There have been a lot of different BlackBerry features talked about lately, specifically with regards to the 88XX and 83XX devices. One configuration will have Wi-Fi. Another will have GPS. They may even be a units with both Wi-Fi and GPS. My question to you is if you have to go with Wi-Fi or GPS, which one would you choose?
For me the choice is easy. I would go with Wi-Fi hands down. Not so much because I need Wi-Fi in a BlackBerry, but, because I have an irrational aversion to GPS in a device that I carry around on my person. To make a long story short, I think about being taken out by a high powered laser mounted in a spy satellite probably more than most.
On the other hand, rational and sane BlackBerry users, especially those on speedy networks like Verizon, may see GPS as the must have feature because Wi-Fi doesn’t seem all that fast compared to their EVDO connections.
Wi-Fi, hands down. I have a tom tom and that does me just fine!!!i just leave it in the car, but i travel to lots of differenct cities on a daily basis in the uk and would love wi-fi for that or for usage at home. 3G isnt an issue cos i dont get reception at my house!!
wi-fi.
it’s easier to add gps later, via bluetooth.
wifi… gps is easiest to add, and internet is most important…
WiFi only if it works with a UMA plan like T-Mobile’s Hotspot@Home, otherwise GPS. Why can’t we have a Blackberry with both? 😉
Wow, Wi-Fi is running away with it so far.
GPS. I have the pearl right now, and the edge connection isn’t that great, but is is sufficient for using google reader, checking email etc. I don’t know that I would find much use for WiFi on a tiny screen – and – WiFi will kill the battery very quickly.
Most of the time when I am in a location that has WiFi, I have my laptop with me. However, when i am in my car, I wish my BB had a built in GPS. Even though that may eat some of the battery as well, I can plug it into the car charger.
True – GPS is easier to add, but then you have yet another device to charge if it is external. For me, I don’t see much use for having wifi on a tiny device. I used to have a Cingular 8125/HTC Wizard, and the wifi wasn’t as useful as I thought it would be. Give me 3G and GPS instead.
Why no both? We should request that to RIM!
WIFI hands down. GPS = blah you can get software based apps or web based apps do that. I want 3g ..but if i can’t get that I want wifi or all its usefulness.
Robb: I’ve noted it before, but I’ll say it again: you have an uncanny knack for asking the right questions…the interesting questions.
It’s interesting that WiFi is so popular a feature…and that it is so lacking on most smartphones. By now WiFi is an easy to find, built-in feature on almost all laptop computers. If I can easily almost any $500 laptop with WiFi, why not any $500 smartphone?
Ordinarily, I would have said WiFi. But I will say that after playing around with the 8800 at a local AT&T store for a while, with TeleNav on it, that the GPS is an incredibly useful feature.
GPS. I have wifi on my Dell Axim if I need it. Plus the spots I can hit with it are very few and far between. Battery life would suck. I wouldn’t want to add GPS as an accessory because I don’t want to lug around an antenna that would have to attach to the BB. Rather have it built in and not worry about it. No BB wifi for me!
Both, but if I had to pick only one it would be Wi-Fi.
GPS. As a consultant on the road for much of the day, gps is a must-have on my next phone.
wifi for sure…I usually have a semi good idea where I’m at and with Google maps I could wait on the gps for now…just my two cents…
GPS Dudes. WIFI is sporadic, GPS is everywhere and why have a separate device that you have to buy and a maps app that you have to keep updating. BB maps and gps rocks.
I think Wi-Fi would be much better. This way we could use RDC and a host of other tech support options. GPS is useful in the car, but why not get a proper GPS system? How many people need to know where they are going when on foot?
Why would battery life suck for Wi-Fi and not for GPS? You simply turn it off when you don’t need it.
In my opinion, RIM can take all the multimedia junk out of the device and just give it tools that are useful for business. Music on my blackberry…mmm sounds good…now I can feel like I’m on hold with technical suppor ALL day 🙂
GPS.
I’m not planning to use any high bandwidth functions on a handheld, but I’ve been jonesing for a GPS device ever since my last one died from battery leakage.
I’m also a huge fan of the all-in-one device, I don’t want to go out and buy another GPS nor an external bluetooth GPS. I want one thing that has phone, email, web browser, camera, gps, music player, etc.
I’d rather have the browser be a little slow but have it do everything than have something else to carry around.
Wi_Fi with 3g backup