Lifetime Maps start Jan 21 NOW AVAILABLE!

I also noticed Amazon will be selling it for about $107 with no tax & free shipping !

Not shilling for Amazon - was just checking around.

Probably buy it for my "Upscale" Nuvi 260

Garmin's 2009 North America 2009.1 NT is now available for downloading (or disk purchase).

If you purchased your GPS within the past 60 days of today (1/21) you should be eligible for a free download.

From what I've read, you first download the update file to your computer (requires up to 6 GB on your hard disk), then install it. From this, it sounds similar to the DVD Update disk we've bought in the past which does update both the USBed GPS and Mapsource, in that running the update will autoupdate both Mapsource and a GPS.

I've just Googled to see if lifetime maps update City Navigator on both the GPS and computer's Mapsource but see nothing.

I'm tempted to go for the lifetime maps, but only if Mapsource will be updated, too. Without both being updated, as time goes on, Mapsource's City Nav will become less and less relevant with the lifetime maps. This lack of relevance is not the case when buying the annual map update which does both.

So the question for those of you with a GPS updating to the new lifetime 2009.1 map who also have Mapsource, is your computer's Mapsource also updated? Thanks, I'm anxiously waiting and hoping...

it updates both

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you. Wonderful news. Now I may just have to sign onto lifetime maps...

Since the receiver for MSN Direct is in the power adapter ..... can't you simply move it to another device?

I have a 780 and my son has a 750. If he wants to use MSN on his GPS.. we just hook up the cord and go..

Seems to work fine.....

jb

Last year, when I updated the "2009" map, I found out that many built-in POIs were grossly outdated, places that were gone for years were still there, and places a year or two old, weren't there.

So I feel that I would end up frequently updating out-dated information.

I probably wait a couple of years, and if I still have the same unit, then might consider to do a single, one time, map update.

Thanks for the reminder. I had almost forgotten that it was starting this month. Haven't decided whether I'm getting the lifetime map subscription or not yet.

Thank you cbwatts and werskine for the update; if not for you I wouldn't have checked mygarmin to see if my newly purchased 680 was up for the free update. It certainly was eligiible for the 2009.1 maps and the whole download/upload took a little under 2 hours. I'm a happy camper.

I may buy a new GPSr every 18 months or 2 years if necessary and the maps in them will do just fine.

Just installed the new map to my Nuvi. But when I clicked map info, it showed NT 2009.11 not NT2009.1.

OK, see if any of you here can help me unscramble my brain! Ever since I got my nuvi 765T for Christmas I've been feeling that the Garmin web site is obtuse by design.

Bought a nuvi200W June/July of 08. Loved it. My bro-inlaw got me a 765T for christmas. 200W was pre-loaded with CNNT NA 2008 Lower48. 765 pre-loaded with CNNT NA All. Free one-time update for the 765 expires today. (Am dl'ing it as I type!).

A day or two after Christmas, I thought I'd see what updates were available for my 200W as well as how to get the detail maps for Mapsource. Garmin's site said I could get the 09 update (for the 200) for $70. The fine print however, said that this would only update the pre-installed unit maps (Lower 48). If I upgraded and then wanted Canada/AK THAT was an addition costing $80. Hmm. The complete CNNT NA 2009 DVD was $99. No-brainer, me thinks. A call to Garmin confirmed that buying the DVD would in fact get me all of NA 09 on the 200W, allow me to put the detail maps into Mapsource, AND was the cheapest way to go with the 200W. Shweet!

DVD ordered on 30 Dec 08. Got it, regged it to the 200W, put it on Mapsource, added my existing 765T key in Mapsource, made a complete NA map and put it on an SD card which works in both units.

Jan (whatever) 09 Garmin announces Lifetime maps. Hmm. Go to the site, and yep, the 2009.1 update iss there for my 765. But it's one-time. OK, I'll accept that I suppose. Being confused in general now, I call Garmin.

Well, it seems that the lifetime maps are for the units and the maps that are pre-installed on them. Not a map product (like my DVD). I'm still digesting that one.

If I want lifetime updates for my 765 I need to buy the $119 "package" which is download only. If I want lifetime NA maps for the 200W I need to buy the $119 "package" for it as well, and then a Canada/AK "upgrade" also because it was pre-installed with only Lower 48!

Clear as mud? I thought so. Still trying to figure out where I stand here! Talk amongst yourselves.

i will buy a new gps every 2 years and get all the new goodies that come with it

Kind of like the inkjet printer and cartridge thing, eh?

It's got me looking way closer at the Open Street Map project.

I just got an email laste night from Garmin informing me of the option to buy the LifeTime NuMaps.

When I cliked on the provided link in the email it took me to a screen to buy thre NuMaps with a pull down menu for the quantity to purchase.

But when I looked at which units were listed as being "supported"... NONE... of my units was listed.

I have 2730, 7500 & 76CSx. All three of these use have the NT2009 maps currently loaded. I understand that the "newest" is 2009.1.

So... since my units use these maps, why won't Garmin let me purchase the lifetime maps ?

It also looks like the only option for the Lifetime maps is a direct download and no DVD's being shipped.

I suspect it has something to do with copy protection, but I am far from an expert.

I was so looking forward to being able to purchase the lifetime option to get quarterly updates, but it looks like Garmin has locked many people out of the program. I am very disappointed.

Tim

Anyone have any clarification on what they mean by "until your product’s useful life expires or Garmin no longer receives map Data from NAVTEQ, whichever is shorter"?
Considering how many people use really old GPS's, for me the useful life is as long as it powers up. Could be another 7 or 8 years or more.

I was hoping to get a disk for the the download too.This is the answer I got back from Garmin.

I will be happy to help you with this. The lifetime maps are download only, you would download every quarter.
With Best Regards,
Amy Lu.
Product Support Specialist

That's interesting Charlie ... garmin saying lifetime maps are download only.

I wonder what the aftermarket guys are selling ... a CD with just a loader file ... that when you put it in your computer, pops up and says "You need to be connected to the internet to use this CD."

My brother's only internet access is his public library computer. (I know, dark ages) and he is not into GPS's ... but I wonder how someone like him would install a "download" only map.

Here's a note from one of the sites selling numaps lifetime:

Please note this is not a software CD or DVD. This is the product key that allows use of data downloaded directly from Garmin's website.

This product is for NT compatible units only, and not for updating pre-loaded non-NT units.

And "What's in the box?"

1. Wallet-sized nuMaps Lifetime Card with Product Key
2. Map Update Link

So the short answer to what your brother should do is either: a) find or subscribe to a broadband internet service, or b) NOT buy a numaps lifetime subscription and continue to buy the 1-time update DVDs as was done pre-numaps-lifetime.

Although 120 is still a steep price.

GPScity has it for $109.
http://www.gpscity.com/cp?&s=00001&cr=012309GU&it=gccnusalt

Amazon $107.99 free super saver shipping

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-n%C3%BCMaps-Lifetime-America-Up...

I like my GPSr. But the lifetime update is a product I won't likely buy.

After two years I plan on doing one update (That will be next year.)

Two years later, I think I would buy a new GPSr instead of another update.

But I will think about the lifetime option for the next year before I buy the update. I do like my GPS, even if it's an older discontinued model.

MacMall has the Garmin lifetime map up for $98.99 (plus shipping).

http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail.asp?Redir=1&descr...

How long do you figure before someone is selling the "lifetime" in the $80s?

I really wasn't interested in the lifetime ... but if the aftermarket pricing continues to fall ....

With gps units becoming obsolete almost as soon as they are released. This doesn't look like a good deal to me.

I sent an email off to Garmin asking why my 3 units were not listed as eligible for the NuMaps. ( I have a 2730, 7500 & 76CSx ). All these units use the "NT" version and all have the latest & greatest version installed and registerred on them.

Here is the response I got back this morning:

QUOTE: The nuMaps Lifetime Update is indeed compatible with the StreetPilot 2730 and StreetPilot 7500. The Lifetime Update is also compatible with the GPSMap 76CSx, provided the City Navigator North America NT mapping being used on the 76CSx is a full version unlocked for that unit. Having examined your registrations, this is the case with your GPSMap 76CSx.

In summary, yes, all of your currently registered units are compatible with the nuMaps Lifetime Update.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. :UNQUOTE

So it seems like I CAN get the lifetime maps for my units. Now all I have to do is keep searching for the cheapest price.

Tim

I installed the first 2009.11 installment of lifetime maps in my 760 this weekend. I noticed a lot of improvement in my area right away with added roads, additional map feature details and subdivisions plus they corrected and added some POI's that were missing or incorrect. So far very pleased with the changes from 2009 version it replaced.

I also noticed that when I updated the 760 it also updated the maps in the computer at the same time. What was interesting was that it did not replace the existing maps in the computer but just added the new version. When I go into mapsource it now gives me the option in the upper left map selection area to choose between the two versions. It makes it easy to go to a area and switch back an forth to compare.

well I was all set to buy the lifetime subscription for my 770 and now I think I will hold off. Already a better price than Garmin on the previous post......sheesh. I looked on the Garmin site and the lifetime is not offered for the 760 only the 770 so how long will that last for the 770? I didn't think the 760 was that old yet. This sounds like maybe not so good a deal, anyone actually buy it yet?

The maps are compatible with every Nuvi, some StreetPilots and Zumos:

Link and click on view download- compatible products:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=256&pID=33379#produc...

I would imagine they wouldn't consider your thoughts on useful life, rather there own, and at the rate they obsolete Nuvi's that could be sooner than you think. Now as far as NAVTEQ is concerend, thats a different story, they have a long term deal with Garmin (2015).

It would be nice if Garmin could figure out how to get updates sent via wireless or at least a pc connection. once every one - two years is way too slow

The following map update option is downloaded from Garmin to your PC and then to your GPS unit and MapSource:

nüMaps™ Lifetime. If you purchase a nüMaps Lifetime subscription (sold separately), you will receive up to four (4) map Data updates per year,

I sent the following question to Garmin about how long a unit will be able to receive the lifetime map updates.

MY QUESTION TO GARMIN:

"Aaron
Question about new lifetime maps:

This is from the new lifetime maps site:

"¹Terms and Limitations:
nüMaps™ Lifetime. If you purchase a nüMaps Lifetime subscription (sold separately), you will receive up to four (4) map Data updates per year, when and as such updates are made available on Garmin’s website, for one (1) compatible Garmin product until your product’s useful life expires or Garmin no longer receives map Data from NAVTEQ, whichever is shorter."

Can you tell me what "your product’s useful life expires " would translate to? Is that a set period of time or is it as long as the unit continues to function as a GPS?

Thanks
Bob"

GARMIN'S WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE QUESTION ABOVE:

"We have been told that even if you pay to have it repaired then we can transfer the lifetime map update. There is not a set “time” that it will expire.

Thank you for contacting Garmin International:
Best Regards,
Aaron R.
Advanced Product Certified
Automotive Technical Support - NKC
Garmin International
Toll Free: 1-800-800-1020"

The current nuvis will never get updates by wireless as they don't include this capability. The new lifetime map updates are available via a pc or mac connection only. Garmin has announced they should be released at approximately a quarterly basis (4 times a year or so).

It is January 29. I'm downloading a maps update right now for a new 260W from My.Garmin.Com

"Thank you for contacting Garmin International. As long as the unit turns on and does routing then you can get the updates. It really isn't a judgement call, it just depends on the unit. If your unit last for years then great, that is what we want for our customers.

With Best Regards,
Jeff P
Product Support Specialist
Garmin International
913-397-8200
800-800-1020"

What specifically does "until your product's useful life expires" mean? For me as long as it turns on it's useful life hasn't expired. Who makes the determination? This thing could last years since I don't use it that much.

.... but it does not show up on the supported device list. Has anyone bought one of the cards and successfully linked lifetime maps to a StreetPilot 2730?

I'm interested in the lifetime (my current maps are dated April, 2007), but I just have this really bad feeling that if I pull the trigger and buy one of these 'cards', Garmin is going to restrict me from applying to my device.. then I'd have a $100+ useless card.

Thanks,
Tim

As I read the below it seems to me that you will not get 4 updates a year.

"you will receive up to four (4) map Data updates per year, when and as such updates are made available on Garmin’s website"

This causes me to want to lay back and see what Garmin is going to do for frequency of updates.

I'm figuring that as soon as I pop for this, some scum will steal my unit. So I don't think I'm gonna go for this.

with my luck that would happen to me.

This is not so, a download you can get but a disk you can not. I thought that was the case and ordered the disk for $10.00. When the disk came it was the 2009. This disk would not even le me access the site to start the program. Now they say I've had my free updateand their records show this. What a developemnt. I've been going round and round with them. This is really a crazy system to straighten out.

Anyone seeing a major update from the "2009" release? I should have my brand new 760 in the mail in a couple of days (just ordered last night from Walmart.com). I was going to wait and register the product with garmin online once 2010 software came out, but debating now with the new update. Heck maybe I should get the lifetime now, or just get the free one update and wait till next quarter and see what happens.

Thoughts?

Remember you only have 60 days to register and download the free map update from the date your unit first aquires the sat's or the date on the receipt. The 60 days are not from the time you register the unit but are from the first time you turn it on and aquire the sat's.

I have noticed a number of newly added areas now from the prior 2009 addition. There are both corrected and added POI's in the areas near me including my entire subdivision and the one next to me.

I always thought as long as I didn't register it till the new maps came out I would get the new software. How do they know when I bought the unit for the 60 days to start?

For the nuMaps Guarantee, they will go by the date the unit first had satellite acquisition (if the unit supports that) or they will ask for a purchase receipt.

https://my.garmin.com/maps/nuMaps.htm

Only nuvis and Zumos are eligible for the nuMaps guarantee.

I wish they would just do lifetime maps for one user (transferrable to other devices). I will likely upgrade devices every few years anyway, so the lifetime maps wouldn't help me. Seems like a big gamble and not worth the money imo.

That would be a good idea. That way, you could upgrade it you wanted to and be able to transfer the map service.

...what to do, what to do...

I bought my nuvi 750 with the 2008 map. I upgraded with the 2009 DVD and saw a lot of improvements.

After a bit of thought, I did go for the lifetime maps (purchased from Amazon at their intro price of $108 with free S&H). I installed it tonight and checked out a few problem areas in Flagstaff that have had mislocated streets and new major intersections. I am wonderfully pleased to see that the street I live on is now correctly mapped--with the past two maps, when being routed "home," my nuvi always thought I missed the turn onto my street and suggested a U-turn. The street is now in its proper place so I'll hear much less "recalculating" on the way home. In fact, the new 2009.11 map even places my address on the proper side of the street, another improvement over the past two map issues. I also looked at a very recent renovation of a major intersection (SR 89 and Continental, a major I-40 entry/exit route). The new 2009.11 map has the intersection mapped correctly as well, with all the major lane changes and reworked or eliminated ramps correctly located as they have been for the past year or less.

Maybe I'm just lucky and this first quarterly map update included a major rewrite of the city of Flagstaff (and less lucky cities may need to wait a few updates to have maps revised for their cities) but I have to say the lifetime maps and corrections to my city in their first quarterly map have been simply wonderful.

Note to those updating to lifetime: as expected, the download takes a long time. I think mine ran about 3 hours. What I didn't expect and what scared me a bit is that simply getting my Windows Vista PC to start running the downloaded .exe update took a good minute or so to indicate that it was even starting. It may be Vista's built in security or my antivirus "auto-protect" that needs to scan the entire almost 2GB file before allowing it to start, but I really feared I had a corupted download and almost erased the 3-hr download to start over. But after a good minute or two, I saw the indication the the map update file was running and it walked me through the next hour or so of extracting and creating the new 2009.11 map for my PC's Mapsource and for my nuvi.

My thoughts: as long as you think you'll keep your GPS for the next two years or more, go for it and buy the lifetime map.