the compass can be used in google maps in the street view mode. Spare Parts allows you to turn on "compass in maps" but it doesn't do anything that I can tell

 

Which manual? I just looked in the eris manual that I got and there are only 3 mentions of the compass. First shows you the icon in the notification bar when the compass needs calibration, second is talking about street view in google maps, and last is in the phone specs.

 

Where is that manual?

 

I guess I'm confused as to what the priblem is. I have that same manual. The page you are talking about is showing how to enable the compass in street view mode. What it says Is exactly what it does.