520 as a geocache phone with no service?

airjeff

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May 22, 2013
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I was wondering if the 520 would make a good geocaching phone for my kids. I always cringe when I give them mine. It would have NO service, just use wifi. I'd either have a hot spot or use a different phone for the wifi. I didn't know how great the GPS was in the phone and if it relied on the cell service to assist it? I could also use it as a Skype/messaging phone so they had some option for communication with me. The bundle deal with Xbox Music is hard to pass up if this works.
 

T Moore

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Jan 21, 2013
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I pulled out my 521, sim but no service. Here Maps works, I can get directions and I checked to update my map and let me know I had an update. It showed my location and gave me a satellite view.
 

AndrewMBaines

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Nov 22, 2013
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I use the geocaching.com app on my 520. When I'm going out, I download the local caches on to the phone over wifi. Once they're cached, they're available without a data connection.
 

airjeff

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Thanks guys, That's good info. Anyone else tried using GPS for an extended period without cell service? I'm guessing it might just take a little longer to lock because it won't know what satellites to look for, but it might be able to download that info across wifi also. I haven't read up on this stuff since the WinMo6.x days, LOL.

I haven't seen any, but there aren't any wireless charging cases for the 520 are there? That would be perfect for a kids phone. It doesn't need NFC or a super sweet high res screen, but wireless charging would help kid-proof the phone. :)

Edit: I found the CC-3068. I'm not sure it would work?

Edit #2: LOL, I looked more and that is the standard cover, a couple vendors listed it as wireless, not sure why.
 
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fdalbor

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The 520 works just fine for the things you want to do with it without a sim. I bought one to use as a backup to my 820 and use it all the time. It gets OS updates and everything just like you were using a network with a sim, as the updates can be received using wifi. The 520 does not have a wireless charging back shell like the 820. I have one for my 820.
 

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