[Auga]

How is the GPS on the 8800? Is it fast/reliable? Anyone using TeleNav?

I was thinking of getting the 8800 or just the TomTom One GPS Navigation System. Any thoughts?

I'm worried about going over my 25mb/mth. Say I'm driving for about 30mins.
How much data is being downloaded?

[MrKyoo]

Therexxx8217;s PLENTY of information in our GPS & Mapping section.

[JSanders]

I am not using TeleNav on the 8800, but the GPS works great with BBMaps and Google Maps. I have no idea how much data you will use in a 30 min drive. If you use the 8800 for a medium/moderate amount, I would say 25mb would be very close.

[mediaman]

Originally Posted by MrKyoo

There’s PLENTY of information in our GPS & Mapping section.

'Where' is the above section? Cant seem to find it.

[penguin3107]

http://www.blackberryforums.com/gps-mapping/

[John Clark]

Maps use quite a bit of data....

[lisamlas]

What do I have to do to get the GPS to work? I set the settings in Advanced Options to allow the GPS option, however, whenever I open GoogleMaps it tells me my signal is to weak to be detected. I live in the metro Chicago area, and can't believe the signal is that weak?

[Dubdub]

Originally Posted by lisamlas

What do I have to do to get the GPS to work? I set the settings in Advanced Options to allow the GPS option, however, whenever I open GoogleMaps it tells me my signal is to weak to be detected. I live in the metro Chicago area, and can't believe the signal is that weak?

GPS is line of sight to the satellites. You need at least 3 to get good navigation, although 2 will work. More is better. If you are downtown, the buildings may be blocking your view. I have had trouble in NYC with both the 8800 and my car nav system.

[aero249]

little off topic for the original post .. but ....


actually it requires a minimum of 3 satellites for a 2-D position fix. With 4 satellites or more available then 3-D positioning can be acquired.

With only 2 satellites being received you will not get a position fix.


Well, I suppose there are exceptions to every rule:

"Here's something to think about: A submarine can get an accurate fix with only two satellites if it has a $50,000 atomic clock connected to the GPS receiver and they assume the altitude to be 0."

[Dubdub]

Originally Posted by aero249

little off topic for the original post .. but ....


actually it requires a minimum of 3 satellites for a 2-D position fix. With 4 satellites or more available then 3-D positioning can be acquired.

With only 2 satellites being received you will not get a position fix.


Well, I suppose there are exceptions to every rule:

"Here's something to think about: A submarine can get an accurate fix with only two satellites if it has a $50,000 atomic clock connected to the GPS receiver and they assume the altitude to be 0."

I have seen a fix with 2 sats before, although it wasn't a very good one, about 8 miles off, but close enough to get me located and once I had 3 sats, I was good to go.

[DallasFlier]

Originally Posted by Dubdub

I have seen a fix with 2 sats before, although it wasn't a very good one, about 8 miles off, but close enough to get me located and once I had 3 sats, I was good to go.

Your "8 mile off fix" was likely due to remembered position from a previous time when 3 were available. Mathematically, there is NO way to provide a fix from two satellites. I worked on GPS systems in a previous life (job).

[jviola_simi]

Originally Posted by Auga

How is the GPS on the 8800? Is it fast/reliable? Anyone using TeleNav?

I was thinking of getting the 8800 or just the TomTom One GPS Navigation System. Any thoughts?

I'm worried about going over my 25mb/mth. Say I'm driving for about 30mins.
How much data is being downloaded?

I’m using the TeleNav and loving it. The best feature for me is the integration between the other apps on the BB and the GPS and TeleNav. I live in LA and the Traffic lookup feature works pretty good. There have only been a couple of occasions when I couldn’t get a decent signal to route/re-route.

I typically used a Magellan eXplorist primarily for my Geocaching but did use it for driving directions also. I find that I have begun using the BB for driving all the time now and using the eXplorist as backup. I did try Geocaching with the BB but felt really uncomfortable trekking through the desert or rock climbing with it. I ended up putting the BB in my Camelback and sticking with the eXplorist for Geocaching.

[Runamuck]

I've used SPOT for geocaching using the BB8800 in urban areas...it works very well and looks "natural" enough to keep non-geocachers thinking that I'm just checking emails and whatnot. However, I'll still likely use my eTrex for "roughing it" geocaching. I just don't see taking the 8800 out for a rough hike.

[takeshi]

Originally Posted by Auga

How is the GPS on the 8800? Is it fast/reliable? Anyone using TeleNav?

Good. Yes -- though the app you use can affect your experience. Yes and of the current GPS apps I know of, I'd recommend it above the rest.

Originally Posted by Auga

I'm worried about going over my 25mb/mth. Say I'm driving for about 30mins.
How much data is being downloaded?

Hmm, I can't say. I have an unlimited data plan and really don't monitor my usage...

Be sure to visit the GPS forum.

[truly4u]

I am getting a 8800 tomorrow, i have a 8700. do i have to pay for telenav??? how do i get it?

[chrisb3]

You know what really works well with the 8800's GPS? Y! Go. Go to m.yahoo.com/start from your BB browser to get started.

In limited use of BB Maps, Google Maps and Y! go, the Yahoo app seems to update the best and give the best fixes. My location was never off by more than 2 yards with the Yahoo app.

[truly4u]

but do i have to get pay for the telenav?

[chrisb3]

Originally Posted by truly4u

but do i have to get pay for the telenav?

Telenav is $9.99/mo or 10 routes for $5.99.

[takeshi]

You can verify the associated cost of any GPS app with the maker of the GPS app.

Telenav isn't free for anyone except during its limited trial period.