[eng97]

Just bought 8700c from Ebay. I unlocked it and it works for phone only. I have been told that I need a data plan from my carrier (Rogers) to be able to use GPS.
Is there some way that I can just GPS and phone only. I don't want all the extra emails and stuff. I just need GPS and phone. I was under the impression that gps just triangulates off either 3 sats or 3 local towers. If this is the case, I would think no data plan would be required.
Can anyone help?

[JSanders]

Welcome to the BBForums.

The 8700 does not have GPS built in. You will need a purchase an external bluetooth gps puck get a satellite read for GPS, try the Freedom Mini, reviewed here in the forum.

Whoever told you the 8700 had GPS was way off.

BB models 88xx, 8310, 8110 do have gps built in, which will work on Rogers.
And you will still need a BB Data Plan to get the maps, unless you just want to look at longitudes and lats.

[ExGMan]

Originally Posted by JSanders

Welcome to the BBForums.

The 8700 does not have GPS built in. You will need a purchase an external bluetooth gps puck get a satellite read for GPS, try the Freedom Mini, reviewed here in the forum.

Whoever told you the 8700 had GPS was way off.

BB models 88xx, 8310, 8110 do have gps built in, which will work on Rogers.
And you will still need a BB Data Plan to get the maps, unless you just want to look at longitudes and lats.

I don't know what Rogers charges for a data plan, but in my area (Boston, MA) AT&T charges $30/month. JSanders...you could buy the data plan, use Google Maps for the BB and get pretty close to good directions, if you didn't mind missing your destination by 1/4 mile or so. Alternatively, you could save the monthly data plan $$, and just spend the money on a real GPS unit.

[JSanders]

I think you missed the whole point of the OP's question.

He was under the misconception that model has GPS. It doesn't. Cell tower triangulation at 1/4 mile distance (and usually even further) is not close when you are three blocks from your destination in a city. GPS and Phone only won't work on that model.

And honestly, buying a standalone unit to carry another device is becoming absurd when I get it all on one device. Even at $10/month for TeleNav, or FREE for other good apps, it is better than lugging another device around, and paying the high initial cost for the device.

And the fact that my BB GPS interacts with the address book, web browser, emails, etc., perfect combo.

IMO, and you may have yours.