I'm getting a new Verizon Blackberry next week that will be GSM capable next week and will have full data service all over the world. (It's one flat fee for unlimited service.)
I'm wondering if anyone has used Blackberry Maps, Google Maps, or BB GPS in Europe? I'd really like to leave the maps at home and use the BB instead.
Verizon's International Data plan works out to about $2.35/day ...you can turn it on and off as you please and only get charged for the time it's on. If I only use it two weeks, I only get charged for two weeks. ($69.95/month)
The International unlimited data plan included unlimited internet access and email. It does not inlcude text messaging or phone calls.
With a BB, there is no need to text. The person sending you a message just send it to your device's BB email address and its included in the plan.
First, make sure that the data plan fully covers you. Check three times. It's worth the extra time and money to be sure!
In my opinion, Google Maps can't be beat. I have used both in Europe and after a few minutes of BB maps I switched back to Google Maps. The routing is better, it's faster and the satellite view is superb. In comparison to something like an iPod Touch on wi-fi, both apps are slow on Blackberry.
Google Maps is also quite special in that you can route three ways: Driving, transit and walking.
As for the GPS, the Tour has a decent receiver but like most Blackberries it can get lost easier then a dedicated GPS when it has an obstructed view. The GPS is also disabled if you have no data service - so you can't drop waypoints on a hiking trail if you don't have cell service.
Hope that helps.
Pete
the blackberry maps is ok but depending on the blackberry device you are getting, use google maps.
You can set up Mymaps and plan your destinations.
Are you getting the blackberry Tour, Curve or Storm?
All 3 come with the BB maps but the storm or tour works great with google maps.
I'm getting the Tour....been waiting for this one for a long time. It's finally being released.
Frank II,
I don't have a Blackberry, so can't offer any first hand comments on the Maps (I use a Garmin Nuvi instead).
However, one of the people on my recent RS tour had a Blackberry, and he referred to the maps often during the trip. It seemed to work really well from what I could see (I was just looking at the display from a distance).
I imagine the "flat fee for unlimited service" is probably not cheap, especially if it operates worldwide?
One interesting point on rates. I just received an update from my GSM network provider and they seem to have standardized roaming rates to some extent. One thing that stood out were the charges to use a cell phone (voice calls) from a cruise ship to shore - $7.00 / minute plus applicable taxes and fees!
Cheers!
Just be cautious on the word "universal" with Verizon. I have been a Verizon customer ever since they bought GTE many years ago. I now have the BB world phone. I keep finding out that they have several universal plans. To me, universal means that there is no more - that's it. However, with Verizon, I have a universal calling plan that includes my email but if I start texting, I'm into a different area where I will be charged. They have a universal plan that includes texting. My wife also has a universal plan but gets charged when she uses Google maps. That seems to be part of a different universal plan.
Had both a TomTom and my BB in Ireland last September. Both had good reception, and I figured for future trips I would just carry the BB as it was easier. Used Google Maps for the GPS application, didn't bother with anything else on the phone.
Glenn in Tucson
