[Crash Test]

Garmin is selling a bundled product that includes a BB holder that contains a GPC receiver, along with a subscription to their software. Price is $250. The holder is called a GPS 20SM smart mount and looks very nice. I already have a GPS puck so this bundled offering isn't of interest to me. The Garmin site is poor and it's not clear if the software is sold on it's own.

Is anyone using the Garmin software on their BB? I am interested in how it compares to Wayfinder and Telnav.

[Stinsonddog]

Garmin for BB isn't out yet.

[Crash Test]

See my.garmin.com/shop/search.do?searchStr=blackberry

[mboltcocacola]

I have been using Garmin for BB since right before Christmas. I bought the annual subscription and dropped Telenav. I am using it on the 7100i, so there was no need for a puck. Bottom line is it is the best navigation program I have used for the Blackberry so far.

[Stinsonddog]

Originally Posted by mboltcocacola

I have been using Garmin for BB since right before Christmas. I bought the annual subscription and dropped Telenav. I am using it on the 7100i, so there was no need for a puck. Bottom line is it is the best navigation program I have used for the Blackberry so far.

ok so tell us about it. Best kept secret. I will email them and see if they want me to add it to my comparison.

[mboltcocacola]

The only drawbacks I see is that on the 7100i the map portion does appear to be small, allowing heading, speed, and/or turn-by-turn directions to be displayed. I also wish that the font in the heading and speed was more bold (I wished the same for Telenav as well).
There is no way to access my address book. Physical addresses must be input manually.

Some of the features I do like is:
First, it displays in both day and night mode (Not that important, but it is cool).
Second, I can see where I'm at at all times with real-time maps that load fairly quickly, and not just the route/directions I'm using at the time. The zoom in/out also responds much quicker than I ever expected.
Third, the POI feature is far superior and comprehensive to Telenav in finding even the most obscure interests sometimes.
Forth, one of my favorite features is that real time traffic and weather is available for not only where you are, but any city that you point to (I use this feature a lot when traveling).
Next, you can save favorites to either the blackberry itself or to their mobile manager server Again, it is quick in its response.
Last, there is also a fuel price feature that will tell you when the price was last updated. It will also let me choose the grade of fuel (This is important to me since I'm always looking for diesel).

There are other features that I have not played with much, such as the optimized route feature for car, pedestrian, bicycle, etc.

Ask more specific questions if there is something I may have missed. I must say I really like this program. Living in Houston, its one of my most used.

[Stinsonddog]

Originally Posted by mboltcocacola

Third, the POI feature is far superior and comprehensive to Telenav in finding even the most obscure interests sometimes.

Interesting since I assumed they both got POI's from Navteq as this article suggests.

Map Makers in the USA

[Walt]

I looked all over Garmins website and can't find anything for the 7100i. How much is it? Where can I find it?

[Walt]

Nevermind. I found it

[Crash Test]

I downloaded and installed the software, but when it can never connect. There is a Cingular version and a T-mobile version but I'm with Rogers. I tried the Cingular version. Any suggestions?

[Stinsonddog]

Is there a link to the software only? Without the puck?

[MedEdGuy]

Originally Posted by Crash Test

I downloaded and installed the software, but when it can never connect. There is a Cingular version and a T-mobile version but I'm with Rogers. I tried the Cingular version. Any suggestions?

Help! Where'd you download the software--I can't find it anywhere, unless you buy the whole package.

Thanks!!

[Crash Test]

Go to my.garmin.com/gmbg/start.faces and under Phone Model you can select either the Cingular or T-Mobile versions. I tried the Cingular version but it wouldn't work for me under Rogers. It installed but could not connect.

[Stinsonddog]

So do you have to register at my.garmin?

[mboltcocacola]

I had no problems downloading and running the program back in December when I started using it. However, I am not able to duplicate what I did back then to help you guys out. Its been running flawlessly for me since the day I installed it.

[pbaird]

I don't see anyplace to download it without purchasing the subscription first. Is that true, or am I missing something? I've used Telenav for years, but I'm looking at Wayfinder and would like to look at MQ as well.

[Stinsonddog]

Garmin's site is weak and their support is not existant at this point.

[Crash Test]

I can't find anywhere to download the software now so it would appear that either 1) the Garmin web site must have changed, or 2) I am going crazy. Most likely #2.

[pbaird]

I was pretty surprised to see that Garmin's site is basically a couple of pages with lots of endless loops back to them.
Guess that helps my evaluation.....

[Walt]

Give MapQuest Navigator a good look. That's the one I decided to stay with. I cancelled TeleNav. I also have BB Maps (it's free) and Google Maps (also free). BB Maps is great for walking but the maps don't keep up while I'm driving. Too bad because I like it.

Originally Posted by pbaird

I don't see anyplace to download it without purchasing the subscription first. Is that true, or am I missing something? I've used Telenav for years, but I'm looking at Wayfinder and would like to look at MQ as well.