Garmin's new lifetime maps program may start October 15th

I really don't see either lifetime or even one-shot updates as worth it. Delorme can sell me mapping software for the PC for $29, sometimes less if one shops for a sale. Garmin seems to think their customers owe them something. Sure, I can't buy maps for my Garmin anywhere else, but I sure can buy a different brand GPS, and I see the cost of map updates to be very close or even higher than what I paid for the GOS in the first place. Doesn't make sense to pay anywhere near the price of the GPS to get map updates, I would rather just find a sale on a new unit, that way you get new maps, a new battery and a new fresh warranty. Plus, of course, you still get to keep the old GPS.

If Garmin would see the map updates at a much lower price, say $20-$30 I would be inclined to update the unit as I felt the need. As it is I expect I'll buy a new unit in a few years, and when I do it will likely be a Tom Tom so that as new roads are added in my area that I can add them manually myself. Not as good as an option as getting complete updates, but the best option that I can find with the current business models.

3 yrs is a lifetime.

I wish Garmin would give us that option with maps.
Doesn't Tom Tom have a website that lets users upload map changes that other users can download?

I almost went with a Tom Tom for that reason but went with the Nuvi because I could use it for paperless geocaching and geocaching alerts. Its pretty simple to setup this with the Nuvi.

I would pass on lifetime maps because it would be cheaper to get a new GPS.

if someone need a 2009 map update cd dvd I sale it for cheap call me tel.213-359-4746
is for serie nuvi

I'm surprise that Google hasn't jumped into the fray by offering their own GPS units. They could introduce a model much like the Apple ipod/itunes that provides seamless integration with Google maps. If they do, Garmin will have some serious competition and have to lower their prices.

I'd probably go for this since I like having the newest maps, but the problem with the C330 not having enough memory for the 2009 maps gives me pause. Since these map packages just get bigger and bigger, how do I get my money's worth if the lifetime update becomes too big for my GPS? If there were a transferability clause for those situations, I'd have a much higher comfort level.

I will update to a new unit

I think it is just as good to buy a new unit and sell the old ones. I see you can get Nuvi 750 on Amazon with a bean bag mount for $205....

Google does not have their own map database. The map database that is used on Google Maps site is provided by TeleAtlas that is owned by the GPS manufacturer TomTom and the maps are already available on TomTom and some other manufacturer's GPS units.

If you look near the bottom of the google map page you will see that is says "Map Data 2008 TeleAtlas".

That being the case, I'd bet the agreement between Google and TomTom has a noncompete clause that prevents Google from producing its own GPS hardware using TomTom's maps. If not, TomTom's lawyers are idiots.

I posted this on the other post about the life time maps. http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/maps/numaps-lifetim... .It gives a little more information.

Thank you for the link

If something is missing report it to Navteq! That's the only way to get it updated faster.

http://mapreporter.navteq.com/

I think a lifetime subscription for the cost of two single updates isn't bad, but that's only if the updates are quarterly. If maps are only updated once a year then it's usually not going to be worth it.

I've updated four times in the past year on the lifetime updates. I ride coast to coast each year on various rides, so updated POIs and roads are an advantage for me.

Aside from the last 2 posters, this thread is over a year old.