Garmin nuvi 1490T: How can you tell if you are getting one with new FIRMWARE?

 

I'm planning on getting one of these, but I want one with new maps and new firmware....How can I tell? Is their a serial number or something (date?) that indicates a new batch?

also...

If I decide to get a REFURB, is it easy to get the new firmware or do I have to contact Garmin and go through the hassel of showing proof I purchased, etc....(I'd rather pay the full than go through the hassel)

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You won't be able to tell which firmware is on a unit using serial numbers (or otherwise) since even refurb units are flashed with what is current from Garmin.

If the firmware is not current due to sitting on a shelf somewhere, you can easily make it current...all firmware updates have been freely downloadable directly from Garmin. No proof of purchase nor registration is required. Just use Webupdater here:

http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/howtoinstall.jsp

--
nuvi 760, nuvi 765T, nuvi 855, nuvi 3790LMT, nuvi 3490LMT - SoCal area

Firmware

RunningRiot wrote:

I'm planning on getting one of these, but I want one with new maps and new firmware....How can I tell? Is their a serial number or something (date?) that indicates a new batch?

also...

If I decide to get a REFURB, is it easy to get the new firmware or do I have to contact Garmin and go through the hassel of showing proof I purchased, etc....(I'd rather pay the full than go through the hassel)

Current firmware is available for free and pretty much hassle free directly from the Garmin Website with the webupdater or your Dashboard once you set up your own "MyGarmin" account. So dont' let that stop you from buying a refurb. There are some really good deals on refurbs out there compared to buying new.

updates

Word of advice.
1. Before you try to update firmware make sure, that unit is fully charged. After downloading update to unit it has to be restarted in order to update itself. This process cannot be interrupted (like by not enough power in battery) as it may make unit inoperable. And it can't be restarted with data cable connected to computer. It is same process for new and refurb units.

2. With new unit you have 60(?) days to update it to newest maps over internet (see garmin for details). It may not be a case with refurbished unit, unless it was purchased from garmin directly. So make sure, that maps on refurb will be the latest version.