-
Dec15
Garmin Mobile GPS on BlackBerry Storm…for less than $80
No Comments
Get ready to open your wallets kids. Garmin (you know one of the big guys in the portable GPS game), has just released Garmin Mobile 5.4.2 which is fully compatible with Verizon’s (VZW) BlackBerry 9530 Storm.For you long-time VZW people, you might be shocked and confused. You see, VZW is the king of crippling good devices. Always known to not allow devices with WiFi, in fear of people not signing up for a data plan; or lock down GPS, so users will have to pay a monthly fee for VZ Navigator, that’s the VZW we all know and love.
By the way, VZ Navigator is rebranded GPS software from TELENAV, available on many VZW (and other carrier) phones. It’s decent, not incredible, but decent and costs $9.99 a month. That’s where you can start to get upset at VZW, since they lock down GPS so that you can only use it with VZ Navigator. But, hate no longer.
In the past few months, there have been rumors of a few Windows Mobile devices to have the GPS spell lifted. Just last week, we quietly learned that all BlackBerry devices with GPS (running OS 4.5 or newer) no longer have the curse either. Yup, GPS is fully unlocked. Many people are still finding it hard to believe.
So, I’m proving it to you now. BB Maps…works perfect. It’s basically RIM’s version of Google Maps for Mobile. If you are cheap or low on cash, the free BB Maps will get the GPS job done. Oh, Google Maps for Mobile, does not work on the Storm yet. We’ve determined by our non-scientific methods that it’s a Google issue, not a RIM or Verizon issue.
Here’s the best part, I bought Garmin Mobile last night (with a discount code for only $79). I’ve been using it all day for every basic and advanced GPS feature and it works flawlessly.
Routing, traffic, weather, spoken turn-by-turn directions, utilizing contacts, finds local places of interest, and on and on. It retails for $99 at www.garmin.com, but with a link to their discount club site, you can get it for $79.
Let’s compare this to the stand-alone TomTom ONE 125 that I bought for $99.99 before tax a week ago.Maps
TomTom = preloaded maps.
Garmin = Loads maps as you drive with GPS and cellular signal.Screen
Both have about a 3.5″ screen, with the Storm having a higher resolution.Traffic
TomTom = no
Garmin = yesFuel location/prices
TomTom = additional cost
Garmin = includedI’ll be honest, I don’t know a lot about the GPS world (yet). But for a free 7-day trial, plus a 30-day money back guarantee…if you are a Storm (or any BB with GPS) user, you have to try Garmin Mobile.
Here’s the link for the trial download. Point your BB browser at it, if you are running the 9530 Storm.
If you want the link for the discount code, leave me a comment and I’ll email it to you.
Oh, and to wrap up…I’m returning the TomTom ONE 125 unopened. Not that I have anything against the TomTom, it actually looks great for the money. I’m all about convergence. I want it all in one device, and Thanks for VZW, RIM, and Garmin…nirvana (bliss, not the band) is betting closer.
Need any questions answered about VZW, Storm, or Garmin? Let me know and I’ll try best to answer.
UPDATE: Some things I’d like to see improved in updates:
* Media Player pauses music when turn-by-turn direction is announced, music never resumes. Need to automatically resume music after directions are spoken.
* Turn-by-turn directions voice is a bit “electronic sounding”. Would be nice to have voice options.
* Battery drain. I’m finding that I need to fully charge the Storm twice a day. I guess I’m a “power user”. Need a bigger battery, or something to help manage battery life.
* A car mount that holds the Storm in landscape mode.
* Voice activated contacts, possibly reusing the Storm’s built-in implementation of Nuance’s voice dialing software.
52 responses to “Garmin Mobile GPS on BlackBerry Storm…for less than $80”
-
I am getting “Invalid ActivationID” on a blank page when trying to jump to the hotlink.
-
I had my first hiccup today. I set a route, to find cheap gas. After I took my first turn, the Garmin stopped responding, but the BB was not hung. I hit the BB button to get back home, then hit the Garmin button to go back in. It then started responding and announced “Recalculating Route”. All was good after that.
BTW, got gas for $1.86, thanks to the Garmin suggesting I travel an additional 0.5 miles. Otherwise, I would have stopped at the nearest station and would have paid $1.93. Woo-hoo! Score.
-
Ronnie,
Check handango.com. I hear that they have a 3-day trial on their site. If you decide to buy, be sure to pay no more than $79. I emailed you the link to the discount site. I think Handango is offering the same deal too.
-
Travis Chavis December 16th, 2008 at 17:41
Hey great article can I get the link to get the software for $79
-
John W. December 16th, 2008 at 23:56
I got the following massage when I tried to download the 7 day trial with my Storm, “Sorry, but the 7 day trial of Garmin Mobile is not supported on this BlackBerry device. to purchase Garmin Mobile for your device please visit.www.garmin.com”. Shawn, let me get this clear, You do have the BlackBerry Strom from Verizon and the Garmin Mobile is working on your device.?
John W.
http://blackberrystormphone.blogspot.com -
ChrisB December 17th, 2008 at 11:29
i bet this works great for storm, but I’m still kicking it with my AT&T 8310 and looking for the discounted download link. Do you know if this software is transferable to another device if I lose or decide to upgrade?
-
ChrisB,
It’s a one-time purchase for one device. So, it’s good for your current device. I believe the fine-print will allow you to swap once (just in case your device breaks and you need to get a new one) within the first year.
Are you on Verizon, or another carrier?
The discount code works for all versions, not just the Storm. Do you want it?
-
Jack Byrd December 18th, 2008 at 14:50
I purchased Garmin Mobile and installed it on my BB Storm 9530. I get the message Acquiring satellites, but the unit never goes operational. Can you tell me what I am doing wrong. Is there some setting that I have to enable or disable. Thanks, Jack
-
Jack,
You need to enable GPS on the Storm. Out of the box, it’s set only to emergency 911 GPS use.
Here’s the steps to enable GPS:
Options > Advanced Options > GPS > GPS Services: Location On -
Jack Byrd December 18th, 2008 at 16:08
Thanks Shawn. My Storm/Garmin Mobile now works perfectly after implementing your instructions. Regards, Jack
-
Sean Williams December 20th, 2008 at 12:21
Shawn-
I had previously purchased Garmin Mobile for my T-Mobile Blackberry 8700. My wife got me the Storm for Christmas, so we switched to Verizon. I purchased a new Garmin Mobile subscription for my new phone but since we kept the same phone #s it wouldn’t let me download the software as it is assuming it’s the same phone. Do you have any suggestions to get it onto my new phone? Thanks in advance for your time.
-Sean -
BB Customer December 20th, 2008 at 21:18
Sean,
If you got Garmin for your old Blackberry, and haven’t ever transferred it, call Garmin. They’ll switch it once for you if it’s less than a year old for no $$$.
-
Franco Martinez December 21st, 2008 at 18:05
Hi….I just purchased the Storm for my wife as a gift. Can you send me the website and promo code so i can purchase the Garmin Nav for the BB. Thanks!!
Franco
-
Could you please e-mail me the discount link too?
Many many thanks.
P.s do you know if this Garmin software will work for the Blackberry Storm in United Kingdom too? It’s called the Balackberry Storm 9500 here.
Thanks
Taj
-
Question do you if this Garmin program works outside of the US? Like Mexico and Canada? also what is the link or code for the $79 program…
Thanks
-
This link is right above your comment. It’s listed as “North America”, so I’d guess that Canada is included. I’ve only used in U.S. so far.
-
Hi Shawn. What is the link? I’m new at this so… is the download an easy process? Do I dowmload to my PC or to my Storm?
Thanks
-
Frank,
The link is just above in the comments. All you need to do is type that link into your Storm’s web browser. The Garmin site will bring you right to to the download/install. It’s really simple. Let us know if you have problems.
-
Thank you. The download finished without any problems and the GPS works great… all for $79.99!
-
Bullet January 10th, 2009 at 10:09
Please send me the Garmin Mobile for Blackberry discount code. The trial works great on my Verizon based Storm.
-
The download link did not work on the Garmin website after I completed the purchase. Is there an alternate way to download the program?
-
I was able to download the software but can’t seem to acquire the satelliets. I have enabled the GPS per one of the above comments. Any idea what else could be happening?
-
Hey, thanks for the helpful info. I was hoping you could send me the link for the discount. Thanks
-
I have the free trial and it works great.
Thank you for the head up.
I look forward to the discount link. -
Rory Orkin February 2nd, 2009 at 14:45
Is that discount link still available ??
If so could you please send it..Thanks in advance
Rory -
Just as a reference, I use the Griffen WindowSeat to mount my Storm to the windshield. Get the newest one that has three “attachments.” The one that comes on it standard (for Iphone 3G) works perfectly with the Storm (storm clips right in at the corners). You can pick it up at Walmart for $25.
-
Rory Orkin February 3rd, 2009 at 13:45
Could you please send me (to the e-mail address) the discount code..
Thanks
-
Rory Orkin February 3rd, 2009 at 14:34
Somewhat unsure about the Verizon Navigator locking the phone.
My Blackberry Storm Has VWA navigator enabled.. I would like to drop it and go to the Garmin.
Can both be installed at the same time.?. I realize they both cant be used at the same time.. -
Rory,
Both can be installed at the same time. No conflict that I have seen.
The discount link is higher up in the comments.
-
Great news. I just got the Verizon Storm. Can you send me the discount info?
-
Under my current location, it says No GPS reception. Even though my GPS settings on my 9530 are as:
Device GPS, location on. -
Ronnie,
A lot of people on the CrackBerry forums got that same message. Based on early user feedback, and the 30-day money-back return policy, opted to purchase the Garmin. So, I never actually used the trial software, which I think may now be deactivated.
Anyway, after I purchased the software and installed via OTA, I was able to use the 7-day trial…which works fine. (Of course, I have already paid). I figure, if I really don’t like it, I will return it in a few weeks. But, I have already come to the conclusion that it is as good, if not better than any $100-$200 standalone GPS on the market. For me, it’s all about convergence: phone, email, media player, games, Internet, gym tools, and now GPS.
-
John,
Yes. I’ve got the 9530 Storm for Verizon. From what a few people have told me, the trial is not working. For me, I decided to skip the trial and purchased the software for the discounted price. I’ve used it a few times so far, and is working quite well. Has rerouted me during busy rush hour traffic. Has suggested gas stations with low priced premium gas. Also displays estimated time of arrival.
I’m going to buy a copy for my wife when she gets a Storm next month.
-
Here’s the discount code link I used to buy the Garmin. Worked fine.
http://www8.garmin.com/mobile/blackberry/bblounge.jspGarmin lists support for “Storm”, though doesn’t specify 9500 or 9530. For other BB models, they specify the exact number (i.e. 9000, 8300, etc). They also have different pricing models for UK maps (a bit more expensive). So, although I don’t have a 9500 to test, I’d bet that it will work fine on the 9500.
-
Brian,
Did you try downloading from your Storm or your computer? Try it from your Storm.
-
Quite a few people have asked for the discount code recently. Just scroll up in the comments and you will see it. Post back after you play with Garmin and let us all know what you think of it.
-
Brian,
Did you resolve this yet? I have that issue when I’m at a location that can’t get a clear GPS signal. Commonly inside buildings where there is no line-of-sight capabilities for the satellites. GPS, in general, needs a line of sight to work. Though, once you get your first connection, Garmin on the Storm will still work if you lose line of sight. It will guess where you are and continue to navigate. Once you get line of sight back, it will recalculate as needed.
-
Raymond,
Scroll up in the comments. You’ll find the link there. Enjoy. Let us know what you think of the Garmin when you get it.
-
Are you outside or inside? GPS generally can’t get signal indoors, and has issues on city streets with tall buildings nearby. Has always been a weakness of GPS. I wonder if that might be your problem.
ronnie dhaliwal December 16th, 2008 at 06:49