Purchase Update

Not sure which update you are referring to. Generally when you purchase a GPS, Garmin gives you 1 free "map" update, unless you want it in DVD format, then the cost is $10.00 for the DVD. The operating software program updates are free online via Garmin.. I'd think long and hard about buying the map update though. I don't think it was worth it myself. Just my 2 cents here...

Yank51 raised many valid points...I also feel that "Maps" rarely really change in the sense of the word change (especially inside the city)...new devepoments mostly oustside the CBD may come with new steets...

Having said this, it goes without saying that almost all of the main roads and CBD roads/streets hardly change...the lifetime update only applies to the same map updates of the map type that you purchase the unit with...IF a completly new map is developed you will not qualify as a "free" lifetime updater...you shall have to buy like everyone....

If money is NOT your issue, then I say you go for it. my two cent worth.

The last three almost-quarterly updates each has significantly improved mapping and built-in POIs for my area, so I'm a fan of keeping current.

Here are the reasons NOT to go with lifetime maps:

-you plan to get rid of your GPS in the next year or so
-you only have dial-up internet access

Regarding Point #2, 1-time updates can be bought as a download or as a DVD (and dial-up folks should spring for the DVD). The lifetime updates are only available as downloads and should only be purchased by folks with broadband.

You will find strong proponents for: 1) buying a 1-time update every 2-3 years or even buying a new GPS every couple of years as a way to get new maps and 2) updating your GPS roughly quarterly as new maps come out. It boils down to being a personal decision that you will need to make.

There are several factors involved here.

If you plan to upgrade to a newer and better machine soon, then lifetime could be a loss. If you sell the old GPS, you certainly do not want to give someone access to your account and you will want to delete the device from your Garmin account so they can register it.

If it's a family member that gets the old GPS, then you can still do the updates for them, so lifetime would be worth it.

If you plan to keep the current GPS, then you have to decide whether you need frequent updates or not.

Some factors to consider:

1. Do you only use it for going back and forth to work?
(I use mine almost every day of the week for traffic info, as I travel the I-64 corridor thru Newport News and Hampton, but the interstate roads seldom change)
2. Do you take a lot of trips out of town?
(At my place of work, I do go on company travel, so a GPS with up-to-date maps is a bonus to have. Also, my wife and I do get "out of town" several times a year and the updated maps with current POIs are nice to have.)

All factors considered, if you think that you will keep the unit for some time, then look at it this way: 2 single map purchases will cost more than 1 lifetime purchase from an Amazon vendor. Plus the lifetime will allow you to always have the latest version, just in case you have to suddenly go somewhere. A company I used to work at told me that they wanted me to go to Italy. I asked when, and was told "not sure, maybe next week". I had 6 hours notice to go home, get packed and be at the airport. Didn't have a GPS then (15 yrs. ago), but it's nice to know, that I can download a map of another country to a SD card and be ready to go rather quickly.

I bought the Lifetime Maps since I plan to keep my Garmin for quite a while.

I purchased the forever .... why spend a little less for only one ? New streets and developments , major highway changes are going on daily . Plus you can update 4 times a year -- FOREVER ! ---- Try to get that deal with a lousey TOM TOM ..... ROFL ! Garmin keeps up vigorously ..... I have 2 - 7200'S and love them .... huge screens and fm radio transmission .... no more squinting at a tiny 3" screen . Updating every 2-3 years does'nt get it ... our family found out the hard way .... nothing like " no such address or route " on your GPS .... a real bummer .

Buy a lifetime update if you plan on keeping your unit for a while but if you are the type that buys a new one every so often then just get the one-time update

Well, I've had this occure a few times with my Garmin, and it's disconcerning to say the least. I don't know if it's the number for the address, or what. Just the other day I gave it a street name along with the number and it kept giving me that same "error" message. Since I knew where the street was, I just drove to it, noticing that the street was clearly marked on the scrolling map. I didn't have time to play with the address number, but earlier when I was on vacation with it it had given me the same message, but DID recognize a different address number, albeit at an intersection. In other words, it wouldn't recognize a specific number, but did know the street. The address I was looking for (on the earlier visit) has been in existence for 10 years or more.

Ask your kids, wife, significant other, parents to get you the lifetime update from Amazon for your birthday/fathers day/christmas ... any combination of gift givers, covering any combination of occasions.

I think you'll find the potential gift givers will welcome the suggestion ... and it won't hurt to wait until closer to the occasion.

And, if there is nobody to ask (hint) for a gift of a lifetime update, well, then, give it to yourself.

You won't regret it ... and it's a whole lot better than getting another tie or a shirt.

There is more factors to consider, but if you are newbie I would definitely recommend this:
1) don't buy map update the either one, untill you keep your GPS unit long enough to see if you can "swollow" all problems you had with it and there is already updated map out there and you really need it.
2) if you have entry level GPS or premium one.
3) if you are computer savvy and you are willing to spend extra time to do updates, or you have an attitude "if it works don't touch it"
4) consider today's fast falling prices of GPS units...and realise fast pace of technology advancement.
5) consider that you might be able to buy a new unit for the price of updates!

I plan on getting the lifetime updates when the next map revision comes out. Good for new developments where the addresses did not exist and the POIs seem to increase each release

I am assuming that you are referring to the Lifetime Map update. Garmin states, “Each nüMaps Lifetime subscription is only for a single user/single Garmin compatible device. One map update package must be purchased for each compatible device that wants to use the nüMaps Lifetime subscription.” Because you cannot transfer the Lifetime Map subscriptions to another GPS, I would be patient take advantage of the free map upgrade provided when you purchased your GPS. Use your GPS for a while and see if the upgrade has ANY significant impact before you decide if the Lifetime update is worth the money. In my opinion it boils down to two issues. How often do you really need to update the maps and how long is your GPS going to last. Also, keep in mind that by waiting, you may see a price drop for the service.

You pay $600 for a GPS and plan to throw it away in a year or so? Spend the extra $100 and get the lifetime updates. I am a firm believer in the adage you get what you pay for. Navteq doesn't get everything updated to everyone's satisfaction, but when riding cross country, I'd rather take my chances timing fuel stops with updated maps than 1-2 year old ones. Order the maps from gpscity.com or possibly amazon.com and you can get a good deal on the lifetime card that you use to register your Zumo with Garmin for the quarterly map updates. It's less than the cost of two single updates.

In reply to dave817:

I am a believer that you SHOULD get what you pay for, but that this is often simply not true.

With reference to the thread:

As to buying the lifetime updates, I suggest that you wait a year - you can buy it ANYTIME and it is possible that the cost will come down.

My experience with Garmin mapping is that the POIs are out of date and much of the rural mapping stinks.

Roads don't change all that quickly, so I'd wait a year and then decide. You might just buy a new unit if they come out with something out of this world. You never know.

Besides, if your unit dies you lose your investment because the service goes with the unit, not the owner.

bramfrank I agree with you 100% especially after my own negative experience.

I am strong believer of "you get what you pay for" too. But after I purchased overpriced nuvi 765t, with all trouble it came with, (now it finally seems to work ok), if I overlook some minor glitches I can live with.

I would be very carefull to apply this philosophy for Garmin products.

Thanks everyone
You have given me much to think about. I was a little frustrated with Garmin. I got my GPS before Christmas and then updated my map in January and now they have an update I can't get it free. My GPS isn't even one year old. I guess I'm frustrated because on vacation this year. I was driving through open fields, according to my GPS. What is up with that!

I really like having my GPS and use it a lot and plan on keeping it for a long time. I just don't like spending more $$ for something I think should come with it, at least for the first year.

Thanks again

Hey Chubno,

I had the problem of driving through fields when I was on vacation in Maine. I fixed it by going into Map / Map Details and changing the setting from the default of Normal to More and it then showed the smaller roads. Not sure that would have helped you but thought I throw that out.

Frank

If indeed map detail was his issue he also needs to be zoomed to 500 meters (what is that about a quarter mile?) to get those roads to display;

Another wonderful 'feature' from Garmin that they've 'introduced' in the past year.

My wife has the lifetime map package for her Garmin 350, I don't for my 775T.

Her maps are at least 3 versions fresher, we travel a good deal with them and live in a major metro area with lots of new streets and even a newer interstate - There is no noticeable difference, both still miss old existing streets and can't locate some addresses.

The only thing certain is that by the time you really might feel out of date in a couple of years - your old Garmin will still be available at a drastically reduced price new in the box WITH A NEW FREE MAP UPGRADE WAITING FOR YOU - for around the price of the "lifetime" upgrade.

Actually, it is personal. I would buy a new GPS and keep it at least for 3 years or more and buy a newer one if the newest model has the newest and latest updates with more features than the one I currently have. Otherwise, if nothing major has changed I would keep the unit I have, unless I were to travel cross country.

After spending $300+ for my 765T, $80 on the MSN Receiver, I anticipate I will keep this unit somewhere between 4-6 years (lets see what the future brings). Based on that assumption, it made sense to me to purchase the Lifetime Map upgrade.

I feel it is because you can spend 70 bucks for a single upgrade. 2 upgrades and it has paid for itself.

Best Buy store usually sells the new year upgrade for $60. If you wait for one of their sales you can get it for around $30. It comes on a SD card.
It is the same maps that come in the new models.

NICE, Big thanks!