Turning on GPS

jmspecto · #1 03-29-2007 -

Does anyone know if there is a way to turn on the GPS feature on the BB 8800 without getting charged by Cingular. I want to use it, but I dont want to pay. It is more of a novelty thing for me. Please let me know. Thanks

tundra · #2 03-29-2007 -

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~i too would like to know. Hopefully there is a way. I am sure someone will be around to answer this.

jerrycrabb · #3 03-29-2007 -

I don't have an 8800, but from what I think I know you are not being charged for using the GPS "hardware" on your 8800. If you used it with blackberry maps it would be free. If you've signed up for Telenav Service, then that's what your carrier is charging you for.

I don't think I'm wrong here, but I have not had the hands on experience, and It wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong.

paulsbb · #4 03-29-2007 -

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerrycrabb

I don't have an 8800, but from what I think I know you are not being charged for using the GPS "hardware" on your 8800. If you used it with blackberry maps it would be free. If you've signed up for Telenav Service, then that's what your carrier is charging you for.

I don't think I'm wrong here, but I have not had the hands on experience, and It wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong.

You are correct... Hardware charge is zero and BB Maps is a download and uses data only Unlike Telenav

takeshi · #5 03-29-2007 -

Huh? Telenav only uses data. It sure doesn't use SMS...

Whether or not you pay a service fee for a GPS app depends on the app you're using. BBmaps is free but it's a pretty poor app IMO and it's a bit of work to get it on a Cingular 8800.

I'd suggest using Mapquest Navigator. It's free, works rather well and has voice prompts. Just tell the site that you have a Sprint 8703e and use the download link provided. It works fine on 8800's.

There are a number of other GPS apps out there for the BB. You should be able to find info on them here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmspecto

Does anyone know if there is a way to turn on the GPS feature on the BB 8800 without getting charged by Cingular.

Just to clarify -- GPS is "on" with the 8800 out of the box. You just need an app to convert the coordinates that the receiver picks up into something meaningful.

paulsbb · #6 03-29-2007 -

Of course it does not use "sms" the point was that the maps is not preloaded or stored on the BB and there is no recurring charge. Also, bb maps was very easy to set up on the 8800. Could you pass on the link to mapquest navigator? Would like to check it out. Thanks in advance. ~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

takeshi · #7 03-29-2007 -

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulsbb

Of course it does not use "sms" the point was that the maps is not preloaded or stored on the BB and there is no recurring charge.

I understood what you meant but your wording was a bit vague -- sorry for the nitpicking!

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulsbb

Also, bb maps was very easy to set up on the 8800.

It's definitely easy IMO. However, someone new to BB wouldn't consider having to install & download DM & the handheld OS and either editing LBS.alx or downloading a modified one and then upgrading via App Loader to be "easy". Certainly not compared to simply performing an OTA install and then using the app.

I do recommend checking out BBmaps -- knowing the options is and then deciding for yourself is always best. I just found it to be a waste of time as BBmaps has trouble acquiring satellite locks or updating even though it uses the same exact hardware that as the other GPS apps I've tried (which don't have those problems). Could be a YMMV issue as well...

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulsbb

Could you pass on the link to mapquest navigator? Would like to check it out. Thanks in advance.

I don't have it but I guess I can Google it for you:
http://navigator.mapquest.com/mqota

paulsbb · #8 03-29-2007 -

No problem; in my line of work I guess I make some assumptions of understanding. No need to google it for me. I was curious if there was a version which did not expire in 30 days.

IndoorGK00 · #9 03-29-2007 -

Just loaded Mapquest Navigator on my 8800 and it worked great!!! It is truly a turn by turn (talk to you) GPS program. Daddy LIKES........lol

mcgowan08 · #10 03-29-2007 -

I'm trying to downoald mapquest navigator on my 8800 and ant get it to load. Do you have to download it via dm?

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

paulsbb · #11 03-29-2007 -

got to the provided link via your desktop and enter your mobile number and a SMS will follow to your BB for download

etcetera · #12 03-29-2007 -

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmspecto

Does anyone know if there is a way to turn on the GPS feature on the BB 8800 without getting charged by Cingular. I want to use it, but I dont want to pay. It is more of a novelty thing for me. Please let me know. Thanks

I tried to use BB maps and the people at cingular said i wouldn't be able to. They said i had to use telenav because cingular does not support BBmaps. I tried downloading straight in to my 8800 but I get a error message asking to contact my service provider.

pdqgp · #13 03-29-2007 -

but there is a thread here talking about getting bbmaps on the 8800.

http://blackberryforums.pinstack.com...ur_8800_a.html

so long as you follow the directions posted, it works beautifully. I have it on mine and it's great. I still like TeleNav though. company pays my cell bill and doesn't even notice the $9.99 per month so I'm in heaven

Quote:

Originally Posted by etcetera

I tried to use BB maps and the people at cingular said i wouldn't be able to. They said i had to use telenav because cingular does not support BBmaps. I tried downloading straight in to my 8800 but I get a error message asking to contact my service provider.

Sebatical · #14 03-29-2007 -

Quote:

Originally Posted by etcetera

I tried to use BB maps and the people at cingular said i wouldn't be able to. They said i had to use telenav because cingular does not support BBmaps. I tried downloading straight in to my 8800 but I get a error message asking to contact my service provider.

They are correct in that they do not support BBMaps. It does not mean you can't use it -- only that Cingular does not provide support for it if you have difficulty configuring it. They word it such in an effort to get you to subscribe to their service.

I have both installed and while BBMaps is kind of neat, I like the turn-by-turn directions that TeleNav provides. To me, it's worth the $10/mo. If I'm not mistaken, there's a free 30-day trial of TeleNav, but you may have to go to a Cingular store to get it. You could always try and then cancel it if you don't find it worth the money. Just don't forget.

Budo · #15 03-29-2007 -

Here's the direct ota link for mapquest navigator. works like a charm on my 8800!
http://mqnav.telmap.com/mqota/client.../8703e/mqn.jad