[arieltf]

I got a Garmin nuvi 1390T (with lifetime map updates) for Christmas. I decided to terminate my subscription to VZ Nav.

VZ Nav worked well, but, there is one fatal flaw to the "download maps when needed" concept. Of course, the flaw is that it can only download maps if there is data service available.

I found this out during Thanksgiving vacation. My brothers and I were headed to Jackson Rancheria (an Indian casino in Jackson, CA). It is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and it is just outside the data service area in CA. I was using VZ Nav to navigate to the casino and then intended to use VZ nav to go to a golf course in that area (My brothers and I were going to golf while our parents gambled). Lo and behold, VZ Nav stopped working as we headed to the casino. The data service was very spotty. We had a clear view of the sky, so it wasn't the GPS that was malfunctioning. Luckily, one of my brothers had a laptop with wireless broadband capability. We were able to download map instructions from Google Maps.

I know Garmin Mobile for BlackBerry is available, but decided not to download it since the precious small amount of memory in my 8330 is getting low. My 2-year contract is almost up. I may get a Tour (or Tour2 when it becomes available from Verizon) and load Garmin Mobile on that.

Like I said, VZ Nav works well but I want to be able to navigate even outside the data service area.

--Ariel

[Chincol]

Wirelessly posted

How about just using the built-in GPS receiver with your Blackberry Maps?

[arieltf]

I like the audible turn-by-turn directions. Blackberry Maps doesn't provide that.

One downside of getting rid of VZ Nav is that my GPS isn't "enhanced" anymore. When I look at Bing Maps, the location dot is now yellow and not as accurate. Before I got rid of it, Bing Maps had a blinking blue dot and was very accurate.

Does anyone know if the Tour provided by Verizon has a fully unlocked GPS?

--Ariel

[zerog46]

Yes it does, works with everything I have use so far.

[arieltf]

Originally Posted by zerog46

Yes it does, works with everything I have use so far.

Awesome! I may be changing to the Tour in a couple of months.

Thanks!
--Ariel

[Chincol]

My 8830 unlocked the GPS when I upgraded to OS 4.5.0.175

[arieltf]

Originally Posted by Chincol

My 8830 unlocked the GPS when I upgraded to OS 4.5.0.175

Yes, but how accurate is it?

When you go to Bing Maps, is your location accurate and indicated with a yellow dot, or a blinking blue dot?

--Ariel

[MadMax]

That's odd....I have 4.5.0.175 and an 8330, but my GPS is still locked down. Only way I get it to work is with blackberry maps....Was there some trick you used to get your GPS to work?

[MadMax]

My bad. I see you have an 8830, not 8330. Sigh....

[Chincol]

My Verizon BlackBerry 8830 running OS 4.5.0.175 GPS works with BlackBerry maps. It is quite accurate although I haven't measured it. I have never used it with anything other than BB Maps. Before I upgraded it to OS 4.5.0.175 I don't think the GPS appeared as an option in the BB Maps menu.