Look for the "command line utility to clear GPS data" and the location-test-gui (check comment #55 for the link) at https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=7026. The discussion there is also interesting.
Summary: The GPS does lock without internet (at least mine does), it just takes a fair amount of time. Ovi Maps shuts the GPS down before it is able to lock, and thus you never get any fix at all. I usually fire up the location-test-gui app (you could also use the Location widget or eCoach) to keep the GPS busy so Ovi Maps won't close it, and then Ovi Maps.
thanks mate will be trying this and report back if anything develops
n900 gps is amazing, i had a feeling there was a problem with the hardware or firmware that doesnt allow offline use of gps but it does and is quick. i use location test gui to get the lock and pull up maps and it works like a charm. compared it with an n95 i have and whereas n95 could see 3 satellites, n900 could see 11 sitting side by side on my balcony. n900 got a lock in a minute or less, whereas n95 was struggling. something to do with the maps app that it doesnt look for satellites long enough, but once you have the location test gui on your phone, using it to get a lock is quick i must say...and all of this was offline, i.e. without any internet connection though once you get a lock, the location test gui annoyingly keeps popping up the connection list forcing you to close the gui but by then maps app shows exactly where you are.
