Lifetime Garmin Maps from Resellers

Yes, I bought my lifetime map from Amazon.

What you get is a "credit card" with a scratch-off code on the back. You then follow the instructions on the back of the card by going to Garmin's site and entering the code to activate your lifetime map service to one GPS.

The advantage of buying from almost any non-direct Garmin seller is a better price, since Garmin will charge list price. The disadvantage to buying from a non-Garmin seller is that you'll have to wait for the item to be mailed to you. When buying straight from Garmin, you can activate and download your first map all the same day.

If you haven't downloaded and installed a map before, remember that the process requires broadband internet access--and even then, reserve 2-4 hours of time for the download and installation.

...I agree with Craig, it is a surprisingly slow process to update the maps on a Nuvi. Always do this no later than the *day before* a trip, not *the morning of*, with the kids in the car and the engine idling in the driveway!

I purchased mine from GPSCity.com, you do download the actual updates from Garmin. The process took 3 hours for me from download to installation completion with a broadband connection.

...Got the card to me in two days, then, like Drew, it's just a broadband download. GPSCITY service was fine (pretty simple for them - drop card in mail and they are done.)

I have two computers and, of course, one GPS to install maps on. That is I have MAPSOURCE on both computers and like to transfer data/way points to my GPS from either computer. Now what is the easy to install the updated map download on both computers? Must be an easy way. Maybe I need an easy button.

This time I downloaded the program to each computer - then hooked up the GPS and transferred the maps to the GPS from both computers to get the MAPSOURCE updated. WHEW what a day. Took about 4 hours. One computer is running XP and the other VISTA if that makes any difference. Just do not want to spend 4 hours each 3 months for updates.

You reminded me of receiving mine from Amazon. Given the size and sturdiness of the card, the card could simply be put in a normal white envelope and mailed for 42 (I mean 44 as of today) cents to you by 1st Class Mail--or a tad more since the USPS may consider it to be package rather than an envelope due to it's uneven thickness.

But Garmin made it tough by putting the card in a nearly impossible-to-open-without-hurting-yourself 7x10x0.5-inch plastic clamshell, then Amazon does its "normal" put-it-in-a-large-cardboard-box filled with airbags and ships to you.

Both Garmin and Amazon should be a bit "greener," especially given Garmin's introduction of ecoroute routing on their newer nuvis. OK, I'm off my soapbox now.

I agree with you, CraigW. Greener WOULD be better. As for those impossible plastic containers....both I and my wife have cut ourselves trying to open them, as I'm sure many others have.

Miki

Can you get lifetime updates on cd? I have Verizon Wireless Broadband and am only allowed 5 GB a month and that would cut into my limit if not take it all.

First off, map updates are so big, they come on DVD rather than CD. Although the final map is just over 1GB, the installation file is about 2GB.

But more importantly, from all that I've seen and heard, the DVDs are available only for one-time map-by-map purchases. They are not an option, even at added cost, for lifetime subscription folks. I don't know if this would work--and you would be asking a lot from someone else--but I wonder if it's possible to have someone else with a lifetime subscription burn the 2GB-ish downloaded file onto a DVD for you, then you run the DVD to install it on your computer and GPS. If this could be done, the final installation of the program could be done by you using much less bandwidth. You still would use some bandwidth for activation and other processes.

You make a good point. Given the cheapness of DVDs and mailing DVDs, Garmin could help their subscribers by offering a lifetime-by-DVD option. I imagine it could be done without loss to Garmin by offering the DVD option at about $25 above the regular lifetime by download purchase available now.

Wow, you're limited to 5GB/mo? I guess you don't stream any Netflix movies then.

I did by my garmin lifetime map update from autonavdirect and had no problems at all with them. I even checked with garmin to make sure they are authorized dealer and they were on the list they said. The update was easy to use and glad that I will not have to pay for maps ever again on my unit.

Thanks

JM

Lifetime maps sounds like a decent investment. Any reason not to do it?

If your unit breaks tomorrow your lifetime maps are worthless. Unless you want to spend $200 to have Garmin fix your unit.

Other than that the lifetime maps are a good deal.

Great idea, these lifetime maps. Too bad a retailer, or Garmin, doesn't offer a 2fer package. I would probably consider that and be able to keep both my units up to date.
Jon

I bought a couple of the Lifetime maps from MegaGPS with no problem and then several from Amazon.

I got a much better price than buying from Garmin direct, I got free shipping and no Tax.

I see that even COSTCO sells the Lifetime map cards too.

As long as the reseller/retailer is reputable, I see no problem at all in getting it from somewhere other than Garmin.

GPSCITY put the Garmin indestructo-wrapped card in a standard office-size bubble-wrap coated manilla office mailing envelope, which worked just fine. I agree the hard clamshell is a PITA. Those are obviously designed for retail stores where they hang on a hook, and they need to be 'shoplifter-resistant'. I know that Amazon has a green initiative where they are trying to get manufacturers to offer a 'naked' version of popular clamshell products to reduce packaging costs, shipping costs, and packaging waste. More power to them!

When is the next release of the maps for life (up to 4 times a year) due to come out?

Since the last release was in April, it seems likely that the next one will be in July.

Garmin, to my knowledge has not released an official schedule.

And since the terminology officially reads "up to" four times per year, there is always the outside chance that the map updates will be released less often than quarterly, but they so far seem to be sticking to at least an approximately quarterly schedule.

The last update was released April 9 2009. Assuming an actual quarterly release would make the next update early July.

Personally I prefer to have the maps loaded on my computer to create waypoints, routes etc. I believe that routes are version dependent where waypoints are not.

For me that means I would not be able to upload routes to our 760 if it was upgraded to 2010 since I only have 2009 on the computer. I know I can create them on the GPSr, but I like planning my vacation routes well ahead of time and the computer in convenient.

Just wish Garmin would allow the purchase of 1 DVD per new yearly version that is released under this program.

While I had initially considered purchasing the lifetime update, I realize I really do not need the continuous updates for my use.

When you install the lifetime map update on the GPS unit it also installs the same map update version into the computer at the same time so you always have the same map version in both places.

I purchased mine from Amazon.com, you do download the actual updates from Garmin. The process took 3 hours for me from download to installation completion with a broadband connection.However I also heard about AmazingWatcher.Com which is a free website that will “watch” items for you on Amazon and let you know when amazon has them in stock at regular retail price.

AmazingWatcher.Com

Never say always...I updated my Nuvi 885t 2 months ago. As of yet I have not been able to get the computer version to install or whatever. My computer version remains 2009. And that is with quite a bit of Garmin tech assistance. So never say ALWAYS.

Garmin: GPS45XL-Streetpilot-Streetpilot III-Streetpilot 2720-Nuvi 750-Nuvi 885t