Garmin discourages repeat customers

I can see Garmin's point with this policy. I ran into the same thing with Microsoft Streets & Trips (though they allowed one additional install) and H&R Block TaxCut. They are concerned that people will pass the software on free to who knows how many users. It's a nuisance when you have paid for a product and are simply upgrading to a different unit, but with all the software piracy going on in the world, I can't really blame them.

I understand they want to prevent piracy but if a customer purchases another Garmin unit and wants to use software that the customer has also purchased that is hardly piracy. In the electronic age, there has to be a way (through the registration procedure) for Garmin to check and see that the purchaser is the same and allow the software to be used on any number of units. Even if Garmin would allow the software to be used multiple times during the year following the purchase by the same purchaser on registered units that would be more fair than this nonsense

Regards, Ted

I guess the fine print has to be read completely, so there is no misunderstanding. Maps are unlocked to the life of one unit or the life of the contract with the map provider.

It's also important to understand that Navteq changed the way they license the data to Garmin.

Garmin now has to PAY Navteq for EACH unit on which the maps are unlocked.

Previously, Garmin had a different arrangement with Navteq. That's why the policy changed.

Hmmm.... I had been considering using the Garmin Europe map (on SD card, that I'd purchased for my daughter's use while she spent a semester in Spain), in my 'nu' nuvi 760... Maybe this isn't going to work. Will I need to purchase an 'unlock' code or buy a new SD card to use this map, or is this discussion concerning 'downloads' from disc only?

A long time ago, that if you purchased software you owned it and could run it on any machine, as long as it was only installed on one computer at one time. That has since changed. For example if you got a copy of MS Windows with your computer, an OEM version, or an upgrade version, it is only licensed for the computer it was originally installed on. However if you buy a full retail version, you are allowed to move it to another machine.

Only if you believe that non-negotiated contracts and shrinkwrap license are valid.

The map updates do NOT apply to maps on preloaded SD card.

The preloaded SD cards can be used with ANY compatible GPS unit. The data is locked to the serial number of the CARD. The maps on the preloaded SD cards cannot be used with a computer. The data cannot be copied to another card. And additional data cannot be placed on the card.

the sd card maps woked perfectly

Can you download maps from sources other than Garmin and put them on an SD card and then use them just like the Garmin maps?

The maps must be specifically programmed for the Garmin GPS. You cannot, for example, download maps from Google Maps, National Geographic TOPO, DeLorme TOPO for use on a Garmin unit.

There are, however, some Custom maps out there for Garmin units. (Many/most are free but not don't support auto-routing, typically.) And for areas outside North America, there are authorized third party maps.

What areas and what types of maps are you interested in?

The problem with buying the SD cards is the maps can't be updated. I originally thought it was a good idea because I can use among different GPS units I own but at the price they charge, it's ok only if you don't mind outdated maps.

The reality is novices are more than capable of finding Garmin maps on Bit Torrent or other sites. Their policy is just pissing off the honest loyal customers such as myself who want to upgrade to new Garmin units each time they come out. Surely, if they can track when your GPS was first turned on, they can come up with a way to track when you've uninstalled the map and reinstalled on your new GPS.

Please don't discuss illegal software sharing or any other sort of software pirating here. Thanks.

Thanks for the info MM... I'm going to give it a try. My Europe SD card is currently in my daughters eTrex and I'm going to try it in a nuvi 760... be great if it works.

This seems to point out two more ways that Garmin does a disservice to the paying customer. If the data can't be used with a computer, them it limits the utility of using Mapsource to view track logs. And a more serious issue, anyone with a map on a standard size SD card can't use it on new nuvi hardware that only supports the micrpSD format.

No, it's a specific customer choice. And there are specific trade-offs that the customer makes depending on which product they CHOOSE to purchase.

The preloaded SD cards can be used with ANY compatible Garmin GPS unit. So people who have multiple GPS units can move the maps between the units without having to purchase additional unlock codes.

Also, the user can sell the GPS unit and KEEP the maps for use in another unit. This cannot be done with the DVD version of the maps.

Plus, some users do not feel comfortable with or do not want to be bothered with loading maps to the cards themselves from a computer.

The trade off for this convenience is that the maps can't be used with a computer. For many users, this isn't an issue because they don't have units that can store routes or that record a trip log. And many, many users don't use MapSource.

And since so many people these days think nothing of stealing software, they had to do something to help stem the flow.

Plus, as I've stated before, the current policy came as a result of Navteq changing the licensing agreement.

Now, the microSD vs full-sized SD card is a fairly recent development. But most products are available on the sized card that is most prevalent in the models that would typically use that map product. In fact, most that I have seen lately are available on a microSD card and come with a SD card adapter.

Anyone purchasing any product should understand in advance what they are purchasing and what restrictions exist. And they should purchase the product(s) that best fit their needs within the existing conditions.

Be glad that they aren't using proprietary CompactFlash cards anymore.

believe you have a "code" with the SD cards. Have used the same SD with both the 360 & 350. Used it in France last year, invaluable...!

Good luck

It does have unlocking code corresponding to the SD card ID, I believe it is a 10 digit number. It is unique to individual SD card....

Jeff

Yes, the map data on the preloaded data cards is unlocked to the data card's unique ID rather than the unique unit ID of the GPS. This is what allows the locked map data on the card to work on all GPS units that can accept the card.

My wife and I go to Italy, hiking in the countryside and touring in cities, and it would be great, even though my Nuvi 650 doesn't have the greatest battery life, to be able to take it with me and use /in cities/ in pedestrian mode. Getting around ancient Italian cities is not easy. Hardest city in Europe to get around in, for my Money, is Venice. Take a look at it sometime in Google Earth, at a scale where you can see the whole city, and you'll see what I mean.

Check out MapCenter. (Google search for MapCenter2) They have a bunch of free maps. If you search the catalog, you can see if they have some for Italy.

If not, purchasing the preloaded SD card from Garmin might make sense it your situation. Then you can sell the card after you no longer need it, if you want to.

Mama, he made a statement, nothing more. I use Bit Torrent all the time to transfer photos to family members because of large file sizes, So the those two words do not comprise piracy. The rest has a tinge of merit, even to me a loyal customer even though I have read the fine print.

Using Bit Torrent or any other method to get unlocked Garmin maps is piracy. That's what he and MM were both talking about. Nothing wrong with Bit Torrent by itself, just with some of the data being exchanged.

The pirates all use the same self-serving Generation-Y arguments that since everyone else is stealing, they might as well give it to me because I deserve it. Soooo tiresome!

you can always use your own maps and strip the encryption header so they work unlocked on all devices. of course this violates the dmca and is still piracy.

institute a transfer fee from one device to another by assigning a code or unlock as a way to satisfy customers.

But not all bit torrent users are Pirates, since he didn't give a website or torrent name where was the piracy? He made a statement that Garmin is pissing off Loyal Customers. And you know what? THEY ARE!

I would have been the first to say something if piracy had been discussed in the link I have done so in the past, but there was none. Just a real good user statement by a Loyal Garmin Customer not a Pirate, that ruffled the feathers of some. Sounds like your in pretty tight with the pirates to know that their the self serving Generation-Y-er's,as you like to call them. Thats a narrow minded view of people in a whole age group there Parner!

And me I'm in the middle of the boomers as long as you are calling people out!

He also made a statement about people "finding Garmin maps on Bit Torrent or other sites". There's no legal way to find Garmin maps on Bit Torrent. No matter how you want to slice and dice it that's piracy and illegal software sharing. Just because people are "pissed off" doesn't mean that it's okay to steal copyrighted data. Please stop trying to justify that part.

Your right you could use your own personal maps, but hacking their software & maps definitely violates your TOS with Garmin, and would also put you in violation of The Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

HE Never said he downloaded the maps, or gave a location where he could. He made a statement, nothing more. Please understand the difference. If you didn't want to answer you shouldn't have. Tell me where he said to get the maps?
or how to get the maps, or how to use the maps?

He made a statement! And is a pissed off Garmin user, do you understand that part? does that make any difference to you? what part of the statement do you need help understanding?

I don't Justify Piracy, I buy my products and maps just like you, so PLEASE don't lump people together, And even use bit torrent it is a valuable tool for file transfers.

If you don't want to take the time to take my criticism , well then don't, but I will give where needed. But you called the man a pirate unjustifiably. I myself have asked several times to have links with illegal locations and discussions removed from this site, however this fit neither situation and you differently blew the OP feelings aside to make a point that was a reach at best.

Motorcycle Moma
Now this is a hacking comment but he's not going to do it either , however a more serious violation than the last comment. because this give some basic instruction.

Interesting how passionate people are about the term Bit Torrent. As many have noticed, I never said I or others should use Bit Torrent. I never said I stole or bought stolen GPS either.

I'm more than willing and have always bought my GPS and maps new. I'm stating that when companies don't have policies that support loyal customers they risk losing those customers. No company can remain static and expect their competitors won't catch up or surpass them.

I'd love to buy and replace my GPS every 6 months with a similar model when they're released, but I can't afford to rebuy all my maps each time. Doesn't sound like an outrageous request? And to stretch the argument further as some of you have done ... just because it is, doesn't mean it should be ... dare to dream that one day an African American could be President ...

I'm not sure I understand the issue as I'm not an expert, have only bought one GPS in my life, the nuvi 660. That came with a map pre-loaded, and I was able to upgrade to 2k9 for free.

If I were to get a 760, I am guessing that comes with a map pre-loaded, and it can be updated if it's shipped out-of-date. I don't see any reason whatsoever to allow a previously downloaded update to be loaded to a new GPS.

I don't know why but it seems like we as Americans have this notion we don't have to pay for what we use. Think of how many things in our lives are basically like a buffet, we take all that we want and waste whatever we can't use. Go to Europe and it's not that way.

I said the reality is that novices are capable of finding maps on Bit Torrent. Would it be discussing piracy for me to say there's a super secret search tool called Google? I didn't say I condone the practice. Ignoring reality doesn't make it go away

I started this thread to see if there are others like me who bought additional expensive Street maps or whether others are just sticking with the built-in maps. I have written to Garmin several times but they told me most people don't buy additional maps so there haven't been many complaints. I was surprised to hear that GPS owners don't travel outside their country!

And yes I know about the Navteq policy ... time will tell if I am in the minority of complaining Garmin owners. Henry Ford once said "you can have any color as long as it's black" ...

The issue seems to one of reading comprehension not life being like a buffet. I'm not asking to transfer built-in maps on one old GPS to another new GPS. I said I purchased additional maps like Australia and Europe and want to transfer to a new unit. Perhaps Garmin wants customers who rarely upgrade GPS rather than customers like me who want to buy their new units as soon as they're released - which seems to be twice a year or more now.

The answer seems to be quite simple. You expect portability for that which you purchased. If you purchase an Australia and Europe map, you want to be able to use it on any GPS you choose. That's in your best interest (not having to shell out $$$ which could be used for other things), but not in Garmin's. We don't expect that in 2009 we can buy one copy of Microsoft Office Pro and install it on 2 or more pcs, why would we expect that of mapping software?

You guys are whining about a 69 map upgrade when the price of the Nuvi's have dropped in half. Heck just buy a new Nuvi and it will come with new maps..

The issue here is if you buy maps for Europe or another country, and load them on a GPS - that is the only gps they can be loaded on. If you upgrade to a different unit, you would have to buy the additional maps for it again.

Daniel

Then you buy them on SD cards and use them on whatever GPS you wish. As I understand it the unlock key for the card is for the card and is not keyed to a GPS serial number.

Personally I don't get why one would feel the need to upgrade the GPSr every 6 months... but I guess that's because I'm just happy with my 260's ability to do everything I bought it for.

No, again you're missing the point. Not any GPS I choose, one install only at a time, every time I get a new GPS, the Europe and Australia maps get removed from old GPS and reinstalled on new GPS.

By your PC analogy, if you get a new computer, NONE of the software you purchased to use with your old PC can be used again with your new PC even if you remove from your old computer. Perhaps some of you don't spend much money on software and hardware but I upgrade my Mac every year and if I had to rebuy Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, MS Office etc I would find it expensive.

The SD cards would be perfect as they're transferrable BUT you can't update the maps.

I upgrade my GPS when new models are available if the new features meet my needs. IMHO, there have been significant updates from the 260 to 765T model. But I see your point, I don't see why people contribute to POI Factory - aren't the built-in POI's that come with Garmin units enough?

I agree, the upgrade price for built-in maps is reasonable, but some of us travel outside our home country regularly and need additional GPS maps when that passport gets exercised.

Actually you raise a good point, if the GPS prices keep falling and are priced the SAME in USA as they are in Europe, Australia, etc I'd just buy a GPS from each country that comes with built-in maps of that country and not worry about buying a North American model GPS and supplementing with additional country maps.

Custom POI "need" is explained pretty well at:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/20388

I was being cheeky My point is we upgrade to the latest and greatest, whether it is GPS hardware or software like POI updates to remain current. The poster said his 260 unit meets his needs ...

to say bit torrent is piracy is probably like saying black folks are all bad.

the way i see it is you do have to protect the patent but a company will do whatever they want so long as they can get away with. remember when cell phone was first available? service company was charging fee left and right until lawsuit and regulation followed. dont be so greedy. look what happen to the economy right now.

Do you know what the most popular advertisement in existence is for online music piracy? Its the combination of rising CD prices, and iTunes DRM software.

'Nuff said about music. But we're seeing the same thing happen here.

I have a Garmin 760 that I bought refurbished off Amazon some time back now. I think I paid a little over a $100. I thought that it would have the one free map allowed after it got delivered. When I finally got it, it said it needed updating immediately and I guess that was the one free update because every time I turn it on now it says it wants a new map and when I plug it in and go to Garmin there is nothing free offered. $90 for a lifetime map seems high for the number of times I use it. I guess I could justify that cost if I used it all the time.
With GPS's all over Craigslist, ebay, and the Bargain News I think it might be cheaper to get a newer, used one already updated for almost the same.
Who would really purchase the single use when they price it at $50?

Once a map reaches approximately one year of age, the GPS starts warning you that the map should be updated. It is not getting a signal from Garmin that an update is available. Just recommending that you should update. Alas, there is no way I am aware of that you can turn that warning off.

I have read that a lot of people they purchase SD card Map and they do not get update.and I do not understand why Garmin will not give update on the SD Card..

I also purchase the 2011 map on the SD card but I wanted to get update..

Well I did and esperiment I wanted to see if it work and it did..

First I back up all the file of my garmin on my pc..
So if I would run on any problem I could put it back.

Then I remove the main map from my Garmin and replaced with the one from the SD Card..

And as soon I did this it show me the new map and it self actived and I was able to get update,that I was not able to get on the Sd card..

I am not suggesting no one to try this.I did on my own risk and it work..

On a side note. Always save your Taxcut and Turbo tax forms as hard copies and .pdf. If you ever get audited you can't bring up say 2007 forms using 2010 software.