MapQuest, which like Weblogs, Inc. is subsidiary of AOL, just launched its beta version of MapQuest 4 Mobile for compatible BlackBerry devices.

MapQuest 4 Mobile essentially brings MapQuest to your BlackBerry. You can search for directions, search for a business by name or cateogry and get traffic reports from your area or around your destination. Certain features, like looking up a business, are almost better on the phone than on the desktop, because you have the option of actually calling the business, if a phone number is available.

In this beta, MapQuest 4 Mobile only technically supports the 8830 running on Sprint, and the 8800, 8820 and 8310 on AT&T. All of these devices have built-in GPS (Verizon disables the GPS on its version of the 8830, which I assume is why Sprint was specifically mentioned), which MapQuest 4 Mobile can use to find the user's location, track traffic stats, etc.

I have a 8320 on T-Mobile that does not have built-in GPS (though it can be tethered to a BlueTooth GPS device), but I was still able to test the program out. It installed without a hitch. Some features, like "find me" obviously do not work, but entering in an address manually works fine for finding nearby restaurants, gathering directions or grabbing traffic updates. Although the program is a little slow, the interface is very, very nice and very easy to use. If I have any caveats, it is that it is clearly designed to be used with a GPS and that makes using it on a non-GPS phone a bit of a pain, as I have to type in my starting location over and over again.

So how is this any different from Google Maps for BlackBerry? In truth, it is very, very similar. Google uses My Location to find an approximate location if your BlackBerry doesn't have built-in GPS, but the two programs are very similar. I do find MapQuest's business search to be a bit better, but the Google Maps was much faster on my phone.

MapQuest 4 Mobile is free and available now.