I received a Nuvi 650 for Christmas. When I registered it, I was told I was eligible for a free map upgrade. They showed two options, a $10 disk or a download. I downloaded the maps (2.08GB) which took a couple of hours using a high speed connection. Installation took about two more hours.
I'd suggest to anybody who gets a new GPSr to register it, download any free firmware and/or maps the manufacturer offers. Obviously for folks using dial-up connections will have to have the disk shipped to them.
I can't comment on whether the map data has been improved, since I never used the 2008 version.
It's a good idea first to research when the next map update is expected since now you'll have to pay for it. When I bought mine a couple years ago, I had already found out here there would be revised maps coming up a few months down the road, so I held back on registering it so I'd get them free.
My $0.02...
IMHO it's not at all unreasonable for there to be charges for map updates. I just wish they weren't as much (If they were $40 I'd update every year).
There is no way to offer free updates and still stay in business unless they are ad supported, in which case you end up paying for them anyway.
That being said, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a longer "grace period" for having up to date maps in newly purchased units. The current "60 day" update window should be at least 6 months to a year, or perhaps one free map update for the life of the unit. I find it very "convenient" that the 60 day window is too short to include units that are purchased for Christmas gifts...
Assuming you were referring to Garmin, the clock starts ticking when the unit is first turned on and acquires satellite signal, not from when the GPS is registered with Garmin.
Does anyone know how long it typically takes for changes to make it into the maps? We have construction of a new overpass near us which has already closed two roads permanently, realigned another and the new road will be completed sometime in the summer. I have reported those changes on the Navteq change page, (plus another closure that's been there for at least the last 8 years but wasn't on their map), but have no idea if or when it's going to appear on the Garmin maps.
Also I've read something about Nuvi's "learning" from your driving patterns. If we mark the closed road as a detour will that be "learnt" by the Garmin similar to the TomTom ability to update your own maps?
I simply emailed Garmin and nicely asked for an update, as I had recently purchased a c340. I then went on about what a great product Garmin put out, and how much I liked my Nuvi 260, and that I was gonna have to buy all my friends GPS's.
I am not above a wee bit of manipulation to achieve desired results...
Typically, major roads take 2 - 3 years to make it into the map updates. Smaller roads perhaps 3 - 4 years. POIs anywhere from 4 - 8+ years.
Well I admit I don't know how tough it is to update them, but that does seem an excessive amount of time, particularly for POI's. Around here a restaurant would be on it's third subsequent owner by then!
It does very much call into question the value of any kind of annual update if one is going to be paying $80 for data up to 4 years old. Something to think about. Thanks.
So I just called Garmin Tech support and inquired if my unit was availble for a free update and they said that they are in a "black out" right now so they can't view who's availible yet. What he did say though is that the 2009 Map does not even come out until May? Even the actual ship dates are not till sometime in May?
I will not even be able to find out until May if I get it free!
What's up with that?
Garmin sucks mann, for the price of the 2009 map updates(100$), I can have a brand new unit!!
Currently, the newest map for the Nuvi is the City Navigator NT 2009 map, released in May 2008. The 2010 maps will likely be released in May of this year.
It is always a balance on when to buy anything... I do agree that the "window" for a free update is a little too small. I do like the idea of "one" free update regardless of the timeframe of the purchase. Would make most happy, and still give garmin the sales opportunity for anything beyond the one freebe!
I would suggest Garmin upgrade version $10 each to original
I would suggest Garmin upgrade version $10 each to original Garmin GPS owner only. Let's do the math: $79 each, only 25,000 buyers, the revenue is only $200,000. If $10 each, there will be 850,000 buyer, then it will be $8,500,000. I don't understand why Garmin can't do it. They may have to pay their map contractor by each individual copy sold.
Yes, Garmin and any of the other companies have to pay a per user license fee for the map data. while I'm sure it's not close to the $79 they are charging, there is also the cost of converting the data to the form that's needed for your unit, the cost of CD making and the cost of profit.
About the cheapest I've ever seen an update CD is about $65 at Buy.com or somewhere. So there isn't much wiggle room on the cost of the product.
Personally, I feel like if you think that $60 or $70 is too much for you to pay, then don't. All the whining and moaning here isn't going to influence Garmin one bit.
If I wait for example like 2 or 3 years, do I will have to update my unit to the previous updates first or I will be able to update directly to 2012 maps lest's say?
I finally got my answer about not being able to zoom out all the way. In case any others are wondering the gmapbmap.img file was corrupted and needed to be replaced.
I am at about sixty days so I will try and get the update. Thanks for letting everyone know about it as I am new at this and I am still figuring it all out.
Just downloaded and installed CN North America NT 2009.11 version for my Nuvi 255W. It does not have the map correction I submitted little less than 2 months ago. When I purchased the unit, it had 2009 Map, so I am not sure how much have changed on 2009.11 map. (make sure you have couple of hours for this update..... 1.92GB file)
One thing I noticed on the unit was the ecoRoute icon but I belive it's part of the Unit Software update not the map.
I didn't have to pay for the update since my Nuvi is less than 60 days old.
Otherwise the update cost is about $119 one time fee for lifetime updates. Kind of high imo.
I downloaded the 2009.1 to my computer but cant figure out how to get it into my GPS. Downloadmanager is not working for me and cant seem to get activex installed. Any ideas?
It's a self extracting executable file that you download from Garmin to your desktop. Once on the desktop, all you have to do is double click on that file and it's pretty much automatic from there. Make sure GPS unit is connected to the PC before you double click on that file.
Garmin website have instruction file in PDF format.
You can get it from here >>>> log into your acct from My Garmin
then click on...
My Maps
Map Downloads
View Map download userguide.
I just followed that instructions... it is a long update, so make sure you have about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is there a standard time that the new maps arrive? I just bought a nuvi 750 in December 2008, and want to know if the map is the latest, or about to change in 2 months + 1 day (after free update period). Any help is appreciated.
Is there a standard time that the new maps arrive? I just bought a nuvi 750 in December 2008, and want to know if the map is the latest, or about to change in 2 months + 1 day (after free update period). Any help is appreciated.
Garmin just came out with new maps a few days ago and are going to release them around a quarterly basis now. The maps for the following year have tended to come out around April or so.
It's a self extracting executable file that you download from Garmin to your desktop. Once on the desktop, all you have to do is double click on that file and it's pretty much automatic from there. Make sure GPS unit is connected to the PC before you double click on that file.
Garmin website have instruction file in PDF format.
You can get it from here >>>> log into your acct from My Garmin
then click on...
My Maps
Map Downloads
View Map download userguide.
I just followed that instructions... it is a long update, so make sure you have about 1.5 to 2 hours.
The only thing I've noticed with the 1st quarter update is various streets in my area are now correctly shown with a space between each direction (the median). Before, it just showed as one line and wasn't split up between each direction. I haven't noticed any new streets added in my area just yet, but I'm still looking.
I just loaded the 2009.11 map update. Evidently the map info is still somewhat older(for my area anyway) as it doesn't show the section of a freeway in my area that opened up last October. I think I'll wait a year before updating the next time.
Garmin offers "try before you buy" feature on their website. You can go ther by clicking on...
Maps
Buy Maps
On the Road Maps
View All Regions (City Navigator NT®)
Click on the map you want and then
click on View Map tab.
Interactive window will pop and you can browse the map and make sure the update you are looking for is there before you buy the map.
At least this is what I was told by Garmin.
I am not 100% sure of the accuracy of the displayed map compared to the newest update.
Garmin offers "try before you buy" feature on their website. You can go ther by clicking on...
I am not 100% sure of the accuracy of the displayed map compared to the newest update.
Da_Libran
The map on line is not the new update map version, it is still the prior map before the update. I checked and there are streets and whole subdivisions that are not shown on the on line map but do show up on the new download 2009.11 updated maps.
-- Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps
Thanks.
I was trying to confirm this myself but was not able to. That's why I posted that I was not 100% sure.
Why is Garmin so behind in posting their newest map online ... since they have that feature, shouldn't it be the most current map version???
Unless you are a truck driver, as I am, or you otherwise travel in your work, I can't see that there's enough difference in the 2008 and the 2009 maps. I'd personally wait for the 2010, IF YOU DO NOT USE IT PROFESSIONALLY. I purchased the 2009 and still have problems finding addresses in business parks newer than 5 years old.
i do supermaket resets for a soda co. and i do a lot of driving in cal there is a lot of street changes and new one so i have had the 2009 maps so getting the life time maps for the price of the same i would pay each year seemed like a good idea
Unless you are a truck driver, as I am, or you otherwise travel in your work, I can't see that there's enough difference in the 2008 and the 2009 maps. I'd personally wait for the 2010, IF YOU DO NOT USE IT PROFESSIONALLY. I purchased the 2009 and still have problems finding addresses in business parks newer than 5 years old.
This is my feeling too. We blindly spend the money only to find later the road updates are not in areas we need. I also believe that unless you're buying the high end Garmin units, you're much better off upgrading GPS every year. There's not enough difference between the 760 and 765T to justify the price but if I buy what's left of the 760 series now I get the latest maps. The 200 series are even better value.
All you had to say was NO!
All you had to say was NO!
New Maps
I received a Nuvi 650 for Christmas. When I registered it, I was told I was eligible for a free map upgrade. They showed two options, a $10 disk or a download. I downloaded the maps (2.08GB) which took a couple of hours using a high speed connection. Installation took about two more hours.
I'd suggest to anybody who gets a new GPSr to register it, download any free firmware and/or maps the manufacturer offers. Obviously for folks using dial-up connections will have to have the disk shipped to them.
I can't comment on whether the map data has been improved, since I never used the 2008 version.
It's a good idea first to
It's a good idea first to research when the next map update is expected since now you'll have to pay for it. When I bought mine a couple years ago, I had already found out here there would be revised maps coming up a few months down the road, so I held back on registering it so I'd get them free.
Cost of updates
My $0.02...
IMHO it's not at all unreasonable for there to be charges for map updates. I just wish they weren't as much (If they were $40 I'd update every year).
There is no way to offer free updates and still stay in business unless they are ad supported, in which case you end up paying for them anyway.
That being said, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a longer "grace period" for having up to date maps in newly purchased units. The current "60 day" update window should be at least 6 months to a year, or perhaps one free map update for the life of the unit. I find it very "convenient" that the 60 day window is too short to include units that are purchased for Christmas gifts...
It's a good idea first to
Assuming you were referring to Garmin, the clock starts ticking when the unit is first turned on and acquires satellite signal, not from when the GPS is registered with Garmin.
So...
So is it worth it?
Does anyone have an answer
Does anyone have an answer to my question?
I updated to the 2009 Maps and now I can't zoom all the way out to the point where you can see the globe.
Garmin techsupport seems to be stumped too. Any ideas?
How long for changes to make it to the maps?
Does anyone know how long it typically takes for changes to make it into the maps? We have construction of a new overpass near us which has already closed two roads permanently, realigned another and the new road will be completed sometime in the summer. I have reported those changes on the Navteq change page, (plus another closure that's been there for at least the last 8 years but wasn't on their map), but have no idea if or when it's going to appear on the Garmin maps.
Also I've read something about Nuvi's "learning" from your driving patterns. If we mark the closed road as a detour will that be "learnt" by the Garmin similar to the TomTom ability to update your own maps?
.
Typically, major roads take 2 - 3 years to make it into the map updates. Smaller roads perhaps 3 - 4 years. POIs anywhere from 4 - 8+ years.
Getting mine for a Streetpilot c340!!
I simply emailed Garmin and nicely asked for an update, as I had recently purchased a c340. I then went on about what a great product Garmin put out, and how much I liked my Nuvi 260, and that I was gonna have to buy all my friends GPS's.
I am not above a wee bit of manipulation to achieve desired results...
Russ
Map update lag
Typically, major roads take 2 - 3 years to make it into the map updates. Smaller roads perhaps 3 - 4 years. POIs anywhere from 4 - 8+ years.
Well I admit I don't know how tough it is to update them, but that does seem an excessive amount of time, particularly for POI's. Around here a restaurant would be on it's third subsequent owner by then!
It does very much call into question the value of any kind of annual update if one is going to be paying $80 for data up to 4 years old. Something to think about. Thanks.
Reply to PaulATL
So I just called Garmin Tech support and inquired if my unit was availble for a free update and they said that they are in a "black out" right now so they can't view who's availible yet. What he did say though is that the 2009 Map does not even come out until May? Even the actual ship dates are not till sometime in May?
I will not even be able to find out until May if I get it free!
What's up with that?
Garmin sucks mann, for the price of the 2009 map updates(100$), I can have a brand new unit!!
What the heck??!!
newest maps?
What is teh latest Map file for Nuvi?
2009
What is teh latest Map file for Nuvi?
Currently, the newest map for the Nuvi is the City Navigator NT 2009 map, released in May 2008. The 2010 maps will likely be released in May of this year.
Here is a link to the maps page on the Garmin Web site: http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/maps
It is always a balance on
It is always a balance on when to buy anything... I do agree that the "window" for a free update is a little too small. I do like the idea of "one" free update regardless of the timeframe of the purchase. Would make most happy, and still give garmin the sales opportunity for anything beyond the one freebe!
I would suggest Garmin upgrade version $10 each to original
I would suggest Garmin upgrade version $10 each to original Garmin GPS owner only. Let's do the math: $79 each, only 25,000 buyers, the revenue is only $200,000. If $10 each, there will be 850,000 buyer, then it will be $8,500,000. I don't understand why Garmin can't do it. They may have to pay their map contractor by each individual copy sold.
.
Yes, Garmin and any of the other companies have to pay a per user license fee for the map data. while I'm sure it's not close to the $79 they are charging, there is also the cost of converting the data to the form that's needed for your unit, the cost of CD making and the cost of profit.
About the cheapest I've ever seen an update CD is about $65 at Buy.com or somewhere. So there isn't much wiggle room on the cost of the product.
Personally, I feel like if you think that $60 or $70 is too much for you to pay, then don't. All the whining and moaning here isn't going to influence Garmin one bit.
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267
What about waiting for updates?
If I wait for example like 2 or 3 years, do I will have to update my unit to the previous updates first or I will be able to update directly to 2012 maps lest's say?
.
You can skip versions.
Update
Any idea when the next update will be?
.
Typically, the updates for the North America maps have been released in the spring.
I finally got my answer
I finally got my answer about not being able to zoom out all the way. In case any others are wondering the gmapbmap.img file was corrupted and needed to be replaced.
Garmin North America 2009.1
Garmin North America 2009.1 NT map update was released today (1/21) ... and is now available for downloading or disk purchase.
This is the first (hence the .1) quarterly update offered as part of Garmin's lifetime map program.
If you purchased your GPS within 60 days of today, you should be eligible for a FREE upgrade to 2009.1
Garmin 205, 260W, 1450LMT, 2460LMT, HEREwego for iPhone ... all still mapping strong.
Garmin Lifetime Maps
I think I'm going to go for it. It doesn't make sense to pay $70 for one update when you can get lifetime for $120.
It doesn't make sense to buy a new unit either. I recently bought my 765T, but unfortunately more than 60 days ago.
Anyway, it's nice to see Garmin offering quarterly updates, but it remains to be seen how much will change for each update.
It also remains to be seen if Amazon, etc. are going to be able to sell this product cheaper. I think it's download only.
UPDATE: Oops, spoke too soon. Amazon has it for $107.99, but it's not in stock yet. http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-n%C3%BCMaps-Lifetime-America-Up...
Garmin North America 2009.1 Download Size
Garmin North America 2009.1 NT map update was released today (1/21) ... and is now available for downloading or disk purchase.
This is the first (hence the .1) quarterly update offered as part of Garmin's lifetime map program.
If you purchased your GPS within 60 days of today, you should be eligible for a FREE upgrade to 2009.1
Whew!! 1.92GB download. Thank goodness for my high speed Internet connection.
Nuvi 780
I am at about sixty days so
I am at about sixty days so I will try and get the update. Thanks for letting everyone know about it as I am new at this and I am still figuring it all out.
CN North America NT 2009.11 version
Just downloaded and installed CN North America NT 2009.11 version for my Nuvi 255W. It does not have the map correction I submitted little less than 2 months ago. When I purchased the unit, it had 2009 Map, so I am not sure how much have changed on 2009.11 map. (make sure you have couple of hours for this update..... 1.92GB file)
One thing I noticed on the unit was the ecoRoute icon but I belive it's part of the Unit Software update not the map.
I didn't have to pay for the update since my Nuvi is less than 60 days old.
Otherwise the update cost is about $119 one time fee for lifetime updates. Kind of high imo.
da_libran
I downloaded the 2009.1 to
I downloaded the 2009.1 to my computer but cant figure out how to get it into my GPS. Downloadmanager is not working for me and cant seem to get activex installed. Any ideas?
Installing Map Update On Nuvi
It's a self extracting executable file that you download from Garmin to your desktop. Once on the desktop, all you have to do is double click on that file and it's pretty much automatic from there. Make sure GPS unit is connected to the PC before you double click on that file.
Garmin website have instruction file in PDF format.
You can get it from here >>>> log into your acct from My Garmin
then click on...
My Maps
Map Downloads
View Map download userguide.
I just followed that instructions... it is a long update, so make sure you have about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Good Luck !
da_libran
Nuvi 255W User
map update garmin
Is there a standard time that the new maps arrive? I just bought a nuvi 750 in December 2008, and want to know if the map is the latest, or about to change in 2 months + 1 day (after free update period). Any help is appreciated.
New Maps
Is there a standard time that the new maps arrive? I just bought a nuvi 750 in December 2008, and want to know if the map is the latest, or about to change in 2 months + 1 day (after free update period). Any help is appreciated.
Garmin just came out with new maps a few days ago and are going to release them around a quarterly basis now. The maps for the following year have tended to come out around April or so.
Thanks for helping with the update.
It's a self extracting executable file that you download from Garmin to your desktop. Once on the desktop, all you have to do is double click on that file and it's pretty much automatic from there. Make sure GPS unit is connected to the PC before you double click on that file.
Garmin website have instruction file in PDF format.
You can get it from here >>>> log into your acct from My Garmin
then click on...
My Maps
Map Downloads
View Map download userguide.
I just followed that instructions... it is a long update, so make sure you have about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Good Luck !
da_libran
Nuvi 255W User
Thanks for helping with the
Thanks for helping with the update. I was making it harder than what it actually is. Now I need to figure out how to reply while using a quote.
Reply To Quote
Now I need to figure out how to reply while using a quote.
Simply type what you need to say underneath
Reply to Help
Now I need to figure out how to reply while using a quote.
Simply type what you need to say underneath
Thanks for the help!
I think I am going to go
I think I am going to go with the lifetime update. $119 from garmin good for the life of the gps and updated every 1/4
2009 up dates
Radio world may or will get update for you ,in toronto.ont.
The Home of BLUMARU HOUNDS
2009 update
I have mine installed and didn't see a lot of changes that were made. me thinks I may have spent the $$$ for a lot of nothing...
My.02
So many roads so little time.
map update
The only thing I've noticed with the 1st quarter update is various streets in my area are now correctly shown with a space between each direction (the median). Before, it just showed as one line and wasn't split up between each direction. I haven't noticed any new streets added in my area just yet, but I'm still looking.
This one was free, so I didn't lose much.
Joe38
would y ou buy new unit for every new map?
And in the "good old days," I couldn't go down to the bookstore and get a new atlas or map book just because I bought last year's version.
but they dont cost few hundreds. would you buy a new unit everytime a new map comes out?
i think they're putting in extra bs and so had to charge premium.
i've tried to update mine,
i've tried to update mine, evidently there's nothing available
Make sure to check using My
Make sure to check using My Garmin page at https://my.garmin.com/mygarmin/customers/myGarminHome.faces .The 350 is listed for lifetime maps.
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.
I just loaded the 2009.11
I just loaded the 2009.11 map update. Evidently the map info is still somewhat older(for my area anyway) as it doesn't show the section of a freeway in my area that opened up last October. I think I'll wait a year before updating the next time.
OK.....so where the heck am I?
Try before you buy!
Garmin offers "try before you buy" feature on their website. You can go ther by clicking on...
Maps
Buy Maps
On the Road Maps
View All Regions (City Navigator NT®)
Click on the map you want and then
click on View Map tab.
Interactive window will pop and you can browse the map and make sure the update you are looking for is there before you buy the map.
At least this is what I was told by Garmin.
I am not 100% sure of the accuracy of the displayed map compared to the newest update.
Da_Libran
The map on line is not the new update map version
Garmin offers "try before you buy" feature on their website. You can go ther by clicking on...
I am not 100% sure of the accuracy of the displayed map compared to the newest update.
Da_Libran
The map on line is not the new update map version, it is still the prior map before the update. I checked and there are streets and whole subdivisions that are not shown on the on line map but do show up on the new download 2009.11 updated maps.
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps
Thanks for confirming....
Thanks.
I was trying to confirm this myself but was not able to. That's why I posted that I was not 100% sure.
Why is Garmin so behind in posting their newest map online ... since they have that feature, shouldn't it be the most current map version???
Da_Libran
Major difference
Unless you are a truck driver, as I am, or you otherwise travel in your work, I can't see that there's enough difference in the 2008 and the 2009 maps. I'd personally wait for the 2010, IF YOU DO NOT USE IT PROFESSIONALLY. I purchased the 2009 and still have problems finding addresses in business parks newer than 5 years old.
major diff
i do supermaket resets for a soda co. and i do a lot of driving in cal there is a lot of street changes and new one so i have had the 2009 maps so getting the life time maps for the price of the same i would pay each year seemed like a good idea
nuvi 5000 & nuvi 200w
( lifetime maps )
Not worth buying lifetime upgrade
Unless you are a truck driver, as I am, or you otherwise travel in your work, I can't see that there's enough difference in the 2008 and the 2009 maps. I'd personally wait for the 2010, IF YOU DO NOT USE IT PROFESSIONALLY. I purchased the 2009 and still have problems finding addresses in business parks newer than 5 years old.
This is my feeling too. We blindly spend the money only to find later the road updates are not in areas we need. I also believe that unless you're buying the high end Garmin units, you're much better off upgrading GPS every year. There's not enough difference between the 760 and 765T to justify the price but if I buy what's left of the 760 series now I get the latest maps. The 200 series are even better value.
2010 coming soon?
waiting for the 2010 update. should be coming soon right?