Mapquest (Telmap) Navigator

It's been some time since I sampled the market for GPS navigation software for the BlackBerry. Since I have an upcomging trip to California, I decided to try a few of the titles that have been released or improved since I discovered TeleNav in May 2007. At that time I was fantastically impressed with TeleNav's awesome interface, birds-eye (3D map) navigation view, accurate POI library, and on and on.... It was cool enough that I could look right past the $10/month subscription. Let me tell you that the free applications are neat... but when it comes to getting somewhere without getting lost or in an accident, TeleNav was the answer. However, there have been some application titles that have emerged since then that deserve some consideration.

Mapquest (Telmap) Navigator

One vendor I recall visiting at WES 2007 was Telmap. I vividly recall asking the vendor the dreaded question to kick off a conversation. "What does your navigation suite offer that I am missing with TeleNav?" I bet they hate comparisons like this... He came back with two answers: One, European maps. Two, a walking (pedestrian) mode. The walking had my attention since I love Geocaching and exploring the city by cab and on foot. I downloaded Mapquest Navigator for the 7-day free trial this past week. After six days of use, I'm really not impressed.

I initially found the interface intuitive and quickly sought out some unique POI's that I normally put to test on a GPS tool. It seemed all was going well. I entered walking mode and began trying to follow the suggested path/track.

• I found it really difficult to see where I was and where it was suggesting I turn from the 'North-up' 2D map. I guess I was expecting a 3D birds-eye view of the corners I should take.
• I also expected it to re-route upon my failure to follow directions. I just kept getting further from the trail as I walked blocks off the suggested route.
• Lastly, one of the points the vendor impressed me with about the walking mode is the ability it has to recommend walking paths to cut corners and save time. It must not be aware of the many municipal walking and bike trails in Rochester, MN.

After six days of tinkering with the application while travelling in the Minnesota and Wisconsin, I uninstalled Mapquest Navigator from my BlackBerry. I have been trying to reach Mapquest to terminate my subscription before being charged... however I have gotten no response yet.