are you bothered with ads with this model? I have heard the problem with free lifetime Maps is the ads are a real annoyance
1244638
I've never seen ads on any GPS I've ever owned (Garmin, MIO, etc), so I don't understand the question. (later add) Just returned from a 3,000 mile trip and I thought about the question... There ARE (sort of) product identities presented on the screen, but I don't see them as ads. For example, as you're driving, if there is a BP station ahead, a tiny BP sign, complete with their recognizable logo, will appear where the gas station is located. Same with other gas stations, restaurants, fast food outlets etc. Banks have a $ dollar sign, unnammed restaurants have a fork and spoon, and rest areas have men's and women's room recognizable signs. But they're not advertisements, just info.
1244639
Nancy, I haven't had any ads & I think I've updated twice now. Sorry, I couldn't help.
1244640
I've never seen ads on any GPS I've ever owned (Garmin, MIO, etc), so I don't understand the question.(later add)Just returned from a 3,000 mile trip and I thought about the question... There ARE (sort of) product identities presented on the screen, but I don't see them as ads. For example, as you're driving, if there is a BP station ahead, a tiny BP sign, complete with their recognizable logo, will appear where the gas station is located. Same with other gas stations, restaurants, fast food outlets etc. Banks have a $ dollar sign, unnammed restaurants have a fork and spoon, and rest areas have men's and women's room recognizable signs. But they're not advertisements, just info. I've never seen ads on any GPS I've ever owned (Garmin, MIO, etc), so I don't understand the question.(later add)Just returned from a 3,000 mile trip and I thought about the question... There ARE (sort of) product identities presented on the screen, but I don't see them as ads. For example, as you're driving, if there is a BP station ahead, a tiny BP sign, complete with their recognizable logo, will appear where the gas station is located. Same with other gas stations, restaurants, fast food outlets etc. Banks have a $ dollar sign, unnammed restaurants have a fork and... » Read More I've never seen ads on any GPS I've ever owned (Garmin, MIO, etc), so I don't understand the question.(later add)Just returned from a 3,000 mile trip and I thought about the question... There ARE (sort of) product identities presented on the screen, but I don't see them as ads. For example, as you're driving, if there is a BP station ahead, a tiny BP sign, complete with their recognizable logo, will appear where the gas station is located. Same with other gas stations, restaurants, fast food outlets etc. Banks have a $ dollar sign, unnammed restaurants have a fork and spoon, and rest areas have men's and women's room recognizable signs. But they're not advertisements, just info. « Show Less
1244641
I have not had any noticeable problems with ads. I don't remember seeing any ads as a matter of fact.
1451548
I bought one during Prime day and received it on July 16th 2015. The one I received had maps of both North America and Europe pre-loaded. I plugged it in and both maps updated (put a 32GB SD card in mine first that I had already) without issue. My Tom Tom account shows lifetime updates for both maps. Hope this helps others trying to decide.
1858734
When I emailed NG, the person responded that their software works with the 60CSx. Just one week ago I first tried to download the maps into it and found that it can not be done. I emailed back a complaint and they indicated, as you did, that it only will transfer routes and waypoints. This screwed up my opportunity to use it on a vacation from which I just returned. So, I guess I'd better change my review so I don't give someone else the same misinformation.Sorry for any confusion. I was mislead by NG.
1974511
I purchased a Garmin Nuvi in December of 2012 and there have been NO UPDATES to the "free" lifetime maps as of January 2015 .... ripoff!!!
1801037
Garmin's website is still showing $60/year for the FM Traffic subscription. Are you sure about your info? I just bought the c580, so it's not really a concern for me, but if the price continues to drop I may replace my other c3xx series GPS (the c580 went to my wife) with a 550 or 580.
630378
Map updates are rarely needed for the lifetime of the GPS... I would NEVER EVER pay a monthly fee... Ripp-off
419466
Actually there is a way to turn off the ads! You have to pay for a lifetime subscription on a device you already have a free lifetime subscription on! The way they "pay" for the free lifetime is to include ads. If you don't want the ads then you pay something like $65 to re-register the FM receiver as an ad free lifetime service. I don't find the ads all that intrusive to pay another $65.
1018250
What's up Frank! Hope you're doing well. I think you might have to update the maps. I am not a specialist, but I recently recieved a message on my GPS startup screen to update the map (have yet to do so). Last year when this issue happened, the map update helped fix address issue, temporarily. Gramin offers free up-to-date maps on their website. Overall it is a good GPS for finding LOCAL locations. I have found that once you'd been to the area with the GPS on, it records the satellite points for faster access in the future. Make sure you flip open the antennae (square flap) to connect. Accuracy is like 7.65900/10 and has internal issues like the one Frank talked about. The GPS itself (internal software) is 5/10. It's okay and has bugs when you are typing in the address. It only accepts a specific format for addresses (something like zip code, city, house #, street name). I would recommend it only if you are looking for something cheap and are somewhat are familiar with the compass rose and major landmarks in the city.
646556
Joyce, go for the 1300LM..and btw, this model has no traffic (the 1300LMT has). The free lifetime maps by itself is well worth getting this Garmin (which uses NAVTEQ versus the unreliable TELEATLAS of Tomtom).
1255573
so the map in it doesnt 'expire' forcing you to get a new map? i was under the impression it was like a subscription and after x amount of time the device didnt work any more til you got the new subscription..?
1248107
I've owned this unit (before "lifetime Maps and Traffic) for about a year and a half now. I've updated my maps approx once per quarter when Garmin makes them available. The updates take a while, but they do, in fact, offer them. When I got mine I had to purchase "lifetime maps" as an additional option. The units of today are almost all including lifetime map updates as part of the unit.For the price here on the Gold Box ....... It's a steal! Go for it.
541688
It included lifetime maps when new. I don't know if that would transfer if the unit were sold to someone who tried to re-register it. The map updates come 4 times per year and need to be done with the gps hooked up to an internet connected computer.
1099990
this unit seems very good i havent used it alot but it does have the US map installed. it is pretty accurate. i will check later about canada. i do not know about lifetime updates. also it does pick up a signal pretty well.
1151671
they show up constantly blocking a section of map. If i'm trying to find a short cut by getting a view of the streets I might use, the ad blocks my ability to survey the near horizon. and they do come up while I'm moving. funny thing is they didn't show up at all until I downloaded my second firmware update... grrr. I really feel they devalue the unit past endurance.
1658708
No, i'v never gotten any pop up ads. Its a great GPS. It makes this beeping sound before your supposed to make a turn. Thats why its amazing. You will never miss a turn.
1151675
I think that it's not OK that all it says on the box is "free traffic" instead of "free traffic with ads." I don't quite feel fully-informed by Garmin. I'm thinking seriously about returning my unit just because I don't like being treated like that.
1495686
The ads are how they are able to offer free lifetime traffic and only show up if you are using the FM traffic receiver. The ads are not too obtrusive. I tested the traffic feature in Southern California for a couple of weeks, but decided that it wasn't useful enough. I'd be interested if others have found it useful.