GPS unit vs. Blackberry GPS

[9394]

So I don't really need a GPS for day-to-day activities. However, I am going to France and the rental place does not offer cars with GPS units.

If I buy a standalone GPS unit, I am assuming it will only have NA maps? I would have to "pay" for European maps.

If I use Blackberry Maps on my 9700, does it include European maps?

I don't mind buying a standalone GPS, as it may come in handy for travelling, but I'd rather save the $200 for some croissants.

[hi-tech]

gps on blackberry's is more or less the most useless thing you could possibly have in a phone. Also, most gps program use data.

Better off just going there and buying a low-end gps unit.

[coriolis]

The GPS on the BB is useful, but thats only if it actually finds a satellite, and if you have maps for it.

But I'd recommend getting and actualy GPS unit to save yourself the pain and stress from the BB not finding any satellites, losing satellite connections, not having a fully functional GPS program, and to save battery life, especially if you need to use your phone.

[CSAgent]

You can download Google Maps for your BlackBerry - which pretty much means you have a map of the entire world.

The GPS inside a BB takes a while to lock on but when it does - it's precise to within 3 to 5 metres for me.

Google Maps requires a data plan to load the maps though so YMMV.

[eldiablo]

Get yourself a TomTom or a Garmin unit. Some people believe that TomTom's are better for European maps since it's a Dutch based organization and Garmin is more for North America. I've used both and actually prefer Garmin. Whichever brand you choose, I don't see you having too many problems with them.

[9394]

Thanks for the tips guys, looks like I'll be purchasing a standalone GPS. I only need the France maps (Bordeaux) for a couple of days, don't really want to fork over $100. Do any units come with European maps installed?

[l69norm]

I found the GPS in a Blackberry to be very very slow to update routing. You are better off with a stand alone. TomTom is usually better in Europe because a) TeleAtlas maps are more accurate in Europe b) The TomTom routing engine is better turned for European roads.

Garmin models with NA and Europe maps = 275T, 775T, 1370T

Maybe someone who is more familiar with the TomTom models can give you more specific advice

The alternative is to use something like iGO on a generic GPS with downloaded Ewurope maps.

[tomtomtom]

My Bold 9000 with data access is quite fast in both signal lock-on and driving direction. (I use Google map)

Plus data in Europe is dirt cheap unlike robbers and the big 3.

Since OP is driving, unless you got company who can give u verbal direction, using google map on BB is fine IMHO. Or else, get a GPS standalone.

[eldiablo]

My Bold 9000 with data access is quite fast in both signal lock-on and driving direction. (I use Google map)

Plus data in Europe is dirt cheap unlike robbers and the big 3.

Since OP is driving, unless you got company who can give u verbal direction, using google map on BB is fine IMHO. Or else, get a GPS standalone.

I wanted to recommend several specific models but somehow $100 may not go that far.

[zoolander]

I have Garmin on the 9700 (my wife's), I've tried a few GPS apps, the good ones with turn by turn and text to speech require data, I don't think you want to be paying for $$ roaming in France unless your phone is unlocked and you are buying a temporary SIM out there. You could download all the google maps beforehand, but it won't be navigational.
I also have an iPhone with Navigon N.A.and Europe, all the maps are stored in the phone, sorry that doesn't help you. I'm just demonstrating how the iPhone is better than the BB as a GPS unit. That said, standalones still have stronger GPS chips.

Now if you buy a $100 Windows CE generic GPS from DealExtreme or you can find a Curtis or other generic from CanadianTire, you can hack any map you want onto iGO (mentioned above), though you have to know how to tinker with the software and obtain the maps from GPSundergound, etc.

If none of that applies to you, your best bet may be to buy a standalone brand name, I believe the Euro maps will cost extra, and unfortunately, you're looking at more like $150+maps.

[tomtomtom]

^ I assume OP already got the BB unlocked and intended to get a prepaid SIM w/ BB data.

[zoolander]

^ I assume OP already got the BB unlocked and intended to get a prepaid SIM w/ BB data.

He'll need the APN settings for France then in order for Garmin to work.
It's here somewhere I think:
http://forums.pinstack.com/f24/tcp_a..._settings-360/

[rilles]

I have Garmin on the 9700 (my wife's), I've tried a few GPS apps, the good ones with turn by turn and text to speech require data, I don't think you want to be paying for $$ roaming in France unless your phone is unlocked and you are buying a temporary SIM out there. You could download all the google maps beforehand, but it won't be navigational.

I have a 9700 and use Garmin which I am very happy with, lots of features like "find a beer store near me", "what is the weather like where I am going" that the standalone doesn't have (IIRC).

I also have Telemap, which is ok... but not as good as Garmin. I think it costs about $100 to download... if I didn't have a BB, I would by a standalone for the price difference.

[9394]

Thanks for the help guys. My 9700 is indeed unlocked and I do plan on bringing it on our trip. I think I'll be looking for Garmin 1370T since it has built-in Europe maps. None of the TomTom's here have built-in Europe maps.

[M-e-X-x]

Maybe borrow from a friend?