jefwic]

Thanks for moving it mods - not sure how I clicked on the wrong forum.

[p_dizzo]

i have the 8830, and the gps functionality is enabled, without having to purchase telenav(which is the $10/month service you're referring to). it works right out of the box with BB maps, which is not bad for being free, gives you the speed you're driving at.. and google maps also works with the gps.. although, sometimes, it doesn't update your location as often as the BB maps..

[jefwic]

That's good to hear, as I had contacted their Business on the Go department who made it sound like the $10 / month GPS Nav would be required (see Wireless Products and Wireless Solutions)

Hopefully they don't go disabling it now.

[Bozo2007]

I have purchased the Telenav for Bell and it is junk. Spent hours trying to get it working during a recent trip to Montreal. Standing on a corner down at the waterfront with a clear view of the sky it couldnt find me with in a block as to where I was standing. it takes forevr to get going. As far as driving and turn by turn directions dont use it in a car. It SUCKS big time. I got the first month free and I will cancel before its up. Your better off with BB maps and google. By the way it costs money in the long run to use these GPS programs with BELL as their data plans are a HUGE rip off. Wait until they come up with an unlimited plan thats worth the money before you play with gps.

[jefwic]

I'm more interested in just a GPS coordinate reading, maps aren't a big deal for me (which is why I'm hoping to get an 8830 with GPS without having to pay for the GPS Nav software).

[BellBoy]

I also have the 8830 on Bell and the gps functionality is enabled and working with BB maps just fine

[jefwic]

Sweet, thanks!

[pvantienen]

Picked up mine yesterday, downloaded Telenav, fired up, works like a charm.

it has a little trouble locating sats occasionaly, but all in all good results.

Originally Posted by jefwic

Does anyone have an 8830 World Edition from Bell? Can you comment on the GPS functionality (I've read that RIM has built in GPS capability but carriers may lock it out and require you to purchase their own GPS navigiation system). Basically, can the GPS work without Bell's GPS Nav for $10 / mo?

Thanks.

[jefwic]

I must say I am surprised, I've talked to several store reps and the Business on the Go team and they all say that the GPS will only work with the GPS Nav software. Perhaps they are planning on disabling it in the future?

[jefwic]

Maybe I misunderstood - when you said you downloaded Telenav does that mean you are paying for the service to make it work?

[sd5187]

Folks

The GPS is just a chip in the 8830. To make the GPS chip "functional" you need some type of navigation software such as BB Maps or TeleNav. I have used both. I use TeleNav as it is quite good for turn-by-turn directions. I was surprised by Bozo2007's comments as my TeleNav works well.

You can use BB Maps also. There is no monthly fee for BB Maps but you do have to pay data charges for the map downloads.

Hope this helps.

[Bozo2007]

Originally Posted by jefwic

I must say I am surprised, I've talked to several store reps and the Business on the Go team and they all say that the GPS will only work with the GPS Nav software. Perhaps they are planning on disabling it in the future?

They are wrong. And there lies the problem. They need to bring all thier reps up to speed. The free GPS ie BB Maps and google work for free. TeleNav (gpsNAV at Bell) is 10 bucks a month plus data and you hit the icon on your BB 8830 and it will download to your device.

[jefwic]

Ok, thanks for your replies.

The rep gave me a recommendation to wait a few months before purchasing the 8830, she said just to make sure there aren't any problems (I guess the Palm's had some sort of issue) and that the prices would likely come down in a few months. However, I don't know if I can wait that long I pay over a $110 / mo and would only get a $250 discount if I resign for 3 years .

[s__dime]

Originally Posted by jefwic

Ok, thanks for your replies.

The rep gave me a recommendation to wait a few months before purchasing the 8830, she said just to make sure there aren't any problems (I guess the Palm's had some sort of issue) and that the prices would likely come down in a few months. However, I don't know if I can wait that long I pay over a $110 / mo and would only get a $250 discount if I resign for 3 years .

Just a word of advice the 8830's will not drop in price until right before the 8330 comes out in the late late 4th quarter. Also $110 isnt very much a month especially for a data device I pay well over that in data alone.

[lg777]

I just got my 8830 from Bell yesterday. I'm in the Toronto downtown core and reception seems to be weak. Also, tried GPS indoors and outdoors and it rarely locks into a satellite signal. I know it works because sometimes I get a connection but it is intermittent.

I used to have a 7250 with EVDO and got full bars on that thing about a year ago. I had to switch to a 8700r from Rogers and now back to bell. At best I get 2 bars with the 8830.

Anybody in TO experiencing similar symptoms?

[takeshi]

Originally Posted by Bozo2007

I have purchased the Telenav for Bell and it is junk. Spent hours trying to get it working during a recent trip to Montreal. Standing on a corner down at the waterfront with a clear view of the sky it couldnt find me with in a block as to where I was standing. it takes forevr to get going. As far as driving and turn by turn directions dont use it in a car. It SUCKS big time. I got the first month free and I will cancel before its up. Your better off with BB maps and google.

Interesting -- I've tried all the currently available GPS apps for BB and IMO Telenav really is the best that's currently out there. I've never had problems with it getting getting a satellite fix, indicating where I'm currently located, or using it in a car. Neither BB maps or Google maps offers turn-by-turn or voice prompts so they're really not suitable for in-car navigation.

[s__dime]

The Telus 8830 also has the GPS enabled and its working AWESOME! Yay for Canada!

[Bozo2007]

Originally Posted by lg777

I just got my 8830 from Bell yesterday. I'm in the Toronto downtown core and reception seems to be weak. Also, tried GPS indoors and outdoors and it rarely locks into a satellite signal. I know it works because sometimes I get a connection but it is intermittent.

I used to have a 7250 with EVDO and got full bars on that thing about a year ago. I had to switch to a 8700r from Rogers and now back to bell. At best I get 2 bars with the 8830.

Anybody in TO experiencing similar symptoms?

Pssssttt...GPS only works outside. And it wont work downtown with all the buildings. GPS relies on getting a signal from the GPS satellites. So you need a clear view of the sky. You may get one or two satellite hits downtown but you suffer for accurate readings.