2011 Maps, are they worth it?

After your description of your experience, I would have thought the question to be moot.

However... yes, they are worth it, IMO. I have the lifetime updates, cheaper than a one-shot buy.

IMO they are worth it. Especially if you travel a lot.

I agree with the previous replies. But from your post, it appears you're looking towards a One-Time map update. Most folks will suggest to you that this is a bad value--go for the lifetime updates. The only time to really avoid the cost of any update is if you plan to replace your GPS unit the next year or so.

I found that the new maps finally included some of the new roads that continue to be added to the Eastern parts of Arizona.

wondering about is Garmin going full bore in upgrading their maps? For instance the community I'm in right now is 9 years old and still shows up as an empty field. Will it be on the new maps? I guess the only way to find out is to buy the "lifetime" updates. Thanks for pointing me in that direction.

Regards,

Norm

New maps are worth it.

The new roads and updated database are well worth it.

I recently updated to CN2011 (lifetime) from 2008 and it was a good move.

Have a look here for that answer: http://www8.garmin.com/cgi-bin/mapgen/webmap.cgi?p=149618689...

Zoom in to your community, and see.

With the price of lifetime maps being found so cheap on the internet.Its the only way to go.

I don't necessarily agree with the suggestions here that a map update is worth it. It really depends on whether the map and/or POIs have been updated for areas that you frequent. You would have to find someone that frequents the areas that you travel to find that out.

Garmin gets its maps from NavTeq. Posts on the web suggest that NavTeq is notoriously slow at updating maps and POIs. I know that I reported a correction to them over a year and a half ago, and it does not appear in the latest update. I've heard that 2-3 years for a reported error is about normal. In this day and age of so many tools, it's hard to imagine why it would take so long to validate a reported error.

Regarding lifetime updates versus a one time update, it does seem that a lifetime update is the better value at first blush. But many people suggest that if you think you will replace your GPS in about 5 years, it would be better to buy a one time update around year 3. I suppose it depends on how much you travel and use your GPS, and how soon you might replace it. Your purchased map update (one time or lifetime) is only good for the associated GPS and doesn't follow to the replacement unit. I was planning to go with the year 3 suggestion but went for a lifetime update using a gift card (which made it feel like I got it for nothing ).

There are also free maps out there. Google "free Garmin maps" to learn more about that. I downloaded and installed a Mexico map from http://freegeographytools.com/2009/free-routable-street-maps... and it did seem to be pretty complete considering that Mexico maps are seriously lacking compared to USA maps. Once Garmin added Mexico to their North America package, I went that route. I haven't been back into Mexico lately to check the Garmin map but a cursory check showed that it was similar to the free map. I can't speak to any other free maps but some swear by them. Reportedly, updates are much quicker than NavTeq's maps.

Since you are on the fence, do your homework. That's my suggestion...

The way I look at it, if a person can afford the lifetime updates, why not do it?

I used to buy a new road atlas every year. That's why I bought the lifetime maps for my Nuvi.

I bought Lifetime maps for my "semi-retired" Nuvi 260+ for around $110. I have had 7 updates so far and will keep updating. Works out to $15.71 per update so far.
I bought my new 1490LMT with lifetime maps. Nothing wrong with the 260+ - just wanted the bigger screen and a few additional features.
Trusty 260 will remain in glove compartment as a backup. My C340, which sits in my toolbox in the trunk, still works and is my backups backup !

Whether it is worth it also depends how often you actually search for places in the Garmin/NavTeq database. If you almost exclusively use POI files rather than searching using the Garmin database, holding off on map updates may make sense.

But I agree with most others saying that generally if you plan on buying a map update package, the lifetime map updates quickly make the most economic sense.

still not there but the Chevron station is. Things are looking better though. Thanks for the link!

Regards,

Norm

I recently purchased lifetime maps for my Nuvi 1690 since I am retired and driving all over the country. I did notice that many roads in Northern Arizona are now there, whereas my old Nuvi 680 (which has never been updated) doesn't show the roads nor does it use some of the newer roads which are on the latest map. For $59 life-time maps, I believe that is a small price to pay if you are keeping your GPS for a while. If you are planning to purchase a newer GPS, the Nuvi 2460 LMT comes with life-time maps and has a 5 inch screen and Garmin lists it at $299 (much cheaper than my 680 when it came out - $750).

It is a lot cheaper to update the nuvi than it is to update the nav in the car. wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy cheaper

Well I decided to get lifetime updates. Went to the Garmin site and it tells me that my connection speed is toooo sloooow! 54 is too slow? Oh what to do!!

This topic seems to be another reason smartphones are taking over.

If you have a laptop, park yourself at a business offering free wifi and log in that way. Be prepared to spend a few hours as the speed isn't always as fast as advertised.

You have the nuvi 650, which is discontinued and very possibly out of warranty. Have you ever thought about how many update you can get if you buy the life time map update.

Has anyone ever questioning why the MSRP gap between "T" and "LMT" models are bigger on new nuvi than the ones that have been on the market a few years? (3790LMT vs. 3790T and 1490LMT vs. 1490T).

I would save the money for a much newer model since the MSRP are lower on the new models than the older one when both of them have exact the same features.

I paid ca. $70 for the lifetime map update last January and I don't regret it at all.

But the 650 has features that are not available on newer units. Those features may be important to the OP.

updated, then they're worth it. Businesses are still going belly up leaving old info that can lead to fraustration.

Does lifetime really mean lifetime or is there small print with which to be concerned?

Does lifetime really mean lifetime or is there small print with which to be concerned? (SORRY FOR THE DOUBLE POSTING - CANT DELETE IT).

just as long as your Garmin can last that long. Still on the fence with getting the upgrade.

I agree that new maps are cheaper than a new nuvi but I don't know that it is always the best value. My son has a 200 and for Christmas mentioned a map upgrade. Instead I bought him a 265WT. I spent about twice as much but he gained a wider screen, better displays, next turns on the main screen, bluetooth, and traffic (lifetime). I think this was a better value than new maps for his 200.

Jim

In this case the unit upgrade was from a very basic unit with limited features to a more advanced unit. You'll still have the same map update issue to face, but with a unit that offers a lot more flexibility.

rettollcapt, I think you answered your own question when you mentioned that the new gas stations, strip malls, etc never showed up on your outdated map. Lifetime map upgrades are very inexpensive. You get 4 upgrades per year. I've experienced much less frustration since I started getting regular upgrades.

I agree, if you plan to buy an upgrade every year or two, you might as well get the lifetime upgrade. It is cheaper in the long run.

Norm

You indicated that you downloaded POI and associated sound files. That doesn't sound like the files came from Garmin but from the POI Factory or some other site. It sounds like you may be confusing custom POI files and Garmin map updates.

If you want the most current locations for specific types of facilities (gas stations, restaurants, rest areas, etc.) I would NOT rely on Garmin map updates. The POI Factory is the best source for current information!

But in my opinion the map updates are worth the (regularly dropping) price. I would not buy a single update, but the lifetime subsciption provides good value. And really, there is no other economical and practical way to get more up-to-date information on highways and roads!

Lifetime means the life of the GPS, lifetime is not transferable between GPS's

The only time the subscription would be transferable to another unit would be if the original unit needed to be returned to Garmin under warranty and replaced with either a new or refurbished model. Even then, the call would be up to Garmin but they've been known to honor a subscription transfer in this type of situation.

I have a 650 and it handles sounds, alerts, and icons fine. The file names need to be correct, no double extensions, and mp3 sound vs wav.

Garmin USED to do a courtesy transfer if your GPS was stolen AND you supplied them with a Police report.

But from recent posts, it seems like they have started refusing to do that any longer.

It seems more likely they may do a transfer in a case such as DorkusNimrod has cited.

But actually, they are not bound to do any transfer at all based on the exclusion/disclaimer they have.

But sometimes you will get a nice Cust.Svc.Rep who will oblige.

Contacted Garmin and they had me run a speed test (http://www.speedtest.net/)and send them the results. The tech said that I should be able to download map updates but it will take a while. Nice to know. But I'll check out the local library and see what their download speed is and maybe it will be faster. Thanks for all the helpful answers.

Regards,

Norm

Personally, I would look at a new GPS. I miss my 760 but for $125 I got a new 1450LMT with lifetime maps and traffic. New battery, bigger screen, new warranty, and $90 worth of lifetime map subscription. Kind of a now brainer.

(When I bought lifetime maps for my 760, it died 5 months later. Didn't really pay off to spend the then $100 for lifetime maps that I couldn't use on a new GPS!)

I think new map updates are really worth it. I have Honda navigation in my car and they want $250 for an update which is probably a year old by the time they get the DVD made. I just bought the nuvi 1490LMT just so i would always have the latest maps available. If you live in an area that is growing, the update is worth it.

From Garmin website: (http://www8.garmin.com/updatemaps/)

I update maps on my two units. Last update is really good. They have changed junction pictures big time. I have noticed this change in Greater Toronto Area and upto Niagara area.
Great job.