newBBie.com

Hey Kelly Cartey,

Long time visitor/reader, first time commenter. Great site, I love it! Taught me a lot about my BlackBerry Pearl 8130. I’m with Telus Mobility in Canada, and yes my GPS IS unlocked, which I coincidently take for granted. Ha! I didn’t realize the Verizon GPS’s were locked, that must suck. I only got my Pearl just more than 2 months ago, and before that I was stuck with a Motorola RAZR V3c (and the screen was broken for a few months too, so I really didn’t get too much out of it). I signed a new contract with Telus and got an exceptional deal with it. I have the unlimited email/IM/web bundle and am able to use my GPS freely. :D. I haven’t used it too much (or atleast to its full potential) as I didn’t have much of a reason to. Also, I’m sure you’re able to unlock the GPS feature of your Pearl yourself (possibly voiding the warranty so I don’t recommend it). The animations do help in much of your posts, but of course, if it’s extensive work, I’m sure everyone will agree for you to stop or at least cut down (it’s like we’re talking about quitting smoking ). On a side note, I’ve read somewhere that Google Maps actually doesn’t use GPS to find your location, and that rather, it uses cellphone base towers to triangle down your position/location. Is this true? And if so, you wouldn’t need a GPS whatsoever, correct? Might be wrong, just something I read somewhere - sorry if it ends up being wrong and raises false hope for those of you without GPS.
Anyways, I think I babbled enough :). Suggestion for a future topic: iSkoot for mobile. It’s a program that pretty much uses the Skype network for a mobile phone. Impressive stuff out of that program! For those of you who haven’t tried it out, try it: http://www.iskoot.com.

-Arjun M

Arjun,
Thanks for the lengthy reply, especially from a loyal reader. Comments from nice people like you is largely what keeps me investing time on this blog.

Glad you get to USE your Pearl’s GPS. You know, it’s not that I really NEED to use mine that much, but sometimes until you start using a thing, you don’t realize what potential it has.

You’re right about Google Maps except that it has TWO modes of fixing location: GPS (internal or external), and cell tower triangulation. If you have GPS active, it will always switch to that mode. I had been playing with the non-GPS mode of operation long before I got my BT-359. It’s actually quite good, although it “cheats” a bit to make it look like it’s working better than it actually is. What I mean is that it always assumes you’re on a road (a reasonable assumption for travelers) and attempts to place you on a road anywhere within the large circle it thinks you could be in. If you were actually walking in the middle of a large shopping mall, it would instead put you on a road near the mall. Also, it has an interesting bug or two. Sometimes when it can’t figure out where I am, it puts me on one of my Favorites locations, sometimes half a continent away from where I really am. That’s hilarious, but it’s easy to spot as a bug, so it won’t get me lost or anything.

I’ll definitely check into the iSkoot. I really need suggestions for more stuff to write about, so thanks!

Keep coming back.
Kelly

hello kelly,
i was impressed on how defined you did this page and appreciate your suggestions and knowledge. the only thing i havent like about vznavigator and googlemaps is when im out in the desert i lose phone reception and cant use either of the applications. wondering if you have any suggestions or ideas what i could do if possible to use the phones features somehow without having service? thanks again

jon,
I’ll bet there is an application (probably Java) somewhere that will run on the BlackBerry, talk to a Bluetooth GPS receiver, but not require the radio connection to download maps. But without maps, the best it could do is give you position coordinates for use with a paper map. Or maybe there is a way to load enough map information for the area you’re in. I haven’t had time to explore apps like that, if they exist, but I have thought about it for the same reason. I would like to take my phone and BT GPS hiking and be able to know where I am.
Kelly

I am using the Verizon Navigator on my Pearl and it works well. It also allows me to punch in the name of a hotel and it lists them for me in order of whats the closest. BUT…I hate paying the monthly fee for it. Was considering a GPS but they are expensive and I don’t need one that bad. My question is does the GlobalSat BT-359 work well and does it talk like the Verizon Navigator does?

Thanks

robert,
Bluetooth GPS receivers are not expensive when compared to a year or longer of paying the fee for VZNavigator. But there are definitely tradeoffs, and VZNavigator might be the best choice for many people. With my BT-359, I do NOT get the audible (spoken) directions, and I don’t know of any software application that I could get that offered that feature along with my GPS.

The hotel feature you listed sounds great for some travelers. I have some other free apps that would let me find hotels, restaurants, etc., based on a city or address I type in (doesn’t work with GPS).

I don’t need a GPS that badly, either, to be honest. But maybe it’ll come in handy any day, and I’ll be glad I have it.

Thanks for sharing your opinion about VZNavigator.
Kelly

Does / Would adding the bluetooth GPS affect how 911 works?

Travis,
I can’t find a clear answer but haven’t taken time to look extensively. For a lot of (potential) information on BlackBerry and GPS, see: http://www.blackberryforums.com/gps-mapping/.

If you find an answer, please return to share.
Thanks,
Kelly

Kelly,

Your Blog is Awesome!! I have appreciated your advice on third party apps, such as Google Maps. The Tips and Tricks have helped out tremendously.

I was excited to see that your current topic was on GPS. I was trying to pair my DeLorme Bluetooth GPS today. I successfully paired it, but when I go to Maps, I found out I cannot scroll up to GPS Settings. I don’t know if my track ball is screwed up or if the option is just not there. I would assume it would be above the Back light control.

I am also with Verizon.

Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks,

Brad

PS:

The GIF animations are helpful. Sometimes I wonder if I read something wrong. So it helps to see the screenshots in order.

Brad,
Thanks for the feedback.

Yes, the GPS Source setting is just above the setting for Backlight Timeout. It’s at the highest point on the screen you can scroll. Just above it is a label that reads “GPS Settings.” Now, don’t try to scroll to that heading–you can’t. You scroll to “GPS Source” and click there. If you have previously paired your BT GPS, when you click there, you should get options like “None” and “DeLorme.” If you haven’t paired it yet, you’ll just see “None.”

Try again and see if you can’t get the setting to use your DeLorme GPS. Please let me know how it works out.
Kelly

Kelly,

I still couldn’t see the options you described. So, I Googled the problem and discovered that there are GPS settings under
Options > Advanced Options > GPS . I had to change the GPS Data Source from Device to DeLorme GPS. I also had to change GpS Services to : Location On vs Default 911 Only.

Thanks Again for your effort and an Awesome Blog Site!!

Brad

Kelly,

I have a suggestion or perhaps a question: What’s your opinion on HTML email viewers used to read email on Blackberries as they appear on a desktop/laptop? I know some websites sell 3rd party apps that would allow such a thing. It would be nice if RIM would allow emails pushed down to be seen in HTML format.

Thanks

@Brad,
My bad! I knew about those settings but didn’t realize or remember they needed to be set as you describe. I could have saved you the trouble if I had kept better notes on the setup I used to get my BT GPS to work. As I’m sure you know, sometimes you try all kinds of stuff to get something to work and you aren’t always sure which things you changed were the key changes to get your problem solved.

I’m so glad I’m picking up up more readers like you who are able to contribute and make this blog more of a community.
Thanks,
Kelly

@Reggie,
I love HTML emails (to send OR receive). I’ve read something that suggests an upcoming update to the BlackBerry OS will include the ability to read HTML emails.

I haven’t tried any email viewers with that capability, so I can’t recommend any.

Great question/comment!
Kelly

Kelly,

Three questions:

1. My number is restricted. When I call many friends, I have them listed in my contacts as “*82 then their number” so that my friends will know it’s me calling. When friends call me back, the blackberry does not recognize their number and instead of their name being listed as who is calling, only the number shows (which I often do not recognize). My old LG phone would recognize the contact. The Pearl does not. Anything I can do about this?

2. I used to have my LG notify me (or alert me) every two minutes (either by tone, or vibrate, depending on what mode the phone was in) of new text messages or voice mails that I have not seen or heard. Can the Pearl do this? I haven’t been able to figure this out?

3. I have been reading your amazing site? What do you mean when you discuss “new applications” as with Google Maps and others? Is this hard to do? Does it cost money?

Thanks so much, Kelly.

Sorry, Kelly, I guess this should have been in the General Category.

John,
No problem about where you ask a question. I don’t get all upset like those forum moderators (who, to be fair, have HUGE sites to keep organized).

1. I think your incoming Caller IDs aren’t being recognized because when the BlackBerry attempts to match the incoming number with numbers you have stored in your Address Book, the *82 in your Address Book’s entry for a phone number causes the match to fail. The only solution I know of is to have two entries for those contacts, one with the *82 (used to call), and one without it (used for Caller ID to match).

2. I don’t know any way to do this, but I haven’t searched very hard.

3. Applications for your phone are exactly like downloading programs for your computer. Some are free, some you have to pay for. You can download many over-the-air (OTA) without needing a computer. OTA is easiest: you find an app on the web (using your computer), get the web address listed for OTA download, and use your phone’s BlackBerry Browser to surf there and do the download. Others you download onto your computer and use Desktop Manager to install them onto your phone. Using Desktop Manager for the first time can be problematic–see my article on “Desktop Manager Wouldn’t Install Applications.” Google Maps is a very cool app you could start with. Themes are downloaded and installed just like apps, so you might prefer to start with a cool theme to personalize your phone. Just be aware of potential memory problems before you fill up your phone with apps and themes. Read my article on “Disappearing text messages…”

Kelly

Kelly,

You have a great website and this review is incredible! I didn’t think there was any alternative to VZ navigator until your review! My question has to do with whether the directions that Blackberry or Google maps gives while connected (thru bluetooth) to the GPS device are dynamic or static. In other words, if I vary from the directions given, will either of these programs give me new directions to get me back on track - the way that VZ Navigator would (though without the audible directions)?

Thanks,
Steve

Steve,
That’s a great question. I had been assuming directions were static but have never put it to the test. I will try to do that as soon as I get a chance. If/when I find an answer, I’ll come back to revise the article.
Thanks,
Kelly

John,

1.) I’m not sure about which provider you’re with, but with me on Telus Mobility, I’m able to choose if I want to display my Caller ID on outgoing calls. Either you could call your provider and ask them to enable Caller ID on outgoing calls so your friends will see your number. This way you don’t have to have the *82 in front of all your friends phone numbers. I also realized that BlackBerries have trouble associating numbers with prefixes on them. On my old RAZR if I wanted to call someone on private (using *67, which is actually the opposite of what you’ve been doing), I would just type *67 and then their number, and if they’re already on my contact list, it would just show their name as being called. And it would stay like that on the recently called list as well, which does get confusing because I would want to know who I called without the hassle of trying to remember everyone’s number or going through my list trying to find them. One more thing, you may not have to call your provider, try their online system, Telus has this, it’s called “Outgoing Caller ID Blocking” (or similar).

2.) Go to your Ringer Profiles (the list with “Loud”, “Vibrate”, “Normal”, “Quiet”, etc.) and scroll down to “advanced”. There you could choose to edit each profile individually. Click the Menu button while highlighting the profile you’re using, then choose edit. Find “SMS Text” and there, you’ll be able to choose the ringtone, or how much vibrate, etc. It really is much more advanced than my RAZR, took a while getting used to. But now I find it perfect as it allows me to customize all my ring styles to my preference. Hope this helps.

3.) I think Kelly answered this question clearly. Just wanted to add that there are several apps that do cost money, and others that are free. A lot of the free ones do much of the same things as the paid ones. Try to find apps that are free if you don’t mind settling for less. For example, the popular IM app “IM+ All-in-One Mobile Messenger” actually does cost money, so I settled for the alternatives like EQO which seems just as good. Check out both of them, even the paid apps usually have a trial version so you could try it out before you buy it. Then, you’ll be able to figure out if you want the extra features for the cost, or settle for less.
Hope I helped!

-Arjun M

Arjun,
Thanks so much for contributing all the information. I definitely need help answering a lot of these questions.
Kelly

Kelly,

Looks like Nav4all is a good program that more closely resembles VZ Navigator in terms of having graphic directions, spoken, and a dynamic response. See this thread on Crackberry.com:

http://forums.crackberry.com/f61/best-alternative-vzw-disabled-gps-help-6804/

Steve

Steve,
Thanks for the link: that was a very interesting and sometimes humorous read.
Kelly

Kelly,
Great website! I only found it last week when I was looking for information on GPS receivers. After reading this review, I went to the US GlobalSat site. They now have a model BT-368i. It’s even smaller than the 359 (2.75″ x 1.6″ x .36″). It’s $110.99, but has a $60 rebate until the end of the month. I received it today and have it paired up and working now. Had a little trouble until I read Brad’s comment about changing GPS services to Location On. I have a 8130 with Verizon.

Kelly,
The link I provided mentions nav4all but doesn’t say much about it… There appear to be a couple of free programs that provide voice directions - nav4all and amazegps. There was also one guy who posted something to the effect that if you download VZ Navigator but don’t “provision” it (call Verizon to turn on their service) you can get some functionality. I don’t know if that’s true. There is another program called Trekbuddy that turns the Blackberry into a true GPS that can access all sorts of maps. It doesn’t look user freindly at all at this point. So there appear to be lots of free possibilities for using the 8130 with an external GPS puck.

Steve

@Scott,
I’m jealous. I should have waited and bought the BT-368i. Glad to hear it’s working for you.
Kelly

@Steve,
Great information. I hope I can find time to look into the programs you brought to my attention.
Kelly

John:
If you are looking for a program to notify you of alerts, like SMS, MMS, missed calls, emails, etc, you can use a program called Blackberry Alerts

It’s better than what you can normal set on the phone…it allows you to control light colors, how often to alert, and allow you to set different sounds for each.

Tom,
I find on the web both a free version and for-pay version of BlackBerry Alerts. Do you know if they are the same?
Kelly

Kelly,

I only know of one version…pay. Albeit, if you download it, you can trial it (fully functional) for one week.

I’ve been using it for a few days now, and it works well. Documentation isn’t the best, so it takes a little work to fully configure it. One thing I didn’t notice at first, is that it sets up its own alerts. The first alert is handled by BB OS (you set repeat to off), and the additional alerts are handled by BBAlerts. Each has it’s own configuration, e.g., volume, tone/vibrate, which sound, etc.

Here is the authors site:
http://www.bbymelsoftware.com/bbalerts/

tom

Tom,
The “free” versions I thought I found might just be free trial downloads people have put up on their own. Thanks for the extra info on the BBAlerts apps. I’m sure many readers will be interested in trying it.
Kelly

Hi Kelly-
Thanks for all the time you put into this.
This is very intriguing. Can you say why you went this route as opposed to Freedom Mini GPS? Just in terms of things to carry around?
Also, what is the theme that you are using in your screen shots? Is it one of the iBerry themes?
Thanks again.

Paul,
I chose that GPS because a reader suggested it. I wish I had shopped around a little longer, although I did get a GPS very cheap ($50). If you’ve tried the Freedom Mini GPS, do you recommend it?

The theme I use is the bPhone theme that I have reviewed on this blog. It’s immensely popular.
Kelly

Kelly,

Is there anyway to use the full functionality of Google’s GMM and use it’s triangulating method of location through my Verizon 8130? I have read I cannot use the triangulating location method because BREW selectively blocks software. Please help me to become less ignorant on this matter. I like VXNavigator, but I do in home sales in metro and rural areas so I need GPS as well. VZNav is always improving, but far from perfect.

Thank you

Crash Monk,
I’m not sure I’m understanding your question. I don’t think BREW concerns apply to your Verizon 8130. You should be able to use Google Maps Mobile right now and use either the cell tower triangulation method or an external Bluetooth GPS–just like I did in my articles on Google Maps and the BT-359 (have you read them both?).

If you are already paying for VZNavigator (which I’ve never used), is that preventing Google Maps from working?
Kelly

Just found this nice blog and read through the last 34 posts. I’m on vacation waiting for everyone to wake up ;-). I’m not sure how my post below will show some of the hyperlinks I added. There’s no preview so I can’t tell.

I think the images you add provide a much more visually appearing blog entry then just text. Not sure how detailed each needs to be, but images definitely break up the presentation and show what you are describing well. I think the blog would lose that “pop” if you stopped using screen shots.

I’m a LONG time BB user going back to the original RIM 850. I’ve progressed through the years and my previous device was a 7130e from Verizon which I got the day it launched and now a Verizon 8130 which I got when it launched.

I also have a BT-359 I purchased for a good price on eBay. Iy was in AT&T packaging. It is a magnificent external bluetooth GPS. I’ve used it with BB Maps, Google Maps, a couple of tracking apps like GPSed, amAze which is a full blown (with voice) and FREE navigation program with search/routing. amAze is available at http://www.amazegps.com and the only issue I had with it was when doing the initial install, I needed to set permissions up front to Allow for everything (that it would Allow) and then it installed fine. The user interface is non-standard and takes a bit of getting used to, but the program works very well. Like most/all others, it requires data connectivity to download the maps as it needs them as well as do local searches like BB Maps and Google Maps do.

I could never get the Nav4all program to work on my BB8130. It would always throw an error on startup no matter what I tried.

I also do geocaching and Trimble makes a program called Geocache Navigator that works well. I’ve used it on this trip and though it’s not as convenient as using my standalone Garmin handheld GPS, it works well enough.

David

Kelly,

Received my Bt-359 (Telenav version) on Friday, just in time for a 6 hour each way trip for the weekend. Had some trouble on an overcast day getting it to initially lock onto satellites. Took about an hour. I’m wondering if the windshield glass on my Prius is somehow getting in the way. It’s advertised as having “High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass.” I tried several GPS navigating programs I had downloaded to the 8130. Once locked on, I had no trouble with the BB maps program. If BB maps had voice directions and if it showed time and distance remaining it would be perfect. Google maps would give me my GPS location accurately but I couldn’t get it to move with me as I drove down the road. AmazeGPS had the slickest interface, giving me time and distance remaining in my trip - but it had trouble giving me the shortest routes and if I deviated from the route it recommended to the shortest route, it got hung up trying to re-calculate. I had to turn off the program and re-enter my location and destiantion to continue the trip. I also had to get BB maps going first, before AmazeGPS would find the GPS. The voice was good. Also, sometimes AmazeGPS would sit and load for inordinate periods of time. It also had trouble keeping the maps refreshed. I tried Nav4all and the voice was too choppy and truncated. I couldn’t get MGmaps to connect with the GPS at all. So it was a mixed bag. I haven’t found the perfect free GPS yet. I plan to keep trying these programs to see if as I used them, one will jump out as being the best.

Steve

Steve,
Thanks for an incredibly informative comment. I don’t know the answer to your problem of not getting a quick lock on the satellites. You could very well be correct about your car’s special glass but you’d think that would just as negatively affect reception after lock.

I’ve recently played with Nav4All and wasn’t very happy with it. I didn’t realize until recently how many GPS programs for BlackBerry there are. It’s great to have readers do some of that research and report back here!

Thanks for your contribution.
Kelly

P.S.–Check out this site: http://www.onlyblackberrygps.com/.

I also need to fire up BB Maps in order to get amAze to use the external GPS.

I’ve not seen any long time (> 1 minute) with my BT-359 getting a signal including a recent vacation trip to FL from NJ where I fired it up in FL after the plane ride and it locked on pretty quickly and the same after returning to NJ from FL.

I’ve not seen any routing issues with amAze but I’ve only used it about 6 or 7 times. It is slow to start up (usually 2 mins or so it feels) but once fired up it seems to be responsive for me. I’m on an 8130 with Verizon if it matters.

I have a free 30-day Garmin trial too that I haven’t activated.

I do geocaching and tried out Trimble’s Geocache Navigator which works well and using the GPS shows distance to geocaches and grabs the closest info from the geocaching.com web site based on your current location. Still not yet as great as my Garmin handheld for convenience of getting to a specific location, but it’s handy.

Just a quick update. I’ve played more with the BT-359 and I have not had any more trouble with long acquisition time. It acquires within a few minutes. MGmaps is now working fine and seems to resemble google maps - even though it works using Yahoo maps (including satellite and hybrid views). I also gotten Google maps to move with me. So, everything works fine. MGmaps’ claim to fame for me is it’s ability to use stored maps. I’ve downloaded a map of Slovenia to use on my vacation in a few weeks. I’m also playing around with a program called bbtracker. It seems to emulate my old Garmin (very basic) GPS device - good to recording tracks on hikes and noting distance and elevation.

Thanks for the link you mentioned. Even more programs to play with!

Hello,
This is really cool, But I have one question. When you go into blackberry maps do you go into get directions and then it will map your route out for you? So then do you just follow the yellow line to your destination? Right now I have VZ navigator and it doesnt work for me at all, It almost always comes up with an error, and when it does work it doesnt work that well. Thanks

Luke,
BlackBerry Maps will both give you written directions and will map your route using a purple line (the yellow line you see in the article above is not a mapped route). It will show your progress as you follow your route.

Sorry to hear about VZNavigator. I’ve read some users report their internal GPS has trouble ever locking onto a satellite. Could that be one of your problems?
Kelly

Yes I beleive that is what is going on with mine, I have run into many situations where I can get some where and then I wil try to use VZ nav. to get back and I get lost in the dark. The BT-359 sounds much more reliable and I also will enjoy $10 a month in my pocket instead of verizons. Thanks

Luke,
There are numerous alternatives to the BT-359. I bought that model on a bit of an impulse. It was definitely inexpensive. I thing the same company now has a newer model (BT-368?). You should shop around before you buy one. My biggest problem is that Bluetooth pairing with the GPS isn’t as solid as I’d wish.
Kelly

Steve,

How did you get Google Maps to move with you? I have an 8100 with an external GPS and I can’t get Google Maps to move with me, only Blackberry Maps will do that.

Any suggestions?

Kelly,

Great blog!! I stumbled on it while looking to troubleshoot my Pearl. Keep up the great work!!

Dan

Dan,
I know you asked Steve, but I seem to remember that Google Maps will track your movement unless you use the trackball. After that, it seems to stop moving with you.

Thanks for the kind words about the blog. Glad you found it. Hope I can come up with worthwhile articles. I’m often surprised with what readers like and which articles they ignore.

Stay in touch!
Kelly

Kelly,

Thanks for the quick response. I will try using it without moving the trackball and see if that works.

In the meantime, I am still curious as to how Steve solved his problem. Hopefully he visits the blog occasionally.

Dan

Thanks for your article. I too am annoyed by the fact that Verizon has decided to disable the GPS. If they didn’t have such good service, I would drop them.

Anyway, in regards to your animated images, I liked having them. The bluetooth and launching graphics didn’t add much for me, but the actual “in use” mapping pictures did.

Thanks!

Zack,
I think the best way to change Verizon is to just not go along with bad decisions of theirs if we possibly can. Like not paying for VZNavigator.

Thanks a lot for the feedback on the animated images. So far the consensus has been that they are fairly useful, maybe a little overdone.

Stay in touch!
Kelly

i have a basic flip phone. looking to integrate PDA and phone, perhaps a decent camera (my 5mp just broke) and what the heck GPS too, i checked out the pearl.

nice phone.

since i am a long time palm user, i would have to tinker a while to figure out the PDA functioning but it seemed fine.

and the camera is reported as OK. so the stars are aligning.

the GPS part, however, seemed really slow to acquire and draw - granted i only demo’d in the sprint store (and this was using the internal GPS) so maybe it’s faster with external GPS?

your animations helps me believe the tiny screen is usable, so i will look further into the external option (which of course is autonomous and would be invaluable if auto traveling)

michaelp,
I’m starting to get worried about reports that the internal GPS of the Pearl (non-Verizon) has serious trouble acquiring satellites. It may be a design problem. So, external GPS may be the only way to go. Definitely less convenient, but if the internal GPS doesn’t work well, then…

I think the screen size of the Pearl is acceptable. The Curve is larger and if I had it to do over again, I’d think longer about the Curve.

I do recommend you continue doing your homework and take your time making the decision. The choice is highly personal.
Kelly

Just wanted to say I also own a pearl and I am with Telus in Ontario, Canada. I am also hostage to subscribing to an addition $10 a month for gps navigator. I will be looking into an external bluetooth gps. Thanks for the helpful information.

I currently have a 8330 Curve with Alltel. The GPS is not locked. It seems to me that the internal GPS has a very hard time getting a signal even standing outside in clear view of the sky. I will be looking for a bt368 within the next few days. I’ve also run across some really good GPS Nav software that is free and include turn-by-turn direction and voice, it’s called Amaze. The mobile site for this application is wap.amazegps.com or online at http://www.amazegps.com. It is a really great piece of software and also has local search, 3d map view, sat view, hybrid view, local weather based on GPS location( helpfull while driving updates as you drive) and text based directions. This is the best FREE app I have found to date. Also, love the blog!! Great job.

Patrick,
I’ve read where many BlackBerry owners with internal GPS have complained about extremely long times to acquire satellites. If a decent external GPS device is almost as large as a phone, how in the world is it possible for a phone to have a comparable GPS in it?

Thanks so much for your comment on Amaze GPS. I’ve read good stuff about it, too. I’m working on other projects and don’t have time to play with it right now.

Thanks for your kind words about the blog. I’m working on a new version to reside at a different web address.
Kelly

Hi Kelly, great stuff. I have a quick question, i am in Toronto, Canada and with Telus Mobility. I was wondering if this device would work for me as well since i am in Canada? Keep up the great work.

Arvin,
I think it should work anywhere in the world that you can get data service. GlobalSat has a newer model(s) that you should look at. I can’t give you a recommendation on a particular model or even manufacturer, so please do you homework to make sure you’re happy with what you get.

I have read many reports of the internal GPS of BlackBerrys not working very well. So, I think having an external GPS is the way to go if you really care about it working well.
Kelly

Hi all,

Kelly: love the site, been poking around here for a while, your patience and knowledge helps us all!

Here’s two cents I thought were appropriate:

I have done quite a bit of fooling around with TrekBuddy. The learning curve is steep, but if you are out of cell phone range like I am sometimes then you will love having a plethora of maps saved on your microSD card accessed with the gps only (ie: no web access needed and no slow downloads) is great.
More info here
http://linuxtechs.net/kruch/tb/forum/index.php
and here
http://wiki.trekbuddy.net/index.php/Main_Page

And of course, use the above two sites in conjunction with your favorite “massive” blackberry community site and you should be up and running in a few days.

PS: To create your own maps use a program called GoogleAK, the easiest by far and will allow you to create your favorite maps from a bunch of map websites, not just google.
PPS

Marcus,
Thanks so much for sharing that. I really need to take time to play with that software. I had not heard of it before now.
Kelly