software question

Link to latest posted firmware and when you download it will list revision history of that unit. Some units not listed so would have to be done with Webupdater software:

http://www8.garmin.com/support/blosp.jsp

If you've already registered your unit and signed onto myGarmin, you can go there, find your device and check for available software updates for your unit. Your unit does not need to be hooked up to your computer. If you haven't registered your Garmin, you can always go to the link mentioned in the previous post and look at all the software listed, check for versions and dates released.

And if you haven't registered your unit, why not? It's the best and fastest way - other than POI-Factory - to be notified of software updates.

Most firmware upgrade does not do much, skip it unless something wrong.

What do you base this opinion on?

I used to update my gps pretty often. Eventually I began to have trouble with it and had to mail it back into Garmin.

Unless you're upgrading to new maps and need new system software, I've always taken the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach. Most system software upgrades seem to be released so as to incorporate new features included in new map-sets. If you're not installing new maps, the added features of software upgrades don't serve much purpose.

I always stay current on all software updates and never once had a problem as a consequence of doing so. It's all up to you how you want to continue but at some point it may be possible that something may not work as intended because of not staying current.

JMHO, and they are free after all.

I do however use the checkbox to decide if I want to upgrade voices etc.

To "whoever"
Go to the Garmin website and read the list of what an update contains for your unit and you'll change your mind on this matter. Many units have had many pages of software updates made since their entry into the marketplace.