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Kelly, I have a Blackberry Storm 9530 (Verizon) that I got in mid-December. I have to admit that I really like it despite the lack of many applications for it at this point. I’m hopeful that will be corrected as more units are purchased. I have used the built-in navigation application, VZ Navigator, and must admit to being a bit underwhelmed by it, especially when compared to other GPS units. I would consider upgrading to the TeleNav product but don’t really know if I would be getting a substantially better product. Can you share your thoughts about how this product compares to VZ Navigator? Not being in the legal profession, I promise to consider your opinions nothing more than opinions! I do note that they are highly regarded opinions.

Rick,
I have not been impressed with VZNavigator, although I haven’t tested it extensively at all. I have not used TeleNav at all. But I have read several reviews. They generally find TeleNav to be superior. Here are some example reviews:

http://www.gpsmagazine.com/print/000458.php

http://reviews.cnet.com/handheld-software/verizon-wireless-vz-navigator/4505-3638_7-31814632.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/handheld-software/telenav-gps-navigator-at/4505-3638_7-32136318.html?tag=mncol;lst

I’ve received a couple of requests to do an extensive test, review, and comparison of each. Not sure if I’ll have time to do a good job of that anytime soon, as I have quite a backlog of other article ideas/projects. So, I hope this reply is at least a little help. Thanks for asking.
Kelly

Thanks for your quick response, Kelly. I read the reviews you included and concluded that the jury is still out on which product, VZ Navigator or TeleNav, is best. It is likely, as with many smartphone applications, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder: partiality to applications is driven by specific needs and uses.

I have to agree with 2 of the reviewers who say that VZN is not intuitive to use and requires many more menu accesses than is sensible for basic features. On the other hand, it is relatively inexpensive and does work well with the Verizon system. I found that it was just okay in giving me walking directions in New York City. It had trouble finding sensible routes. When using it for driving in less populated areas, it worked great.

I think I’ll hold off for you to do your in-depth, head-to-head review of GPS products for the Blackberry and will make my final decision based on that.

Thanks again for what you do to assist those who are using Blackberries.

Rick,
I’ll try to get to more GPS app reviews as soon as I can. My life is so busy, I tend to do my writing in spurts (e.g., weekends and holidays).
Kelly