4. Hot Apps, Continued

Missing are audible, voice-guided directions, so using 8800 while you drive is out of the question. However, software exists for voice guidance and other additional GPS features from third-party vendors, such as TeleNav GPS Navigator from Cingular, which you have to pay extra for.

Despite its minor flaws, the 8800's Maps with GPS represents more than just an adequate first attempt. It is fun to play with and can come in handy. If you are lost on foot in a city, or you are a geek like this writer and enjoy tracking your location on the map as you walk, then you will like the GPS feature.

The 8800 supports both dual-band 800/1900 MHz CDMA2000 1X Ev-DO and dual-band 900/1800 MHz GSM/GPRS networks. Still, for whatever reason, the 8800 test unit I had could not establish a voice or data connection in Tunisia, a place where it was supposed to work. Other Blackberries had voice and data link access, though, which could mean a block was put on my device by the carrier, which would not surprise me. As is often the case, handset hardware and software will function properly, while the service providers apply hundreds of gotchas and other impediments that interrupt service and cause problems for whatever reason.

Bluetooth and voice-activated dialing facilitates hands-free calls, and worked reasonably well. Since I live in France, my test unit's interface required that I give voice-dialing commands in French, and much to my surprise, it recognized the numbers and names I dictated despite my very strong American accent.

While the device has been criticized for not having a power-hungry Wi-Fi module, its Bluetooth component linked well with my Compaq nc8430. It is also possible to rely on the Bluetooth connection to use the 8800 as a modem for establishing an Internet link using a laptop.

I would much prefer relying on a cellular link to access the Internet with a laptop and using the 8800 as a modem when traveling. Accessing a Wi-Fi network through a public access point and keying in my credit card information for anyone to intercept and steal is not something I like to do. Using the 8800 for Internet access with a laptop or another PC can also come in handy when the DSL or cable connection goes down at home or at work.

While not 3G-enabled, the 8800 offers EDGE-network compatibility for Web browsing, and can read most HTML and Java-enabled Webpage scripts. However, not all Webpages could be accessed and read. For example, many pages at www.windguru.com - which lists wave heights and wind speeds and directions for beaches and islands around the world - did not work. However, I found the browser's failure rate to be minimal.