I have used a lot of Nokia maps and never felt need of compass - not even with Drive+ beta (as mentioned here, it has a compass) ... well, there is a plenty of compass apps in store, if needed ... about Nokia maps, it is a true OFFLINE maps - gmaps is a great one too, as long as you have internet connection ... but Nokia maps is better one to use in foreign countries, during holidays, business trips, etc. - I have all them installed, but I prefer to use Nokia maps, with predownloaded country maps ...