V-8 mapor 2008 map in c550 Has anyone gotten a c550 with 2008 map software yet. Garmin said that they stopped V-8 and have changed over to the 2008 but will not give you the update, you have to pay for it. When I asked amazon they don't know which one they have?ThanksMike V-8 mapor 2008 map in c550 Has anyone gotten a c550 with 2008 map software yet. Garmin said that they stopped V-8 and have changed over to the 2008 but will not give you the update, you have to pay... » Read More V-8 mapor 2008 map in c550 Has anyone gotten a c550 with 2008 map software yet. Garmin said that they stopped V-8 and have changed over to the 2008 but will not give you the update, you have to pay for it. When I asked amazon they don't know which one they have?ThanksMike « Show Less
1642958
Interested on the same thing. However, on the Garmin's website they say that City Navigator 2008 is available starting with July 12, 2007. I believe it may take a while until some units with the new software arrive at amazon. It's not fair that they won't tell the version of the software installed.
87213
I bought the C550 from Amazon a week and a half ago. It came loaded with 2008 map software. I returned it for the nuvi 650, though, as I found the traffic and bluetooth features unnecessary, and liked the wide-screen of the nuvis better.
1642959
I noticed today that PCNation.com today has placed the verbiage "North America NT 2008" on its web page on most of its Garmin GPS models that it sells including the C550.
1809952
So what about the Lifetime Map Updates? Some of the more recent reviews make it seem like they are no longer functioning. Is this true? And how old is this model/when was it first released? Thanks in advance!Edit: Thought I'd add that I just bought an XL 335 SE from Wal-Mart on Black Friday for $80. It works well, but it seems like this would be a significant upgrade from that model for only $10 more! Tell me if I'm wrong!
661428
I spoke to the product representative at Amazon and he confirmed that it comes with 2008 maps and NOT 2009.However, Garmin is providing a free update to the 2009 maps if we register the product online in their website.
2179223
In my opinion the map updates are nice, but not a big deal. I've seen that even with "current" maps, they will not always know about new subdivisions, and intersection traffic changes. i.e. it might take a few YEARS for their data to really get updated. The biggest annoyance to me is that after your first year runs out, the thing brings up a "your maps are out-of-date" warning that you have to hit "OK" to, each time you turn it on. This is basically just a "nag" so they can sell you a map update. Don't get me wrong -- I'd like to have the map updates -- just that is seems silly for them to charge a large amount for the update, when now the price of the GPS unit itself is now not much more than the price they charge for the "map update" feature. But if you find a good deal on a unit with map updates -- that's an extra bonus, and makes it a better deal. One thing: be warned that "lifetime traffic" is a totally different service -- it comes from a radio receiver in the cord (of some Garmin units) -- and in some cases, tells you traffic updates, but also puts advertisements on your screen. It has nothing to do with map updates, so be careful in reading the descriptions of what you're getting. All that said, I just got a 255WT (the Traffic add-on was from another retailer) and I am very happy with it. Even though it was produced sometime earlier in 2010, you do get ONE map update online from Garmin, so you can bring it up-to-date as of the time you first register it.
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.
594140
stay away from any Mios,unless you want 50 year old maps..just returned a c230 thinking the maps were updated from the c310x i returned,but they are still way out of date.Mio doesnt have a clue about maps...my 2 year old Garmin C320 has way more updated maps than a Brand new Mio...be warned with this Brand you get waht you pay for!!
1009640
I haven't tried this. I uninstalled the 2007 version to install the 2011 version. I also did not save any older version maps.
180492
Maps that are 3-4 years old are considered new. There is no support from Power Acoustik or navteq but i'm sure there are other units that share the same maps which you can upgrade. Since the maps are on a SD card i'm sure there's a way to update it, just not through Power Acoustik or Navteq.
485281
EARL -- curious about the time line in your post. I see that on the Magellan site they show Map Upgrade v45 as being the most current. If I read your post correctly, that upgrade was originally released in Dec 2011 and then retracted and in Feb you still didn't have it? That would suggest the current Map Upgrade v45 is at BEST 5 months old (if they released it February 19th
639394
I bought mine 10 days ago from Amazon and it came with the 2008 map loaded. As Randy Thress said, you must register your product within 60 days and you get the 2009 map unlocked from the Garmin site for free.
1004703
I would update the maps when you purchase it. I am still using mine with a few small glitches in the maps and it isn't a big deal, but I would update them if I were going to Europe. When I was in Italy in 2012 they worked flawless!
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.
661433
I just received my Garmin 350 today from Amazon. It did not come with the latest maps but if you go to Garmin's website and and register the GPS you can get a free update to the maps. You will also want to update the firmware on the GPS to the latest firmware from Garmin.This can all be done easily from the Garmin website.
1184888
No it is a ripoff. You have to buy an $89 card at BESTBUY to update the maps. It is worthless. I am throwing it in trash. I had 2 buy $150 Garmin at best Buy 2day!!!!
183356
I just called Garmin. The person who answered the phone said that if you get a unit with V8 mapping data you will be sent a free update when they become available at the end of July 2007 [or maybe early August]. To get the free update, don't order it through ordinary channels. Call customer support and talk to a person. He reassured me that it won't matter who I happen to talk to when I call back; this is the new policy. It tool me 10 minutes to get through at 10:40AM PDT. As soon as they announce the update, at which point the rumor of the new policy will have spread far and wide, i'm sure wait times will increase, but there's a finite number of units covered so it'll settle down if you wait a week or so. They also told me to expect substantial improvements in the map data and POI data of V2008 over V8. This last statement, of course, should be taken with a grain of salt. -dk
1392417
Robert:Under ||Settings||Map||Map Info|| it will tell you the version.The newest map-version (which everyone calls "V.9") does not actually say V.9 in the unit's settings.The new version reads: "City Navigator North America NT 2008" -while-The old version reads "City Navigator North America V.8"Most people probably wouldn't know the difference (unless they are in an area that has had significant road-changes over the past few years), but I do understand that ALL OF US want the new maps!!! Whether we benefit from them, or not, we all want the newest goodies...:-) Robert:Under ||Settings||Map||Map Info|| it will tell you the version.The newest map-version (which everyone calls "V.9") does not actually say V.9 in the unit's settings.The new version reads: "City Navigator North America NT 2008" -while-The old version reads "City Navigator North America V.8"Most people probably wouldn't know the difference (unless they are in an area that has had significant road-changes over the past few years), but I do understand that ALL OF US want the new maps!!! Whether we... » Read More Robert:Under ||Settings||Map||Map Info|| it will tell you the version.The newest map-version (which everyone calls "V.9") does not actually say V.9 in the unit's settings.The new version reads: "City Navigator North America NT 2008" -while-The old version reads "City Navigator North America V.8"Most people probably wouldn't know the difference (unless they are in an area that has had significant road-changes over the past few years), but I do understand that ALL OF US want the new maps!!! Whether we benefit from them, or not, we all want the newest goodies...:-) « Show Less
2041185
I found that the 3rd party maps ordered at a greatly discounted price does not allow for updates of maps. I guess if it came with the maps preloaded you would get the lifetime updates (LM). I currently have the European maps and get the updates. Did you purchase the unit with LM designated behind model number?