GPS Receiver for Pearl

BBGTD · BBGTD Stack level 1 Dec 2006/3 posts Trust Level:

Hello, Everyone.

I am new to the group and am looking for a good but affordable GPS receiver to use with BBMaps on my BB Pearl.

Thanks in advance

Jason

EvolutionCSR · EvolutionCSR Stack level 5 Mar 2006/1,809 posts Trust Level:

Hello BBGTD, and welcome to the Stacks

Its always good idea to check out some reviews before making your purchase here is a link for some reviews:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6460_7-5135545-1.html

BBGTD · BBGTD Stack level 1 Dec 2006/3 posts Trust Level:

Thanks, dfx, that is exactly what I am looking for.

BTW, are there any bluetooths that are just not compatible with BB Pearl? Reason I ask is, I have a Plantronics earpiece that the BB never can seem to locate.

Thanks

Jason

EvolutionCSR · EvolutionCSR Stack level 5 Mar 2006/1,809 posts Trust Level:

I have not myself heard of any that are not compatible.

sunburn · sunburn Stack level 1 Nov 2006/7 posts Trust Level:

Stinsonddog has a great writeup on GPS applications and also describes receivers, on his page: http://home.comcast.net/~tamsterra/OP/Blackberry_GPS.htm

I picked my GlobalSat BT359 based primarily on this article, and there's another webpage that describes using BBMaps with a Pearl and this particular GPS receiver. It is quite cheap, at $99 from Cingular; I picked mine up last week and it works with my own 8700g without a problem.

BBGTD · BBGTD Stack level 1 Dec 2006/3 posts Trust Level:

Great read. Thanks for the info, guys.

nhenny2007 · nhenny2007 Stack level 1 Dec 2006/1 posts Trust Level:

Hello Everyone. Glad to see there is such a great place to go for BB info. First post here. Just got a BB Pearl for X-MAS, would like to get a GPS device too. I have been looking at my options as for hardware, but I have one major question that I bet you all can answer quickly. Currently, I do not have a data plan...will I need one for GPS to work? Or can I simply download maps to my microSD card and use BB maps (or some other software) and get GPS to work w/o the data plan? Thanks for your time and help. BTW I love the PEARL!

Thanks,
nhenny2007

MrGolf · MrGolf Stack level 2 Nov 2006/55 posts Trust Level:

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhenny2007

Hello Everyone. Glad to see there is such a great place to go for BB info. First post here. Just got a BB Pearl for X-MAS, would like to get a GPS device too. I have been looking at my options as for hardware, but I have one major question that I bet you all can answer quickly. Currently, I do not have a data plan...will I need one for GPS to work? Or can I simply download maps to my microSD card and use BB maps (or some other software) and get GPS to work w/o the data plan? Thanks for your time and help. BTW I love the PEARL!

Thanks,
nhenny2007

You'll need a data plan. The GPS function of the Pearl isn't capable of reading from the microSD card. The maps are loaded automatically on the Pearl through data transfer only when you need them. They're not stored on the phone or card.

husnain1 · husnain1 Stack level 4 Oct 2006/671 posts Trust Level:

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBGTD

Thanks, dfx, that is exactly what I am looking for.

BTW, are there any bluetooths that are just not compatible with BB Pearl? Reason I ask is, I have a Plantronics earpiece that the BB never can seem to locate.

Thanks

Jason

what kind of plantronics do you have coz mine works fine. As long as bluetooth is supported it should work not a matter of compatibility.

husnain1 · husnain1 Stack level 4 Oct 2006/671 posts Trust Level:

oh yeah forgot to add, check ebay you can get bluetooth enabled gps receivers for a good price, I got mine for $50.00 (although shipping and handling was $20).

bbdcdude · bbdcdude Stack level 1 Dec 2006/17 posts Trust Level:

Is there any GPS software + receiver combo for the Pearl that let you store the maps on the SD card?
My concern with OTA maps is that, if I am lost in an area with no coverage (ever gotten lost in rural areas before?) the GPS is pretty much useless since you can get your position but no map to guide you. I use Verizon Navigator on my personal phone (BB 8700g is my biz phone) and it works beautifully with that same limit: no coverage, no maps!

takeshi · takeshi Stack level 7 Aug 2005/2,355 posts Trust Level:

Quote:

Originally Posted by husnain1

what kind of plantronics do you have coz mine works fine. As long as bluetooth is supported it should work not a matter of compatibility.

You would think so but some Bluetooth devices play better than others and the device you pair it to can make a difference.

pastorshaiem · pastorshaiem Stack level 1 Jan 2007/12 posts Trust Level:

I have a newbei question. If you already have BB maps on pearl what would be the benifit of having a GPS device paired with it?
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