BlackBerry® PlayBook™

[TOF]

The GPS shows to be a stand alone device without the need for bridge.  You do however need a map/navigation application to get the most use from it as far as I'm concerned.  The App I mentioned a message above works well for me.

[TROONORTH]

Hi Peter

Thanks for the quick reply. I searched "compass" on the app store site and came up with several "magnetic compass" programmes and even one that will help me make important life decisions like which shoes to wear to bed. However, I was unable to find a "compass" app that was a gps - map programme. Am I looking for the right thing or is there more to the app name? Remember you are dealing with someone who thinks that the wireless television remote is the wonder of the ages!

[peter9477]

You mentioned the "app store site" so I'm unclear if you're trying to use the web site, or the App World app which is installed on your PlayBook. If you use the web site, you'd want to log in with your BBID first, and then make sure your "selected device" is the PlayBook, or you'll find lots of search results with phone apps, which will be of no help.

As for "compass" and GPS map programs, I don't know which one you're searching for. You seemed to have seen an earlier posting which referred to something like that, but I can't read your mind and don't know which one you meant Maybe you meant "Magellan Compass"? There's also a free app named just "Compass", I believe, which has GPS capability but no maps.

[godot2011]

I am using MapDroyd on my PB. I found it is the best on-device map so far. It works well after you download the maps you are interested in into your PB. It relies on the GPS receiver in the device to find your position on the map and it will follow your movement (I.e. In a car ). No network connection needed, wifi or other. 

The caveats are:

1. It is written for Android, the bar file and the method of how to install it on the PB is available 

2. MapDroyd is not a full fladged GPS device as you can not plan a route between point A and B. However it does a good job replacing paper maps as you travel.

3. The program uses OpenStreetMap which has some accuracy issues at least in my area. The company also claims that it is working on a full fledged GPS version of the software.

I found the other so called "on-device " maps available on the Apple Store for the PlayBook are very poor in comparison. They store only a very small section of the area and you constantly need to load. Those maps also rely on OpenMap but they charge you for the program.  

[TROONORTH]

I am using the "app world"  that is on my playbook. I searched for the app you mentioned in an earlier post called "compass". I am hoping to find a programme that will allow me to use my pad as a gps device in the car. The only apps I could find provided a "magnetic compass" experience. However they did not provide the moving visual of the usual gps unit.

[peter9477]

Well, I've now given you the actual names of two apps with "Compass" in the name, one of which (Magellan) does give a "moving visual of the usual GPS unit", or at least what I assume you mean by that.

If you found that app -- and I'm sure searching for the name would find it -- and it wasn't what you wanted, perhaps you can describe in more detail what you're looking for.

I'll note that saying "GPS app" does NOT inherently imply "maps", though many GPS-capable apps do include maps. Many do not.

[dvanderwal]

I spent 2 weks trying to make it a decent in car gps.  Nothing works properly do I returned it.

[TROONORTH]

"Try the free version of What's Up instead, or the free Compass app, since both of those will not give up as quickly as the others you mentioned"

With all due respect Peter you recommended downloading an app called compass. Not Magellan Compass. Just 'Compass'. I "just typed it in" and did not find it. Hence the question about the actual name.

I am unable to more clearly describe how I want my Playbook to function other than this;

I want a picture consisting of a multitude of lines and shapes representing the roads in the general area in which I am traveling, including a flashing point that represents, within a reasonable variance, my actual position in that general area. I want the picture consisting of lines and shapes that represent the roads in the general area in which I am traveling to scroll both on and off the page as I travel into areas that are not immediately represented by my 'map'. I would like the previously described function to appear on my BlackBerry Playbook with some reasonable level of reliability. I would like to do this by down loading an app of some description that will allow my PlayBook to function as described above.

Thank you kindly.

[tanguera65]

Hi,

I'm looking for the same type of GPS-based app and functionality as what Troonorth describes. I understand that a GPS doesn't inherently include maps. However, many consumers have gotten used to referring to the navigational systems in their vehicles or on standalonde devices as GPSs, and these systems provide access to maps, routes, and current position. Like Troonorth, I would also like to know the names of some apps to download to get this capability on my Playbook. I'm not looking for a GPS that functions as a compass. So Peter, what specifically are the apps you would recommend to function as a GPS similar to what one would find in an automobile or GPS navigational device like TomTom or Garmin?

[cas118]

OK. If you need a GPS AND navigation app that doesn't require an internet connection, the only app that I can see available is the SkyLabs one. HOWEVER, I haven't heard many positive things about it and it concerns me that there are no screenshots. But if it doesn't work you can call BlackBerry PlayBook support and ask for a refund so it's worth a punt in my opinion.

If you need navigation and are happy to tether / bridge to your phone you can use Google Maps with the navigation beta built-in. I've used it. After a good few minutes of struggling to get a lock and stay alive it worked beautifully but I had to tap the screen occasionally to keep it alive.

If you don't need voice-assisted navigation then Bing will work, or Google maps, or you can just try some apps that best fit your needs.

I hope that clears up some of the confusion.