Map updates Does Garmin allow map updates beyond the 2009 update? Like, say, I want to update the maps on a regular basis (once or twice a year). I assume that's possible. Is there a fee for updates?Sorry if the questions sound stupid, but I've never had GPS and am looking to get one soon. Map updates Does Garmin allow map updates beyond the 2009 update? Like, say, I want to update the maps on a regular basis (once or twice a year). I assume that's possible. Is there a fee for... » Read More Map updates Does Garmin allow map updates beyond the 2009 update? Like, say, I want to update the maps on a regular basis (once or twice a year). I assume that's possible. Is there a fee for updates?Sorry if the questions sound stupid, but I've never had GPS and am looking to get one soon. « Show Less
1626847
That's fine. I probably won't update it that often. Just as long as I can update it if I need to (I got the impression - right or wrong - that you need to buy a new receiver to get updated maps).
1626848
All map updates from all manufacturers cost money. Some more than others, but none are free.
1626849
Thanks. I think people were talking about buying newer units so they wouldn't have to pay for updates for older units, and not because the maps weren't updatable. That's what confused me.
639389
I just got off the phone with "Adam" from garmin. He told me (and confirmed it before answering) that if you buy a Garmin 360 you can get a "complimentary" 2009 map upgrade IF it is not already including. Which map included depends on packing date. The point to remember is you MUST REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT WITHIN 60 DAYS or you will have to pay for the update. I hope this helps.
128505
Yes, you do have to pay for updates. Garmin just released updated maps. They are FREE for recent buyers of other units. But, Garmin will NOT give a free copy to buyers of the Garmin i5. The updated maps cost $70.
732651
No, and so far no Map updates available.Get yourself a waterproof case for the Garmin, I stopped using this and put my Garmin in a case.
639390
I really want to buy this GPS, but I won't until I make sure that i will get the new maps 2009, but it seems like it's a lot of headache, I don't know why it should be like this anyway, we are in 2009, how come i buy it with 2008 maps !!
1933825
No but you can purchase map upgrades ONE TIME from Garmin that are good for the life of the Unit. It does come with lifetime traffic though.
1722184
I have a 255, 255w's smaller brother with identical features, and have been using it for over a year. I love it, but once you get your free map update online, you have to buy future updates fron Garmin at hefty prices. It is cheaper to buy a new unit than pay for lifetime updates($119). A onetime update is @ $60. Though I love my 255, it's a pretty stiff toll. I'm thinking of trying something different, because there has been some new road construction near me, and my current maps don't always suit.
1515718
Osama Sajiid I purchased my garmin streetPilot C580 from Amazon about 2 months ago (around 9/15/2008). Mine came with 2008 maps. I called garmin within a couple days after receiving it from Amazon and updated to the 2009 maps for free. It took about 4 hours to download the 2009 Maps to a file on my PC (I have DSL). It then took nearly two more hours to install the Maps from the file on my PC to the C580. I believe that Garmin only gives you 30 days from the time you register your GPS to update the Map file for free. After that, you have to pay. I think garmin charges around $100 to update your map file. You can actually purchase a map update from COSTCO on CD for a little more than half what Garmin charges. I saved the file I downloaded for my 2009 maps. That way, if for any reason my map file gets corrupted on my GPS, I won't have to pay to download another file later. UPDATE: We purchased another Garmin C580 for our son for XMAS. I tried to update his MAPS to 2009 but was not able to do it. Garmin requires you to get an authorization code (by calling in) to update the maps. The AUTHORIZATION code will only work to update the map file ONCE. To update my sons map file to 2009 (on my computer which had the downloaded map file on it already from updating mine), we had to call in & get another authorization code. There was no charge because his unit was new. We could use the MAP file I downloaded to update my maps to 2009,and thus saved the four hour download time (on my PC which has DSL). However, we had to have a new authorization code.
947743
Good Eveining, The GPS is normally the current maps of USA and CANADA. I would assume that they would be the up to date ones. For the updates you would probably have to speak with the manufacturer. Unfortunately the cost is your decision. There are pros and cons for GPS so i would just think about if it is worth it to you financially. Thank you.
451073
I would suggest that you contact Garmin technical support and ask that same question to be sure your unit will support it - I have an older model Garmin nuvi and the last update I downloaded required me to put a memory card in to hold the amount of data - it was cheap enough - but something to consider is whether your unit will support current and future map updates & downloads - if your unit will support this lifetime maps update, go for it - great deal
1787987
Hi. Go to Garmin.com and find your GPS model listed there. Then click on "Update Maps". Then enter your payment information and download the new 2014/2015 map. Expensive as heck, but worth it if need the latest. Option Two: buy a new (updated & preloaded) GPS for around $100- to $130-.Personally I'd rather buy a new one than update my 2 year old Garmin. Your call of course!Good luck! ;-D
485283
Magellan rarely proivides map updates. I purchased 2 5045LMs in 2010 and have received only ONE map update. With Lifetime Map Updates they are supposed to occur 4 times a year, but I have only received 1. Not good for their Lifetime Map Updates.
174335
Mine is Year 2013 Version, But Garmin can be updated once a year if you care to do that, very little changes occur in this area, that I'm not aware of.
960025
Every day, week, and month there is road improvement. When new roads and made, or changed the internet can correct and modify the new work. If you were to purchase a new GPS each year that would really start to add up. With the update every three months you will keep up as much as can be done. four updates and improvements yearly. If you use this for vacationing it will have the updated travel information.
342291
I called Garmin on July 13, 2007 (yesterday) regarding the updates for my then Garmin Nuvi 680. (I have since returned the unit to Amazon)---Anyway, I was told the updates would be available in a few weeks and would not be free. The cost was available, but I assume it will be the $75. Evidently there are mixed responses either from Garmin, or from Garmin Owners as to what will be "free" and what will be available for a fee due to Garmin Customer Service not having a standard anwer to this question when you finally get a hold of someone there (30 min. wait on the phone).So, until it happens no one will know for sure. I called Garmin on July 13, 2007 (yesterday) regarding the updates for my then Garmin Nuvi 680. (I have since returned the unit to Amazon)---Anyway, I was told the updates would be available in a few weeks and would not be free. The cost was available, but I assume it will be the $75. Evidently there are mixed responses either from Garmin, or from Garmin Owners as to what will be "free" and what will be available for a fee due to Garmin Customer Service not having a standard anwer to this question when you finally get a hold of someone there (30 min. wait on the phone).So,... » Read More I called Garmin on July 13, 2007 (yesterday) regarding the updates for my then Garmin Nuvi 680. (I have since returned the unit to Amazon)---Anyway, I was told the updates would be available in a few weeks and would not be free. The cost was available, but I assume it will be the $75. Evidently there are mixed responses either from Garmin, or from Garmin Owners as to what will be "free" and what will be available for a fee due to Garmin Customer Service not having a standard anwer to this question when you finally get a hold of someone there (30 min. wait on the phone).So, until it happens no one will know for sure. « Show Less
239921
Want to know if map updates are available for this GPS? Free or not. if not, in a year or two maps tend to become unreliable. Want to know how much cost?
268455
The garmin maps are no good. Pretty outdated and are not life time. You need to download the latest maps if updates are available.