[shady360]

Ok, so the Curve has GPS inside of it, but Verizon disables it in some way. So, why is it that changing to a non-VZW OS doesn't remedy that? I'm confused. And why hasn't someone found a workaround for it? Or is that something that could be construed as illegal on a board like this? I'm not a programmer or anything, but it seems like if the hardware is there, you should be able to work around the software preventing the hardware from doing what it's supposed to do. No? I don't mean to be rude, I'm just curious. Thank you.

Jay

[LDubs]

You're still connected to the Verizon network. Doesn't matter that you put Alltel's or US Cellular's version of the OS on your phone, you're still tied to the VZW network and their restrictions.

As for "workaround", can't be done as far as I know. If you really want it, it's $10 extra/month. Many here have said it works quite nicely. For me, I have a Garmin, so I don't need/want/use it.

[shady360]

Ok, then maybe I misunderstood. I thought the Curve came with the same type of GPS hardware that my Nuvi came with, thus connecting directly to GPS satellites and not utilizing the 'Network' at all. If I've got that wrong, then it makes all the sense in the world as to why it doesn't work.

[jeffh]

If you've got time, and really are curious, here's the whole story. Put on a fresh pot of coffee; it's a long read: http://forums.crackberry.com/f61/gps...0-update-1279/

[BruceRTL]

The GPS in my 8310 connects to the satellites directly, just like my hand held Garmin - not through the phone network. Proof of this is the fact that I can still use my GPS even when I have no phone service or even if I shut off the phone service. That's the way all GPS's work. Of course if you are using Google Maps for example, which requires an internet connection - that program isn't going to work. But if you use BlackStar which has no maps, it works fine without a phone connection.

I to wonder why a program hasn't been hacked up to get around the VZW GPS lock. Not a problem I have with AT&T.

[shady360]

Cool, so I do understand it correctly. Thank you guys. I really do wanna understand why and how it should (but doesn't, lol) work!

[jeffh]

There's a little more to it than you may think. Handheld GPS units use autonomous GPS. Cell phone GPSs can be autonomous, requiring no cell phone signal at all, as BruceRTL notes, or they can use one of at least two variants of Assisted GPS, which makes use of ground-based servers and the telephone signal. It really is worth reading the long thread I posted above if you want the complete story.

[BruceRTL]

I will read it! Thanks for the heads up JeffH. My 8310 does have a checkbox called, "Location Aiding" in the GPS section which I believe does use a ground based signal. Perhaps the link you provided will give me some additional insight into exactly what that option does.