Post to SD or GPS?

Is there a maximum size for a SD card (Gb) that the Nuvi Garmins can handle? I remember that the Garmin 2610 had a maximum size of card.

There is no clear answer here. It all depends on the number of POIs and the space available. If you load directly to the GPS (using POI Loader) there MAy be some infitesimal speed advantage and you do not need to "worry" about losing the SD card. If you load directly to SD, then you can have load the innformation directly to other units or save big trips without cluttering the system when you travel around town. Your choice.

POIs will show up in Extras as long as the path is correct and you've loaded them correctly. (refer other posts for the details)

Personally, I have the POI Loader, Extra POI Editor and my raw POI files on the SD card so that when travelling I can always work with my POI files using a hotel/motel computers eliminating the need to carry my laptop/netbook with me.... just a thought.

I have tried both ways. I would like to be able to save my POIs on the SD card but getting the message asking if I want to load them to my unit, every time I turn it on, gets sort of annoying, so, I don't bother. I haven't yet been able to determine what the true maximum amount of outside data that can be loaded into my nuvi 265wt. I hear anywhere from a minimum of 3000 POIs to over 38,000 successful loads.
As to the SD card size question, it appears that all of the newer model nuvis can accept any size SD card.

Question: What is the largest Secure Digital (SD) card that my nuvi, zumo, or StreetPilot can accept?
Answer:

As long as the unit has the latest version of software, your unit can use the following maximum card size from the table below. You can use the WebUpdater program to download the latest unit software.

Unit Series Maximum Size of SD card
nuvi 16 GB
zumo 16 GB
StreetPilot C500 2 GB
StreetPilot C300* 2 GB
StreetPilot i-series* 2 GB
StreetPilot 7200 / 7500 2 GB

Depending on the model of your unit, it may use either a full size SD card or a microSD card. If you are not sure which your unit requires, please refer to its documentation.

*Note: If you have an OEM dealer device please refer to the series above that fits your device. StreetPilot C300 and i-series units do not currently support the SDHC (High Capacity) cards.
Last modified on: 06/04/2010

I don't believe there is an upper limit to the number of POI's you can load on these cards, other than a space limit. I've at one time had 70000 which I have since paired down but I'm sure others have more than that.

I recently installed a SanDisk 8GB microSD card (Costco $20.00)into my Garmin 1390T and loaded almost 80,000POIs to the SD card, without any problems.

I have a Nuvi 1690. I have the latest maps and have deleted all unnecessary files (help, voices, vehicles, etc). I have loaded close to 300,000 POI's to the unit and there is enough space to do so. I have also loaded the same amount to the SD card and didn't notice any difference to speak of.

What about "OLD" NUVI's like the 350? I don't believe it would handle a 16gb SD card

Can you elaborate on the "latest version software" ?

-jgracey

The latest version software would be the latest firmware update for your particular Nuvi.

The way I read the Garmin support page is that all Nuvi models with the latest firmware would support a 16gb sd card. I tested a 16GB Sandisk SD card on my 350 and the unit will play mp3 files from the card.

The message that you get "do you want to load to the unit" has been discussed numerous times. From what we know the method to stop the message is dependant on the unit. In other words...on some units you will also get something to the effect "do you want to see this message again?' and a box to check. And on other units you do not get the choice.
As for the SD card size, their are many mixed answers from 1gb up to 8gb.

You don't get that ability on the newer units. It's one of the options removed.

Does this happen every time, or just when you load new POI's or updates? Also, do you remove the card from the unit?

I only get it when I update the card.

Garmin needs to check their information. Both my C330 and C550, in addition to my 765T, work with 4GB and 8GB SDHC cards. I have not tried anything larger as I do not have anything greater than 8GB on hand.

I have a 265WT. In order to not load the POIs on the GPSr and not get the message: When asked if you want to load them on the GPSr answer YES; then on the next screen check the SKIP box; then continue. You will not get the question again until the next time you update the POIs on the SD card.

It happens every time on my 1690. I leave the SD card in the unit.

That's how it works on my 350, 780 and 1490. This may also work with the 1690.

It doesn't work with the 3790 however.

That's not how it works on my 1490T...I have not found the skip box on the next screen...It asks each and everytime.

If you have enough space on your GPSr, I would load the POIs there. If you are concerned about space on the GPSr,you could choose to load only a portion of the maps on your GPSr and the remaining on the SD card. In my case, I don't have enough space to load all of the maps on my GPSr, even though I have removed voices, vehicles,etc. I therefore have split my maps. After doing so, I put all of my POIs on the GPSr.

Now, how do I get the latest firmware? Is it free?
Do I have to also have the latest Maps?

On my 780 I prefer placing all my custom POI's on the SD card. I do have the ability to answer yes to the question about moving the POI's to the nuvi than skipping that so it only asks after an upgrade. That would be quite annoying if I could not skip that message.

Yes, it's free. Just connect your nuvi to the Garmin Webupdater, and follow the steps. As for 'having' to get new maps, no you don't have to.

I will definetly check out the firmware.

You are correct. That is what I do. Thanks