[ddavis89325is]

Is it possible to use a Blackberry 8310 as a hand held GPS unit with a downloaded program without a service plan? I have access to several Blackberry's but do not want to put a service plan on them. Thanks!

[fiffer]

To my knowledge no.

[Dubdub]

Check the GPS and Maps section. There is a sticky at the top that details all of the better known map applications.

With no data plan, you are much better off getting a stand alone GPS device, rather than trying to use one on your phone.

Most map applications download data and maps as you move and that cannot be stored on the device itself. There are a couple that can be downloaded and you can purchase a Garmin version, but again, given the costs, go buy a stand alone unit.

[HalconNocturno]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry Curve 8320)

I don't have a data plan and I can use Goggle Maps in my Bold

[Dubdub]

Originally Posted by HalconNocturno

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry Curve 8320)

I don't have a data plan and I can use Goggle Maps in my Bold

Have you looked at your data bill recently? Or are you using a "generic" data plan perhaps? GoogleMaps, like most other map applications downloads map data as it is required. Map data cannot be stored on the device itself. If you are using GoogleMaps for navigation purposes, you are using a lot of data.

[HalconNocturno]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry Curve 8320)

I have a prepaid plan, and when I've checked my credit the BB is eating all my money I've bought a package of 50MB yesterday and today I have 32 available, next week I will change to an unlimited data plan

[Irish Rose]

Originally Posted by Dubdub

GoogleMaps, like most other map applications downloads map data as it is required. Map data cannot be stored on the device itself. If you are using GoogleMaps for navigation purposes, you are using a lot of data.

I agree. I have the Google maps App. on my BB, and can confirm that using it does use up a lot of data. Anyone that is using it on prepaid should keep a close eye on their data balance before it is all gone. People that have an unlimited data plan don't have to worry.

[Irish Rose]

Originally Posted by HalconNocturno

I have a prepaid plan, and when I've checked my credit the BB is eating all my money I've bought a package of 50MB yesterday and today I have 32 available, next week I will change to an unlimited data plan

The unlimited data plan should save you money in the long run, especially if you plan on using Google maps a great deal of time.

[takeshi]

Originally Posted by Dubdub

There are a couple that can be downloaded and you can purchase a Garmin version, but again, given the costs, go buy a stand alone unit.

Cost isn't even really the major issue IMO. The two options that work without data just aren't worth the hassle. Definitely check out the options in the GPS subforum as YMMV.

[BlackberryPro]

You can try using a WIFI connection on some of the new Blackberries to access the maps.

[DallasFlier]

Originally Posted by BlackberryPro

You can try using a WIFI connection on some of the new Blackberries to access the maps.

Kinda hard to get that WiFi signal to follow me in the car, and if I'm sitting still at a WiFi hotspot location, I already know where I'm at without consulting a map.

[kathrynhr]

Originally Posted by DallasFlier

Kinda hard to get that WiFi signal to follow me in the car, and if I'm sitting still at a WiFi hotspot location, I already know where I'm at without consulting a map.

LOL! I wish I had your abilities. I never seem to know where I am.

[skyedream]

i tried maps with wifi at home and my BB couldn't load the maps...
even on the wifi, with out data plans it won't work.

[HalconNocturno]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry Bold 9000)

Check your TCP/IP settings...

I have a Bold without BB plan and I can use Google Maps