Magellan Maestro 2008/2009 Map Update and Basemap and Detailed Map

As much as I know only the detailed map gets updated.

But does that affect the GPS if only the detailed map gets updated and not the base map

I'm not familiar with relation between base and detailed map and how the whole system works, but friend of mine has a Magellan Crossover GPS with base map same as mine (29) and I have a few newer streets in our area that he doesn't have. Apparently the detailed map is difference maker

I was soooo wrong.

I updated my GPS today and both maps (Basemap NavStreets and Detailed map NavStreets) changed from version 29 to version 31.

how good is the update? i find my magellan 4250 so terribly inaccurate in my area (queens, ny)

I have an entry model GPS (Maestro 3200) so all changes that happened after I updated the map can or cannot be present with other models.
The first thing I noticed was that my Firmware upgraded from version 1.36 to 4.60/4.50 (I could be wrong with the exact number because I don't have my GPS with me while writing this post). This upgrade caused a little different screen than by my old version. While routing, instead of just having green highlighted route, there is also a floating arrow, showing direction. Every turn is highlighted with an arrow. I personally don't find this very useful except in situation where you have two or more turns after each other. In this case having an arrow going through all intersections continuously and pointing the right direction is kind of helpful. Another change I noticed is that, while routing, blue triangle showing your position, is moved more toward the bottom of the screen. In the old version it used to be somewhere around the middle, and I personally find this change very helpful because it gives you more map ahead of you. I have feeling that acquiring the signal from the satellites takes a little bit longer than used to be and that it's less accurate, but this is hard to prove without testing two units next to each other. The biggest improvement is that it lets me zoom out, and still have all streets, in 3D map all way to comparable to 1/4 mile in 2D map. It used to be max 300 feet. There is a slight delay with map turning the way you are driving while in "heading up" mode. I didn't notice this while still having the old firmware. So you have situation where the triangle, showing your position, is moving for short period of time (1-2 seconds), across or sideways the screen although in "heading up" mode. I like it more this way, although I don't think is big of a deal. The colors used for the night mode are adjusted, and they are less tiring for my eyes. I like it. Regarding other features my unit hasn't had any changes. POI's, system settings, sound volume and available tones, address book, options for routing, everything else looks the same as before the update. My unit doesn't have TTS (text to speech), Bluetooth, Lane Assistance, Live Traffic etc. so I can't say anything about them.

Regarding the new map, out of a few streets in my area, that were missing on the old map (vers. 29), one of them is in this time, but other ones are still missing. Routing still picks up some stupid and strange choices, where for example ask you to go up the street and make U-turn, while having option to turn left into the right street, and all of this while the map is correct. While routing in "Fastest Time" option, GPS still tends to take you 500 yards around the block just because that street is with a higher speed limit etc.
We'll probably never get a perfect GPS. If you read posts on other manufacturers treads, this problems are more or less present everywhere.
IMO this update isn't worth $79.99; especially if you own (like I do) a cheaper unit. Buying a new unit, and then getting a map update (during the first 30 days) is a much better investment.
Please forgive me for my English. It's hard when your first contact with this language was when you were past your 30th birthday.

Hi All

My update seemed to go in perfectly.
BUT
On a trip for groceries to Ft Jackson yesterday, I noticed no traffic info for the entire trip. (We live in the fringe so did not notice right away) Today I checked the subscription

1. No subscription info in the Maestro.
2. Checked My Account:
1. Expires May 2009
2. Retrieved the subscription code
3. Entered it into the unit 6 tries.
4. No joy

• Has anyone experienced this issue?
• I submitted a support request on line

Thanks & Happy New Year!!!

Have you heard back yet? So far my traffic subscription is still working fine.