Updated maps and POI for Garmin

If you buy a new unit after a new map set is released, and your unit has the old map, you get a free upgrade. Otherwise, it costs the $75.

For details, see http://www.garmin.com/unlock/update.jsp

If you don't register your unit till the update is released you get it for free.

I thought someone were telling me that Garmin caught on to people registering there product just before a new version came out.

Michael

I'm confused about updates for Garman models. For map updates I understand you have to buy the new updates after your purchase. What about firmware (software for the system operation)? Are these updates provided free as long as you have the unit or do you have to pay for these also? Somewhere I read that you get one update free but I don't know if that is for maps or firmware. I have a nuvi 350 and an eTrex Legend.

Firmware updates are free of charge. Map updates are for purchase and are generally released yearly. If you go to the Garmin site and look under Support>Updates and Downloads>Map Updates, you will find the last date for the map updates.

After speaking with Garmin rep I was informed that map upgrades are free for a couple or three months after you purchase your unit. In other words if there is a map update with in that time frame you are supposed to get the free map upgrade. There does not appear to be a well defined timeline for the free upgrade. Probably will depend on who you get on the phone.

Thanks for the direction on where to find the updates and the official policy!

I may have somehow missed it, but I didn't see a schedule for the release.

So do we know when the next version is scheduled to come out? Or when the last one did come out and the average length between releases?

Finally do you have to register to get your GPS to work in the first place? Otherwise, it would seem worthwhile to do as suggested and not register until there is a new release so that you could have the most up-to-date data.

The c550 uses City Navigator North America NT. The current version is 8.00 and it had a release date of Apr 05, 2006 and a shipping date of Sep 14, 2006. Since Garmin releases about once per year, I would expect it around September of 2007. (Just a guess as I haven't had a unit long enough to experience the cycle)

You can use your unit without registering, however you will not be able to get technical help. Not sure about firmware updates, however they just released some in February so I don't expect another one soon. Also, if you register the unit, and it is stolen, Garmin should be able to help if someone returns it. (If you use the software lock, someone else can't use the unit. There is one thread on this site of someone who "obtained" a locked unit and then contacted Garmin. Since it wasn't registered, Garmin could not return it to the original owner).

I called and got Garmin to send me a copy of City Navagator v8 on CD since my c340 came preloaded. I was told that they would send a hard copy on CD if you asked. Well they asked my Name, Address, Phone #, Plus the serial # of my GPS unit so they could ship it to me. Does this mean he registered my unit? It's going to tick me off if that's the case cause I wasn't going to Register and pull the free City Navigator v9 trick........

I don't mean to offend anyone but...

Hmmm, ok, say you get a "free" update this year - Next year will you pay the $75 (will probably be increased) for the next update or purchase a new gps unit - then finagle a way for another "free" update?

Don't get me wrong, I like free but I also like to be current with my maps.

75 / 12 = 6.25 per month for 12mo
75 / 6 = 12.50 per month for 6mo
75 / 4 = 18.75 per month for 4mo
75 / 3 = 25.00 per month for 3mo
75 / 2 = 37.50 per month for 2mo

Pick your preferred savings plan.

Free is great and all.. but:

a) Is $75 really going to break the bank for you?

b) If your response to the above is "yes", I'm sure the updated maps don't change so drastically that your GPS is rendered unusable without them.

c) Garmin has supplied you with an incredible product. One that I'm sure most of you use (at least a little) every day. Would it be so bad to give them some support to show your thanks?

I wouldn't say part c for most companies (ex. Microsoft), but over the years, Garmin has done nothing but impress me.

Plus, remember that like someone said earlier, if your garmin gets stolen and it's not registered, you're screwed out of a whole lot more than $75.

I suppose it's your own choice, and I'm not trying to disrespect anyone by saying this, but I just needed to get it off my chest.

From the Garmin web site

"if you purchased a locked MapSource product ON or AFTER the release date of an update, you are entitled to an unlock on the newer version of that product for free."
http://www.garmin.com/unlock/update.jsp

"FREE UPDATES:
If you ORIGINALLY & NEWLY unlocked a NEW locked MapSource CD-ROM/DVD-ROM product ON or AFTER the release date of an update for that same product, you are eligible to unlock on that specific update what you unlocked on the original for no charge. In other words, you can update to the latest data for free!"
http://www.garmin.com/support/faqs/faq.jsp?faq=240&webPage=C...

Now, the way I read "ON or AFTER the release date" (which for City Nav N.Amer NT v8 is apr 5 2006) could go two ways.
one, if you purchased on or after apr 5 2006 and your product has version 7, you are allowed a free unlock to v8.
two, if you purchased on or after apr 5 2006 and your product has version 8, you are allowed a free unlock to v9. (Since I haven't unlocked what I unlocked on the original?? what is that to mean?)

To me It doesn't really matter. If I need to pay $80 for an update, I'll pay.
If it means the kids won't eat, then I'll live with outdated maps.
If I plan ahead, I'll give up a couple of stops at Starbucks a month and put it towards the update.

Either way, I'm still gonna be having fun.

I guess it's not really that bad but I there are alot
of roads that are just wrong in my area so I was hoping the update would be free and me and Garmin could call it even and I'll pay for the Next version.

I know they can't get everything correct, I mean roads change all the time but they should have some clause that states We'll fix it for you if you have paid for it..... Not really a big deal though.

Hi! I've seen your posts around the site and you appear to be "on your game" re: Garmin. Do you (or any other reader ) have any history with the comprehensiveness of the map updates? I live in Baton Rouge, LA and there's lots of new subdivisions and road construction, especially in our post-Katrina state of being! So how much detail should I expect from Garmin when they release v.9? I would think that is the determining factor in how affordable or worthwhile it would be purchasing the update.
Also, to what extent are the POI's updated with a new release?
Thanks in advance for any insight.

I think it MAY have been misunderstood about my question if it seemed as though i was trying to "cheat" the system. Rather I was just trying to be an informed consumer. I guess I think of it more of wanting to know when the next model year of a car comes out so that I can decide if I want to wait for it or just pay for what is currently available.

Thanks again for the info! As an update, I've decided to get the Garmin and am looking forward to getting it in the near future.

I say go and get the unit, we will always be behind as far as maps go. As soon as Ver 9 comes out, it will be "wrong" somewhere - something will be missing etc.

Even if we all manage to get one or even two "free" map updates, sooner or later, we'll have to pay for an update - one way or another - either by updating maps or buying a new unit. Or remain content with "old" maps.

Just have fun, I wish I had bought mine sooner than I did.