GPS cellphone without data plan

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Faith xD

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Hi, I need a cellphone that has gps apps, but can work without data plan. I am currently on T-mobile (USA) network, but do not have data plan.

Currently the cellphone I'm looking at:
Nexus one: Do you need to be on internet for the gps to work? (google map navigation)
Nokia N97 or 5800: same question (S60 gps apps)
Nokia N900: same question, but is the os good? Never really hear anything about N900 OS

Main use for my new cellphone:
-touchscreen
-VOIP on wi-fi (I'm on wi-fi 90% of the time, that's why I have no need for data plan);
-phone reception (do not drop calls)
-multimedia player (playing mp3 mostly since I broke my mp3, I'm planning on using the phone as mp3 player, and also watching videos)
-Most importantly: GPS without the need for data plan.

*I'm open to any phone that is touchscreen enable.

Thanks in advance.
 
Before picking a phone, you really need to picj a carrier that has the coverage when and where you need it. The pick the device.

So which carrier do you plan to use - staying with T-Mobile?

As for GPS, IMHO, you might be better off buying a stand alone GPS. Most of the cell devices need data plans to download maps as they are used since it isn't typically stored on the device itself - eats way too much memory. Map apps aren't any good on WiFi since you will most likely be using them (driving, walking, etc.) where you can't get a WiFi connection.

I think Garmin and TomTom might make map applications for smartphones, but when you compare features and price, you are much better off getting the stand alone unit. Plus prices have come down a lot over the last year to make it way more affordable.
 
I agree, stand alone is your best bet.

Only apps on phones that store maps don't require data. And even then you will probably need data for some features like traffic, updates, search, etc. Also most GPS apps that store maps usaully cost about the same as a stand alone and then you have to think about memory. Stored maps can take up plenty of space.
 
I am planning on sticking with T-mobile.

How are the gps for garmin mobile xt. Is it same quality as stand alone gps or alot worst than stand alone gps.

It seems the general idea is to get a $100 stand alone gps than get a phone with gps. If so, which phone I listed would be better for my needs without the gps requirement: nexus one, n97, n900, or 5800 or recommend a new phone?
 
Here's a 100% legal and legitimate solution that doesn't involve resorting to piracy:

Any Nokia phone running S60 (Anything from the Nseries, Eseries, 5800, and a few other assorted models) can run Nokia Maps. The application is free, and has navigation, though you need to pay ~$10/mo for navigation. This is NOT a recurring subscription (you only top-up when you need it), all transactions can be handled in-app on the phone (no need to browse the web or use your laptop, though data is required for this, but WiFi can be used), and you also have the options of purchasing navigation for just the day, the month, the year, and I think for a week. Map data can be downloaded using Nokia Map Loader for Windows or OS X (map data is free), and you can choose whether or not you want to install maps for the whole country, or just a couple states.
 
Yeah, I'm not planning using illegal solution to obtain the navigation software. I have found an app for nexus one co-pilot that doesn't require data usage. Which one would be better suited for my needs: Nexus one or 5800. I don't think there's much difference between 5800 and n97 except the keyboard, and I don't really require a keyboard.
My needs:
VOIP on wifi
cell reception quality on t mobile (in California)
mp3 player on the go/multimedia such as watching video
Is the nexus one worth $529? compare to 5800 which is only $300?
 
I have a 5800 Nav Edition and it comes with all the maps for North America built in with free turn-by-turn directions. It has a nice media player with stereo speakers and can do VOIP on wifi. If you use T-Mobile pre-paid then cellular data is not even available as an option.
 
How is the navigation on nokia map? Have you try garmin xt gps navigation on your 5800, if so, which one is better?
 
I've not tried Garmin XT on the 5800 but to be honest I prefer the Garmin Nuvifone for phone navigation. The 5800 has nice turn-by-turn voice directions but it's screen is not as bright as the nuvifone and it seems more complicated. It can do a lot but I haven't fully mastered it yet so it will take some more time to get used to it. I assume Garmin XT is similar to nuvi navigation so it is probably superior.
 
thanks for the reply. I have one more question about 5800. Is the UI bad? I read some reviews and they say sometimes you have to click twice and sometimes once to go into folder, etc, and you dont really know. They say the UI is messy. Is this still true right now?
 
yeah now that nokia maps is totally free, and the maps are stored on the memory card so you dont need data download, this makes any nokia phone the best option at this point. good job nokia!
 
I've been unable to get my location loaded using a T-Mobile prepaid SIM card on my Nokia 5800. If anyone had any luck, let me know whay you did to make it work.

Cheers,

Al.
 
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