The suite is comprised of the following applications:

• AllSport GPS - for biking, running, or walking
• Geocache Navigator - for Geocaching
• Trimble Outdoors - for planning outdoor activities using GPS-enabled data and a GPS-enabled cell phone

Each of the three applications cost $5.99 a month, or $39.99 a year, and must be purchased and installed separately. You'll need a supported GPS-enabled cell phones and a data plan. This review was conducted using a Blackberry 8820 on AT&T's network.

Figure 1: Selecting an Activity

To start the AllSport GPS software, select an activity from the list and press OK.

Figure 2: Viewing Outdoor Trip Stats

AllSport uses GPS to measure how far, how long, and how fast you run, cycle, hike, walk, or do any other activity.

Figure 3: AllSport Map Screen

AllSport allows you to toggle between the trip summary page and a map screen that shows your current route and/or position.

If you are running or biking, the BlackBerry automatically detects when you are resting, and keeps your average speed accurate.

Figure 4: Viewing Logs

When you end your workout, data is automatically uploaded to the AllSport website (www.AllSportGPS.com), and becomes an archived training log that is available both online and on your phone.

Geocaching with Geocache Navigator Software

Geocaching is a GPS assisted treasure hunt where "Geocachers" seek hidden treasure, or "caches" using GPS coordinates posted on the Internet. Geocaching is growing in popularity, and a fantastic way to discover new places and enjoy the outdoors. A more extensive explanation of Geocaching, and how to get started can be found on Geocaching.com's FAQ page.

Figure 5: Geocache Navigator

Geocache Navigator lets you search for Geocaches using any of the following methods:

• Near Me - Find Geocaches near your current location
• Near Address - Find Geocaches near a specific street address
• In Zip - Find Geocaches in a given zip code
• By Cache Code - Enter a Geocache code
• Near Location - Find Geocaches near a set of longitude/latitude coordinates. By default this option is populated with the coordinates of your current location.

Figure 6: Geocache Search Results

Geocache Navigator lets you search Geocaching.com's directory of caches directly from your phone. That means you don't have to manually enter the caches, or transfer them from a computer.

Figure 7: Compass Screen

The compass screen can be used to navigate to the cache. The arrow points towards the cache. This screen is especially handy when you're close to the cache, and need to close in on the final destination.

Figure 8: Radar Screen

The radar screen displays the Geocache's position as a red dot in the center of the screen, and your current position as a red arrow, pointing in the direction in which you are moving. This screen is also helpful when you are close to the target.

Continue moving towards the cache until the arrow is shown on top of the cache icon.

Once a cache is located, it can be marked as "Found" or "Not Found". The cache's status is automatically synchronized with your GeocacheNavigator.com account.

Off-Road Navigation (Trimble Outdoors)

The Trimble Outdoors application is used for off-road navigation. It leverages the built-in GPS on your smartphone (Blackberry, in this case) and the wireless cellular network to let you:

• Download pre-planned trips from the Trimble Outdoors Adventure Planner
• Navigate using POIs against a map background or with a digital compass
• Track your route and create a "bread crumb" trail so you find your way back
• Enter location-tagged notes, pictures, and sound to create a trip journal
• Create custom trips using tracks and POIs for activities such as hiking, off-roading, backpacking, or Geocaching

Figure 9: Trip Manager

The Trip Manager page lists all the trips that you have created or downloaded. New Trips, POIs, and Tracks can be added using this screen.

Figure 10: Map Screen

Your current location can be viewed against an aerial, topographic, or street map.

Pros

• Runs on your cell phone - no need to carry additional hardware
• Ability to record splits according to time or distance
• Ability to race against yourself (virtual competitor)
• Ability to download sessions and routes from other users
• Ability to view workouts on Google maps/Earth
• Wirelessly download Geocaches -- no need to manually enter caches or transfer .gpx files from a computer
• Ability to add custom waypoints (POIs)
• Ability to create audio POIs

Cons

• GPS not as sensitive as a dedicated handheld unit
• Applications are not linked. You have to exit the one you are currently working in and then restart a different application.
• Data not shared between applications
• No option to add a wireless heart rate monitor
• Requires cell phone coverage. No signal reception = no Trimble Outdoors
• Occasional software bugs (AllSport crashed on me twice and I received the cryptic "Uncaught exception java" error on the Blackberry phone).

Conclusion

For a fraction of the cost of a dedicated GPS, Trimble's suite of outdoor products turn your GPS-enabled cell phone into a feature-rich outdoor navigator. Trimble has been a leader in the GPS industry for 28 years, and it shows. The software is easy to use, and feels well thought out.

Each Trimble application can be purchased separately, and costs $6/month. The service only works when your phone is receiving both GPS and cellular signals, and the embedded GPS on a cell phone isn't as sensitive as a dedicated GPS unit, but there is an undeniable convenience factor of having a portable GPS & fitness trainer built-in to your cell phone.

If you're looking to track your outdoor fitness and recreation activities, or are curious about the growing popularity of Geocaching, Trimble's software offers a cost effective solution that works well and should serve you well. More detailed pricing and phone compatibility information is available at TrimbleOutdoors.com.