I actually put in the url without the v=w2.9 and it got me a map. The v-w2.9 was the thing that was killing it. I then put in the following url as you suggested:
http://mt.google.com/mt?v=w2.999&x=4&y=2&zoom=14
and it worked fine. Maybe we don't even have to use the version parameter. Here it is without the version:
http://mt.google.com/mt?x=4&y=2&zoom=14

Thank you for taking the time to help with this. This whole issue with downloading these maps is somewhat mysterious and now I think I understand it. I wonder what other parameters can be used. I now can write some Perl code that will do my own bulk downloads to my desktop. I will try to write up a wiki on this. Not sure how to post it to the maemo wiki but I may post it to may own website. I may include the Perl code as well.

Thanks for all the help.

rhackenb