Upgrading Your Garmin

 

Sooner or later your GPS whether it is a Garmin or other brand will be discontinued and you may get the itch for the new features in the new models.

In updating my maps and software, I was greeted with a notice that my Garmin 650 was now a discontinued product. So out of curiosity, I sent Garmin an email asking two questions.

1. Can I buy a new unit at a discount?
2. Can I transfer my life subscription for the map upgrades?

As expected, Garmin responded with a resounding NO!. They also pointed out that they can't (as in prevented) from allowing the life map subscription to be transferred to a new unit.

The purpose of this post is to point out the flaws in Garmin's logic and to hope that others hoping to eventually upgrade will make similar requests to get a discount on a new unit and to get the map subscription transferred.

First, Garmin makes most of its money by selling hardware, the GPS unit itself. A sale is a sale - so if you trade-in an "obsolete" unit for a spiffy new unit they will still make more money. Garmin could also re-sell or donate the old unit you turned in to make more money or at least get good PR from donating GPS units to a charity.

Second, one of the biggest lies is the claim that a company can't do anything because of a contract. Companies re-negotiate contracts all the time. So Garmin if it wanted to could negotiate an agreement with the map provider to transfer the lifetime subscription to a new unit. The fact that Garmin does not seem to want to represent the interests of their customers is unfortunate. Again facilitating the sale of new units helps them to make more money.

So for now, I will live with my old obsolete unit and Garmin will have to do without my $$$$$$.

--
Garmin Nuvi650 - Morehead City, NC

I AGREE

That is how they make money.

--
Dwayne, Nuvi 1690

Actually...

they are discouraging me from upgrading my GPS, with their non transferrable map policy.

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-Garmin Nuvi 760 & 765T-

Look at it from their point of view

Why in the world would they want to cut a major revenue stream?

--
Nuvi 360, OS X Lion 10.7

When I bought the lifetime

When I bought the lifetime maps it was very plain that they would not be transferable. When I upgraded my gps I gave the old one to my son and when he upgraded he gave it to his daughter. We did not expect more than what we were promised.

--
Golf Junkie

New Units

Because the price of the 255W is about $120, I'll probably buy a new GPS every three years and pass the old one along. This way I get a new map, hardware, and battery and somebody else in my family gets a gps.

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- Missouri, Garmin 750 &, 255W

Hey...

rules "is" rules. You have to pay to play. I have 4 lifetime maps. I read the rules when I bought them...and went ahead and did it anyway. A great deal I think. That would be like going to Starbucks and saying that you think you are a good customer, and you want your next 100 coffee's at a 50% discount. It "aint" gonna happen. In this life you don't get something for nothing!

No other GPS company will do that for you..If they do run the other direction, as quickly as possible.

--
"Backward, turn backward, oh time in your flight, make me a child again, just for tonight."

its not like you cant

its not like you cant transfer your maps from mapsource onto another unit. as long as you can update your maps on the pc, you can get lifetime maps for any units you have after conversion/stripping using the usual garmin unlocker.

--
GPS Models : 60CSX w/2GB Kingston (stolen), 32GB Samsung INNOV8 with Garmin Mobile XT(8GB), NUVI 760 w/16GB PSF16GSDHC6 (DIED in 30 days), V (died), Nokia N8 with Garmin Mobile XT(48GB), Blackberry Torch with Google Maps.

I have an 880 and it is also

I have an 880 and it is also discontinued and I have s subscription to lifetime maps, believe me I would like a new unit, but I figured I would lose in that if I wanted the updated maps, I would have to buy a new lifetime subscription for the new garmin. I have pointed out in previous posts that one of the most important features I want to have in my unit is a removable battery, it has saved many times that I did not have to call tech support; as I look at the new units most of them do not have this feature..

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NickJr Nuvi 3597LMT

your current gps is getting

your current gps is getting old the new one that just came out will be outdated shortly and the one thats about to come out tomorow is 3x the prices with about the same amount of features plus extra random stuff that u really dont need.

remember when gps just took your there and back........

--
A GPS can take you where You want to go but never where you WANT to be.

I am using mine until it is

I am using mine until it is dead.

Don't give them your money

1. They won't give you a discount on a new unit.
2. They won't transfer your lifetime map to a new unit.

I had my 750 stolen & they're giving me 1/2 off a new lifetime map for my new 765 with a police report proving the 750 was stolen. Other then that, you're out of luck.

I don't think I would give them money for a new one anyway. My new 765 is actually a replacement unit because my first 765 had a problem where I could touch one spot on the screen, but a totally different spot would activate. For instance, I could touch "1", but "8" would come up. Well, Garmin replaced my unit for a brand new one & now the replacement unit is doing the same thing. From what I've read in some forums, it happens a lot in this current generation of Garmin Nuvi. So, until they can fix this problem, I wouldn't give them a penny for a new unit.

.

ganador11 wrote:

your current gps is getting old the new one that just came out will be outdated shortly and the one thats about to come out tomorow is 3x the prices with about the same amount of features plus extra random stuff that u really dont need.

remember when gps just took your there and back........

Yes, I remember and that's what I still use it for. If it still does that, then it is not old or outdated. Actually, there haven't been any significant technological improvements in the 3 years I've had mine. Maybe the 3700 series is an improvement.

--
nuvi 200 | lifetime maps

Me Too!!!

Until it stops working.... Lifetime Maps and Traffic is the deal-breaker!!! Conform to me, or else!

stevel123 wrote:

I am using mine until it is dead.

--
A 2689LMT in both our cars that we love... and a Nuvi 660 with Lifetime Maps that we have had literally forever.... And a 2011 Ford Escape with Nav System that is totally ignored!

Ridin' This Horse Til' It Drops

stevel123 wrote:

I am using mine until it is dead.

Ditto.

For the price of a new model, I'm riding this horse til' it drops dead.

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OK.....so where the heck am I?

Hey, it's like buying new

Hey, it's like buying new car or new tv set.
You have to update eventually smile
New units are bigger and they have more features.

Lifetime Transfer

I have contemplated buying a lifetime subscription but I will not pay more than I have to for something that is non-transferable. I wonder who is preventing them from allowing map transfers or if that is just a smokescreen. Supposing they charged a $15-$20 "administrative" fee to allow the transfer of a subscription. The customers' subscription investment would be preserved and Garmin could make a little money on the transfer.

I am still waiting for Amazon.com to have another one of their $69.99 sales on lifetime maps like I understand they had on April 4th. I could justify the purchase at that price knowing it would be tied to my buggy 765T.

--
I support the right to keep and arm bears.

Life Time Transfer

Life time transfer is a rip off, just for the fact that you might need to replace said gps unit.

--
Alan-Garmin c340

Transfer

I will keep my 855 is has everything that I need. Routing, VR, and many more. I have lifetime map and I read the small print, can't transfer.

--
3790LMT; 2595LMT; 3590LMT, 60LMTHD

the cost of a dinner for two at a decent restaurant

Steve R. wrote:

So for now, I will live with my old obsolete unit and Garmin will have to do without my $$$$$$.

So you have decided you will live with what in your words is an old obsolete unit just to avoid having to purchase a new lifetime map subscription. The lifetime map subs are really not that expensive when you compare it with a lot of other things we spend money on.

For the cost of a dinner for two at a decent restaurant you can purchase a new lifetime subscription on Amazon. The dinner is over and done in an hour or so and the lifetime map sub will last as long as you have the GPS unit.

--
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps

I Agree

I will continue to use my Garmin Streetpilot C550 until it is dead.

hahahaha...lifetime maps...dealbreaker...???

JanJ wrote:

Until it stops working.... Lifetime Maps and Traffic is the deal-breaker!!! Conform to me, or else!

stevel123 wrote:

I am using mine until it is dead.

I have 1 year old maps on my NUVI765 and it is ok, GARMIN don't fix known issues of the unit's software anyway and instead they launch new models and keep stripping features - Lifetime maps update is waste of money!!! Catch is...your unit is done, so your lifetime is too...Did you ask yourself what is lifetime of the unit??? Did you check how prices of new units are falling? ...and on top of that, once you get fedup with GARMIN's ignorance...it is less painfull to switch to the different brand...

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vk

Downgrading ??? your Garmin

I too have a hard time understanding people getting so exercised over the cost of the map updates. If you need the info the price is good, On sale it is even better.

I am thinking of getting my street pilot back from my son if there isn't a patch for the freezing &/or rebooting problems soon.

The rebooting hasn't happened too often, thankfully, but during one of them I was in the middle of a complex Texas multi-level interchange. I said some bad words but managed to make my way through and then went over 1500 mi. without another problem.

--
John Nuvi 750 765T Winnipeg, MB

it is no t so much...

jqua wrote:

I too have a hard time understanding people getting so exercised over the cost of the map updates. If you need the info the price is good, On sale it is even better.

I am thinking of getting my street pilot back from my son if there isn't a patch for the freezing &/or rebooting problems soon.

The rebooting hasn't happened too often, thankfully, but during one of them I was in the middle of a complex Texas multi-level interchange. I said some bad words but managed to make my way through and then went over 1500 mi. without another problem.

It is not much about cost ...it is more about reliability...and quality...why give them even more money, when they are not able to deliver quality at the first place???

--
vk

No need to upgrade

I don't feel a need to upgrade. I'll use my nüvi 760 until it totally dies. At that point I'll worry about new maps but I don't expect it to be for quite a while. I don't care if my unit is "outdated" as it does everything I want and does it well. If I could change anything about it I'd like a stronger FM transmitter but that's not going to happen even in a newer unit.

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GPSMAP 76CSx - nüvi 760 - nüvi 200 - GPSMAP 78S

I agree completely. I have

I agree completely. I have my 770 working fine..knock on wood and I will buy a new unit before I buy a map upgrade. I don't think it makes good economic sense.

Stick with My 660

from all the problems I have read about units newer than my 660, I will stick with it. Never had a problem and still have 2008 maps. Gets me where I want to go and back.

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johnm405 660 & MSS&T

New unit, new map

I'd rather spend my money on upgrading my unit and getting a new map that way than just incremental map updates.

I just ordered a 1490T yesterday. This unit will be an upgrade from my 260, which after two years is still going strong. I debated buying one-off or lifetime maps, but figured that an upgrade to a larger feature set was in order. I'll get the latest maps with the upgrade, while the 260 will keep the 2008 map I installed after I activated it.

The 260 will serve as a backup and a lender unit, so no real need to update the maps. Besides, other than Navteq filling in the few roads that were not on the maps a few years ago, has there really been that much new road construction in the past few years requiring quarterly or even annual updates??

--
Drivesmart 66, Nuvi 2595LMT (Died), Nuvi 1490T (Died), Nuvi 260 (Died), GPSMAP 195

Lifetime Maps

I've never quite understood the logic behind the way that Garmin implemented lifetime maps. Since it's tied to the unit and the original map purchaser, it provides a real disincentive to replacing the unit that the maps are tied to. I probably would have replaced my GPS this year but the "investment" I made in my current GPS is enough to cause me to wait at least one more year.

Keep it till it quits!

They keep adding new bells and whistles to entice us to "upgrade". I still have my Nokia 1100 cell phone. All it is is a phone. None of the extra stuff everybody thinks they have to have today. I hardly use it anyway. It's primarily for emergencies. Remember when we didn't have cell phones? We managed to live. Same with GPS. Remember paper maps? I still carry my road atlas in the car, and replace it every couple of years. It's my GPSr "backup". Lifetime maps is a bargain unless you got to have the latest gizmo they've added to the latest GPSr. The "old" one works just fine. It gets you there and back. What more do you need?

Lifetime maps is better than it used to be

Lifetime maps is not a perfect program but it's better than paying each year or every other year to get updates. Even if you pay $100 to get up to 4 updates a year for say 3-5 years (life of unit) that doesn't seem to far out of line on pricing.

I think the price for the lifetime map update is a fair price

if your unit is up and running or don't get stolen. Other than that 2 years for map updates cost more than that anyway. I think most gps receiver can last 3-5 years easily.

I'm curious

Frside007 (or anyone else), have you found that the number of roads added or corrected in each quarterly update is noteable? My main impetus to get my GPSr two years ago is because I started photographing properties for real estate agents. In the ensuing time I have found only a few roads that were not on my 2008 update, probably less than 5 addresses. Considering how slow the economy has been the past several years, and how new construction has been slow or non-existent, I'm hard pressed to believe that my money was not better spent elsewhere. Yeah I know that kinda changes the topic of the tread, but by not updating the maps in my old unit, I'm essentially saving half the price of my new unit, that has a much larger screen, a larger feature set, and the most current maps.

For me, a lifetime map has not yet made sense, both financially or navigationally. Just curious if those getting the updates are really finding them not only useful but necessary.

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Drivesmart 66, Nuvi 2595LMT (Died), Nuvi 1490T (Died), Nuvi 260 (Died), GPSMAP 195

Not just road updates.

If you have a nuvi that supports Lane Assist/Junction view, getting the new map version is worthwhile just for the expanding coverage for Lane Assist; also speed limit additions/corrections, POI updates. So it is not just about road updates. In my view the lifetime map subscription is worth the money.

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

Change, change, change

As long as our world economy doesn't totally collapse, you are going to see technological changes come faster and faster. Embrace it or you could go crazy.

Think about it a minute. We (humans) started to move from hunter/gather society about about 10,000 yrs ago to an agriculture society.

The industrial revolution started to really roll in the late 1800's.

The computer age (electronic) started in the 1940's or so. It really gained momentum in the 1970's when Integrated Circuits were invented.

Now we are in the "Information Age". It's possible to obtain the knowledge to build anything you want to, by going on the internet and searching for the knowledge. Of course, you will need the tools and resources to do it, but the door is wide open.

Did you notice that the major changes mentioned above are getting closer and closer together? The knowledge is massing at a much faster rate each year. The more knowledge we have, the more we can exploit that knowledge to get more knowledge that will lead to more knowledge.

Electronic devices are getting smaller and smaller and using less power. Manufacturers are designing new products at a much faster rate than just 5 years ago, due to the improved software that is available because computers are much more powerful in both speed and memory. Assembly lines are getting much more flexable and increasing automation. Look how long it took to switch from the Cathode Ray tube to the current Flat Screens which are rapidly dropping in price while also increasing in size, quality and longevity.

Change is going to come - whether you want it or not. You might as well get used to it. Sure, there are going to be bumps in the road along the way. Hopefully, Garmin and others will focus in more on quality and build a better product and not put so much emphasis on adding more bells and whistles that most users won't use.

Too much worrying about "Market Share" is the wrong approach. Build a first class quality product and the market share will come all by itself.

Sorry everyone, I know I tend to ramble on in my old age of 65 yrs!

--
Metricman DriveSmart 76 Williamsburg, VA

Complain about map $$$? There are free options avaialble.

A lot of people seem to complain about the cost of the Garmin Lifetime maps. If that is the only issue keeping you from buying a new unit, then why not use the FREE, OpenSource maps available.

These are maps made and updated by the mapping community for any region of the globe. They are free to download, as they are OpenSource, and easy to install. You can also use your own GPS trip logs/tracks, etc.. to update the map database yourself.

Check out:

http://garmin.na1400.info/routable.php

if you just want to get the maps.

http://www.openstreetmap.org

if you want maps or perhaps help update the database.

Hopefully my Nuve 205W last

Hopefully my Nuve 205W last a very long time. I like it very well and do not need any other features. I do not have a plan to upgrade...ever!!!

Why Not Push for a Dinner that Serves Three Plus Desert

rjrsw wrote:

So you have decided you will live with what in your words is an old obsolete unit just to avoid having to purchase a new lifetime map subscription. The lifetime map subs are really not that expensive when you compare it with a lot of other things we spend money on.

For the cost of a dinner for two at a decent restaurant you can purchase a new lifetime subscription on Amazon. The dinner is over and done in an hour or so and the lifetime map sub will last as long as you have the GPS unit.

My interest in posting is to further the concept that, we as consumers, should not simply "accept" the limitations imposed upon us by companies such as Garmin. Hopefully we are not sheep. There is absolutely no reason in a free-market economy why you can't ask for more. If enough people really ask for more, such as the ability to transfer the lifetime map subscription, Garmin might even see the profit in it!

What really ticked me off, was the flagrantly stupid assertion that they can't (as in prevented) transfer the lifetime map subscription to a new unit. Contracts can be changed.

--
Garmin Nuvi650 - Morehead City, NC

just a choice to give'm extra cash...

larryak wrote:

I've never quite understood the logic behind the way that Garmin implemented lifetime maps. Since it's tied to the unit and the original map purchaser, it provides a real disincentive to replacing the unit that the maps are tied to. I probably would have replaced my GPS this year but the "investment" I made in my current GPS is enough to cause me to wait at least one more year.

Answer is very simple...just to generate extra cash from Garmin loyalists...and is it a good deal??? That is really very questionable...

--
vk

Worthwhile..Yes

I upgraded from my trusty 260 to a 265wt for the bigger screen and the traffic features. The unit has been very stable with no problems so far and that is why I purchased the lifetime map updates. I will be keeping the unit for quite a while and I got the update when it was on sale on Amazon so I should be good to go for a few years yet. The 260 is kept as a "loaner" for out of town friends to borrow but will not be getting any map updates. Even though it has the 2008 map set it has still proved to be more accurate than a lot of the built in GPS units that the visitors have had in their cars.

--
Nuvi2797LMT (2) Nuvi260,Ford Sync3 Navigation. Captain Cook was a Yorkshire man too.

just buy a new GPSr

every two years and forget the lifetime maps. The changes are so minimal it's not worth the trouble of being stuck in obsolete technology.
Then there are those that feel different, so do what you need to do. Th.at is why I have several units and can also lend out a GPSR or two.

--
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

Garmin policy suck

I will never ever buy Garmin again.
To pay for the maps avery year is stupid.
There are plenty of other choices today and for much less money.
I payed 600 for my nuvi350 4 years ago and they never gave me discount for the maps.

not very happy to admit...but it is reality...

george1943 wrote:

I will never ever buy Garmin again.
To pay for the maps avery year is stupid.
There are plenty of other choices today and for much less money.
I payed 600 for my nuvi350 4 years ago and they never gave me discount for the maps.

That's it! I paid $550 for my 765t 1and half year ago. Today I say it was just a waste of money, I could spend much better...so far it is the only gadget I ever owned that I am not satisfied with...too many problems and Garmin don't give f... to fix it...enough is enough...no more...

--
vk

Updating

When my Zumo 550 was stolen and I replaced it with another 550 I asked Garmin if I could transfer my lifetime map update to the new unit and was told no. However they offered to discount the new update.

Map updates: not worth the

Map updates: not worth the money to me... but given that the roads rarely change in my city and in this down economy, it's not like new roads are being built every day, I won't be needing new maps anytime soon.

Given that a map update from Garmin is a nationwide update (plus Canada!), I suppose that technically, it is well worth the money considering the time and effort they must put into it.

And don't forget their POI updates are included.

Still, for me, I can't justify the cost for an annual or even bi-annual update.

For each of you, simply weigh the cost versus value. Same as you would for any other purchase.