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.
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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 = yes

Fuel location/prices
TomTom = additional cost
Garmin = included

I’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.

Happy Thanksgiving….now, let’s talk Black Friday. This morning, I did my research on inexpensive GPS units for my wife. Looks like we have a winner (and I got the ok to sell it in our store). Thought we’d share the news with you.

TomTom One 125 GPS – Black Let this GPS lead the way on your next trip. With millions of points of interest and turn-by-turn voice instructions, you’ll easily be able to find your way out on the open road. $99.99 via BestBuy.com

If you have it, let us know what you think. If you have another portable GPS, let us know what you think of yours.

UPDATE: I just bought this GPS from the “Buy” button above.  Free shipping and only $99.99.  Turn-by-turn spoken directions, 3.5″ touchscreen, 3D maps, USB PC connection to download new/updated maps.  Looks like a steal to me. If interested, let me know and I’ll post a review.  I think it’s limited supplies.  If interested, use our BestBuy.com “Buy” button above (it’s the same price as you’d get from BestBuy, plus you’ll be helping support your favorite blog My Gadget, Game & Gizmo Obsession (powered by blog.JavaDevelop.com).