GPS Equipped Mobile as Navigator. Free or Not?

Question

I wonder if a GPS equipped phone is able to navigate without GPRS, i.e. with no internet or not?

I think once you have the maps, using the GPS you do not need connecting to the GPRS.

Is this correct?

In particular, I am in Dubai and I am considering to purchase Sony W760. I am not subscribed to a data service (GPRS) and I do not want to pay for such services. (Wasel prepaid)

Can I use W760 as a navigator lifetime for free?

Is it possible to download maps, etc. by a PC and then transfer to the phone?

Does it have enough memory to have all the maps offline?

What about Nokina N95?

A guy at Carrefour was telling me only HTC has real navigator phones without a need to pay extra subscription charges.

Any experience?

Answer 1

Speaking only for Nokia N95 the maps and positioning is free, the navigation and routing is subject to a license fee.

Since Sony doesn't produce maps but instead they license the technology just the same as Sony and Google does I would expect the same limitation on a Sony device.

That of course unless we're talking of a dedicated navigation only product in which case the licensing price is included in the device's price.