Garmin free map update policy

Well.... it does appear thjat Garmin has done a turn-around on their policy about NOT providing a free update to customers who "Recently" (within 90 days)purchased a Garmin Unit.

I have no problem paying for my update, since it's been a year since I bought my 2730 & 7500.

But the "old" policy also used to allow me to update TWO units. Now the policy has changed to allow only ONE update per unit. So It will be $140 for me, and a lot more for some people who have 4 or more units.

I guess I could do an update every other year, but I'm the type who always wants to stay current.

My preferred method of updates would be for Garmin or Navteq to offer an annual subscription for some sort of On-Line update so we can update every week or every month with all the changes made to the maps instead of once a year.

Tim

So, if I want to purchase a Garmin C340 for example, Why I still have to ask for the latest map? The unit should come with the latest map, no?

I just received my new 360 today, found this site and this thread, and checked my map version. I ordered through costco and the unit came with the new 2008 map. Cool, no hassles out of the box.

I am really impressed with this unit so far. I've only had it for less than 8 hours though so I know that's not saying much. But it worked great out of the box, is lightning fast and very accurate.

Hi,

Can you point me to the link on their website that states this policy? I want to be armed with the information when I call support for the update. Purchased a Nuvi 660 on July 26 which is after Nt 2008 was released and the unit only came with NT v8.

Thanks!

Could you please advise what the map source disk is, I purchased a 670 but the only disk I got was the Garmin CD with the Adobe instructions on. Should I have got some other disk as well ?

Mapsource is software to run on your PC to view maps and also transfer waypoints (favorites) back and forth between the PC and your GPSr. For more info, go to: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/2730

Thanks mkahn

I think I now understand what map source is. Should I have got it free with my 670 or do I have to purchase it.

It doesn't come with the unit. Many have obtained it free of charge by contacting Garmin and explaining that they would like it to work with waypoints.

I purchased my c330 on 7/29/07 and found out that Garmin just release the new 2008 maps. When I called them I got a response from both the rep and supervisor that this model along with a few other is being discontinued so therefore they could not upgrade me for free. They said if I wanted the new maps I could buy them for half price. I thought Garmin was a pretty good company but now I'm not so sure.

Check out my comment on this thread
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/5205

I believe Garmin will have to change their pricing policy regarding map update due to competitive pressures.

Tom Tom is offering free LIFETIME map updates for their GPS products. While Garmin will be able to charge annual map fees for their professional products, I can't see how they will be able to remain competitive in consumer GPS products given the increasing price and feature competition of the consumer GPS market.

Will Garmin allow their market share to evaporate because they are too stubborn or out of touch with reality to respond properly to a competitive environment?

What do you think?

Where did you get the information with TomTom GPSr you get free map update for life?

http://www.tomtom.com/products/maps.php?ID=403&Category=0&Li...

Since Tomtom is buying TeleAtlas, they don't have to pay royalties anymore.

The maps may well be free for life, but that site says "New maps and free software upgrades through TomTom HOME. So you’ll never be out-of-date."

New maps; free software upgrades.

Looks like they have 50% off till Jan. 31. Probably go back to full price after that.

Definitely worth the money!

hello, i want to update my garmin 310 australian map for free, can you please send web address to download 2008 austlalian map.
thanks

Only free software upgrade not the map. There is no word free for map in the tomtom site just free software upgrade only.

Its not downloadable, unfortunalty. It'd be too big anyway, it comes on a DVD. You'll have to call Garmin. And if you've had your GPS for a while, its not a free update.

just what i need is a free updated

cool

I would also be glad to pay $75 for the update. Unfortunatley the cost here in the UK is $200 for the same thing.
Why so much of difference???? RIP OFF.

Typically, the cost of the maps is related to the cost charged by the owners of the data. If memory serves, some/most of the road data in the UK comes from government sources which control the costs.

it goes by when the unit gets its first satellite lock.

When I registered my unit online I wasn't offered a map update. Several months latter, as I became better informed thanks to this site, I called Garmin and asked why. The CS checked and said that it was because the 1st satellite lock was months before I purchased it. She then added that she knew that was wrong because it was also before the manufacture date of the unit.

She enabled the map update on their Web Site and I was able to download it.

Just a note that when those posts were written (2007), Garmin was not using the date of satellite acquisition. They were using the purchase date as evidenced by the retail receipt.

Each time that Garmin updates its maps, I expect to find my house and street. No dice.
Jen

So do I

Lol and i thought i was the only one not on the Map

Odd, today I got a message during the boot of my Nuvi 350 stating the map is due to be updated and to go to the garmin website to order or download the latest mapsource...