Upgrading: Is Garmin still worth it?

 

I've never used any other nav systems than Garmin's. A few years ago, I upgraded from a Nuvi 360 to a 765T. Bigger display and more features, but satellite acquisition noticeably slower. Routing changes also seem to confuse the 765T more than the 360.

It seems crazy to spend $80 for lifetime map upgrades (my maps are out of date)so I started looking at a new Garmin in the LMT version.

To my surprise, I'm not reading a lot of positive stuff over my 765T. My current traffic doesn't block out the entire screen with advertisements when stopped as it seems some (all?) of the new Garmins with traffic do.

Navigating stop and go traffic trying to change lanes for an exit and not being able to see the screen unless the car is moving? Crazy! If I have to turn off the Traffic to get rid of that, why would I want the traffic in the first place? I find it very useful on the 765T.

I'm also seeing in reviews complaints about map accuracy and routing...and too many quality control issues.

In 2011, is Garmin still the best car nav system option or have TomTom or someone else improved greatly over the last 2 years?

I'm also not pleased that Garmin only considers an iPhone a smartphone and the Garmin app is iPhone only. What about Windows Phone 7 or at least Android?

Any guidance, suggestions, or comments would be more than welcome! I don't want to make a mistake this time.

Thanks,

Larry

--
I don't know where I'm going or remember where I've been...without Garmin.
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When was the last time you updated the firmware? Version 4.0 is available for the 7x5's.

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

Upgrading

Just bought a new garmin 1350 LMT to replace an old 205 with a very old map. With map updates at around $75.00 my device has lifetime maps and traffic updates. The traffic ads are very small and not a problem. For $160 delivered this seemed like a good buy.

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an94

What map?

an94 wrote:

Just bought a new garmin 1350 LMT to replace an old 205 with a very old map. With map updates at around $75.00 my device has lifetime maps and traffic updates. The traffic ads are very small and not a problem. For $160 delivered this seemed like a good buy.

What map do you have now? If you're in North American and it isn't 2011.40, check for your free map update online.

Map version

I have the latest map 2011.40. According to Garmin a new map will be available very soon as this version dates back to February.

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an94

traffic ads

I've had the new 2460LMT for about a month now, at first the ads were very annoying, to the point I asked Garmin how to get rid of them. They are part of the free traffic update program so the only way to get rid of them is to turn off the traffic feature. The only plus side is they only appear when stopped.

I live in the Philadelphia, PA area and work in the city and have found the traffic thing is only correct about 50% of the time, outside of the normal rush hour stuff. Not sure I'd opt for the free traffic next time I upgrade as it doesn't seem reliable enough.

--
. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

Upgrading: Is Garmin still worth it?

loadingzone wrote:

I've never used any other nav systems than Garmin's. A few years ago, I upgraded from a Nuvi 360 to a 765T. Bigger display and more features, but satellite acquisition noticeably slower. Routing changes also seem to confuse the 765T more than the 360.

It seems crazy to spend $80 for lifetime map upgrades (my maps are out of date)so I started looking at a new Garmin in the LMT version.

To my surprise, I'm not reading a lot of positive stuff over my 765T. My current traffic doesn't block out the entire screen with advertisements when stopped as it seems some (all?) of the new Garmins with traffic do.

Navigating stop and go traffic trying to change lanes for an exit and not being able to see the screen unless the car is moving? Crazy! If I have to turn off the Traffic to get rid of that, why would I want the traffic in the first place? I find it very useful on the 765T.

I'm also seeing in reviews complaints about map accuracy and routing...and too many quality control issues.

In 2011, is Garmin still the best car nav system option or have TomTom or someone else improved greatly over the last 2 years?

I'm also not pleased that Garmin only considers an iPhone a smartphone and the Garmin app is iPhone only. What about Windows Phone 7 or at least Android?

Any guidance, suggestions, or comments would be more than welcome! I don't want to make a mistake this time.

Thanks,

Larry

loadingzone,I love my 755t and got it lifetime map updates sometime ago. The lifetime map I purchased, after a few months of availability I paid ninety something dollars for it. But if even if it seems much it paid itself off. There was a time not long ago when a map update would cost you seventy nine dollars for a DVD and that was a once a year update. I have a 3790t and eventually I’ll get that lifetime maps as well.

I think those looking for a new model should look into the ones with nRoute technology which gives you “traffic trends” and “my trends”. The routing seems to be more of your taste. It’s not perfect but much improved.

--
nüvi 3590LMT "always backup your files"

I have a 2.5 yr old 760 and

I have a 2.5 yr old 760 and a 1450 with Traffic for my wife. Both are doing well for me.

I have the original Garmin

I have the original Garmin nuvi. It works great except you have to pay for new maps and navigation. I've been considering getting a TomTom XXL 550TM that I saw at costco since it has a larger 5 inch display and free lifetime traffic and maps

Might Pay To Wait

It might pay to wait until the mess discussed in the thread http://www.poi-factory.com/node/32140 sorts itself out. It would be rather annoying to buy a new device now only to have it start malfunctioning in a few months. Newer GPS devices will probably need better filtering and older devices are not going to be upgraded.

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

I have found it only a

I have found it only a little more expensive to buy new with the Black Friday and Christmas deals. I picked up a 1490LMT last Dec for $139 because of a sale price and a promo discount card.

I wouldn't buy the maps at this time.

It is best to figure out

It is best to figure out what whistles and bells you can't live without then use that list for comparative shopping

Love my new 2460LMT

I have a new 2460LMT and love it. It seems that people don't like the traffic ads, but they don't bother me. Never show up when I am navigating and don't block my use of the GPS. I like the voice command and the traffic/myTrends.

255W Still Does What I Want

I've had my 255W for about 2yrs now. I just updated the map about a month ago and made sure I have the latest software update.

I've had the itch to buy a newer unit but after reading reviews on various sites, I'm going to stick with my 255W. It does what I need and want it to do. It has given me zero problems and works like new.

I really can't justify buying a newer unit right now. If my 255W is still working 2yrs from now, I'll just update the map again.... maybe and keep on going and going and going...... wink

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

A wise man...

pkdmslf wrote:

I really can't justify buying a newer unit right now. If my 255W is still working 2yrs from now, I'll just update the map again.... maybe and keep on going and going and going...... wink

I feel the same about mine. In fact, my original 360 works just fine...and I've had it over 4 years!

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

The ads are very small

At first I thought I would hate them, but now barely notice them. Plus they only appear when stopped.

regarding ads

Free lifetime traffic has been around for a few years now with many new garmin’s. Over the years people have upgraded there garmin gps units knowing what to expect with the traffic ads. Those that complain about the ads are new to the free traffic world and usually are the first ones to cry without actually doing a fare test run with there gps. The ads were never annoying to the point you had to give up your gps unit and the ads never blocked any important information that was useful when they do show up.

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nüvi 3590LMT "always backup your files"

you're partly correct

bandaid wrote:

~snip~ Those that complain about the ads are new to the free traffic world and usually are the first ones to cry without actually doing a fare test run with there gps. The ads were never annoying to the point you had to give up your gps unit and the ads never blocked any important information that was useful when they do show up.

I am new to the traffic thing altogether, the ads are annoying but I have gotten used to them, and they only appear when stopped, however on the 2460 the ad does pretty much covers the whole map, so if you're stopped at a red light and want to see what's ahead you need to click on the ad then close it to get back to the map.

I still like the 2460, it's eons ahead of the old Street Pilot 330c and has more features then my Zumo, so I wouldn't give it up because of the ads.

--
. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

I have used a 1490T for about 9 months now IIRC >>>

the traffic ads are very small and do not cover the whole screen. That said the traffic info itself is worthless. I was always a Garmin fan. Now, three of the last four GPS units I bought have been TT...the 130, 340 and 540...I still think the TT graphics are bad compared to the Garmin graphics...really surprisingly awful though the newer TT are supposed to be a leap forward (you can also download different color schemes from the TT website). The TT, however, shines brightly on the routing which is typically the way I would go...the user updateable maps...and I am getting used to the way POIs are handled and the weirdly backwards inputting for addresses (ie street then number v number then street)...all in all, if the 2325 has Garmin like grpahics...I am done with garmin after many years. Garmin continues to disappoint me with their software release glitches and the entirely weird routing at least locally.

--
"You can't get there from here"

The navigation features on

The navigation features on my Droid (for free, might I add) are making my Garmin unit more dated every day. All it's really missing is the speed limit item that I love.

I agree, my Droid is updated

I agree, my Droid is updated constantly and it's not free, but it is included in the package that you have no choice in buying. I think the phones are sadly overpriced but now that we have them it's practically impossible to imagine life without them.

765

My 765 works better with firmware updates, much better than when I bought it 2 years back. Do I love it? Certainly now. Does it work? Sure, it does, takes me from point A to the next one. POI Factory even makes it a sweet deal for me with all the community involvement and files. Will I buy any "new" version of a GPSr at this point? I do not think so. I have lifetime maps on the 765 and I can always supplement that with the many, and admittedly, weaker GPS offerings on my cell phone. It appears that newer versions of GPSrs are worse than prior versions. I can spare myself the headache and the drain on my wallet. Garmin is still worth it but I do not know by how much.

750 & 760

I have a 750 and a 760. Both are working fine, though the 750 battery no longer holds charge.

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nüvi 750 & 760

get garmin mobile XT and a

get garmin mobile XT and a nokia N8. awesome combo.

--
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.

Might be worth it to get a

Might be worth it to get a new Garmin, but I don't really like my TomTom units. The batteries in them die even when the unit is off. Garmin batteries are far superior and last far longer.

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http://www.poi-factory.com/node/21626 - red light cameras do not work

you're right, and wrong

TMK wrote:

the traffic ads are very small and do not cover the whole screen. ~snip~ .

Actually you're right they don't cover the whole screen, but they do cover half of a map area of the screen.

I have my unit set up so I am always traveling toward the top of the screen. The ad covers everything (of the map, not the stats) except my "vehicle" and a small portion of where I've already been.

--
. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

No Traffic Ads

It's funny. After 3 months of use of my 1490LMT, I haven't seen a single traffic ad yet. I've always turned on traffic, despite the fact those traffic data are quite unreliable.

As for Garmin Maps, the most critical drawback I see is that there's no option to avoid particular roads in the suggested route. I've heard that this feature is there in nuvi 800 series, but none of the others allow it. It's funny that even the $50 GPS units you can buy at ebay has this feature.

Added a 1450LMT to supplant

Added a 1450LMT to supplant my old 750 (battery issues) and so far no problems. 750 still going on vehicle power but I'm trying to decide if it's worth upgrading the maps.

That is AWFUL! I had no idea >>>

soberbyker wrote:
TMK wrote:

the traffic ads are very small and do not cover the whole screen. ~snip~ .

Actually you're right they don't cover the whole screen, but they do cover half of a map area of the screen.

I have my unit set up so I am always traveling toward the top of the screen. The ad covers everything (of the map, not the stats) except my "vehicle" and a small portion of where I've already been.

on the 1490 it appears very small; even then I don't use the feature because the info is so bad...but covering the screen like you describe, I'd take it back!

--
"You can't get there from here"

can be turned off

TMK wrote:

on the 1490 it appears very small; even then I don't use the feature because the info is so bad...but covering the screen like you describe, I'd take it back!

Again, the ads only appear when you're stopped so not a huge problem AND since the traffic feature really isn't that good the ads go away altogether when you turn the traffic feature off it's not worth sending back as it is a good GPS, so far.

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. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

avoidances

denis327 wrote:

~snip~
As for Garmin Maps, the most critical drawback I see is that there's no option to avoid particular roads in the suggested route. I've heard that this feature is there in nuvi 800 series, but none of the others allow it. It's funny that even the $50 GPS units you can buy at ebay has this feature.

The Nuvi 2460 does allow for avoidances that you can specify.
.

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. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

AD screen Shots

Here's a day and night shot of one of the ADs. Like I said I have the unit set up so my vehicle is always traveling toward the top of the screen.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x101/soberbyker/Photo186....

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x101/soberbyker/Photo190....
.

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. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

Phones, music players, etc.

My very uneducated guess is that it won't be long before all your electronic gadgets come with a GPS chip making a separate unit for the car unnecessary. My ol' Nuvi 680 is holding up for now, so I'm holding out for a GPS enabled iPod Touch.

Battery swap

spider_elliott wrote:

I have a 750 and a 760. Both are working fine, though the 750 battery no longer holds charge.

It's quick, easy, and cheap to put a new battery into the 750. My old 760 had a battery problem but I bought a battery online and installed it myself with very little time and effort involved. There's a simple video on youtube that I followed. I don't have great vision or very good dexterity and I was able t make the swap easily.

The 750 and 760 are excellent units. I'll take my 760 over any of the newer units.

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

I think

I just realized why Garmin's map updates are so absurdly overpriced: They would rather sell new hardware than software. That's what most people do when faced with the absurdity of map update prices. They simply purchase a new unit, many times with lifetime maps included.

wrong assumption

scyntax wrote:

I just realized why Garmin's map updates are so absurdly overpriced: They would rather sell new hardware than software. That's what most people do when faced with the absurdity of map update prices. They simply purchase a new unit, many times with lifetime maps included.

You are assuming Garmin owns the data and does the maps. They buy the data from Navteq and then heavily modify it for their units. The cost of the data is fixed through a contract, and Garmin spends more money modifying the data received so it will fit the memory installed in their units along with the routing engine and other software providing the features.

It may very well be the upgraders that pay the majority of the money needed to create the installed maps. It's probably more like the inkjet printer model. Sell the unit cheap and make the profit on the cartridges (maps in this case).

--
Illiterate? Write for free help.

Thanks!

thrak wrote:
spider_elliott wrote:

...though the 750 battery no longer holds charge.

It's quick, easy, and cheap to put a new battery into the 750.

I just placed an order for a replacement battery for under $30 including tools and shipping. Sure, I could've saved about $15 if I had the tools, but I didn't have a torx driver that small. But if I have to replace my 760 battery, I already have all the necessary tools. smile

thrak wrote:

The 750 and 760 are excellent units. I'll take my 760 over any of the newer units.

After reading about the newer units, I think I'm going to stick with the 750/760 for the foreseeable future. With my preference toward small cell phones (and small screens), I can't imagine my phone replacing a Garmin. Maybe when a built-in unit becomes as common as the air conditioner "option." wink

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nüvi 750 & 760

Sticking with my nuvi 760

Bought lifetime maps and it continues to function just fine for me. I have been experimenting with the mapping available on my iPhone.

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Nuvi 3597 LMT

I still have my 880 and a

I still have my 880 and a hate to part with it because it is one of the last units that I know of that will allow you to remove the battery which has saved me headaches in the past, by just removing the battery and waiting for a few minutes, I am able to unlock a frozen unit in a matter of minutes.

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NickJr Nuvi 3597LMT

The only reason I would

The only reason I would change from my 255W would be to get one that excepts routes which mine doesn't.

I can use via points sometime and get pretty close but not all the way usually.

I had configured a long one up on my Mapsource program and tried to upload it only to find out the 255W doesn't have that feature. Bummer.

Ads - not to bad

Hi guys, I just wanted to post three links of the ads that appear on my 3790t. Just incase someone wants to purchase a new gps but is discouraged to due to the discussion we had over the advertisements.

http://tinyurl.com/42bul5y

http://tinyurl.com/3lpexdu

http://tinyurl.com/3jom2x4

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nüvi 3590LMT "always backup your files"

Lifetime Ends

cagpsfan wrote:

Bought lifetime maps and it continues to function just fine for me. I have been experimenting with the mapping available on my iPhone.

Sorry to say: I heard Garmin Lifetime ends end of December 2011 for the 780.

--
No matter where you are "Life is Worth Living".

give it try...

wc0000 wrote:

I have the original Garmin nuvi. It works great except you have to pay for new maps and navigation. I've been considering getting a TomTom XXL 550TM that I saw at costco since it has a larger 5 inch display and free lifetime traffic and maps

My 765T works quite far away from great, but it's ok now. Lifetime map updates for $80 seems like waste of money at today prices of new GPS units. If time come I will consider different brand than Garmin and I will make sure it will include free lifetime traffic and map updates.

--
vk

You've "heard"?

grampa-2007 wrote:

Sorry to say: I heard Garmin Lifetime ends end of December 2011 for the 780.

This definitely needs a citation to back this up.

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

780

I have heard that on some older models Garmin does end lifetime map support.

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an94

Lifetime Maps

Garmin has an interesting definition of "Lifetime." Pretty misleading marketing ploy. I can understand if maps get too large for the capacity of certain devices but other than that, why discontinue lifetime subscriptions. Anyone find a link verifying the December 2011 end?

MSN Direct

grampa-2007 wrote:

Sorry to say: I heard Garmin Lifetime ends end of December 2011 for the 780.

Are you sure you don't have this mixed up with the MSN Direct service? Support for the MSN service definitely ends at the end of 2011. But that was Microsoft's decision, not Garmin.

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

I like my 760 and 885t

I use the MP3 playback capability of my 760 and 885t regularly. My original nuvi was a 350 that my daughter uses - still works fine but doesn't have bluetooth or a wide screen. I like the next turn information in the upper left corner of the 885t and the fact that it shows mph even when you are navigating. I believe 765t functions the same. I have no plans to "upgrade" my nuvi because the new ones lack MP3 playback capability. If I see a 765t or 885t "cheap" I may even buy a spare (or temporarily retire my 760 in favor of the new purchase). My 885t will probably get lifetime maps soon (it is getting close to 2 years old).

The concept of the nuvi learning where you tend to travel and a bit about traffic is intriguing but MP3 playback is more important to me than any new feature I have seen on the newer units.

Jim

useful life

Quote:

From Garmin:

If you purchase a nüMaps Lifetime™ subscription (sold separately or bundled together with certain GPS models), you will receive up to four (4) map data updates per year, when and as such updates are made available on Garmin’s website, for one (1) compatible Garmin product until your product’s useful life expires or Garmin no longer receives map data from its third party supplier, whichever is shorter .....

So what constitutes useful life, the 780 you mention is a discontinued item, does that in itself make the useful life end come about?

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. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

Ride This Horse To The Ground

I said this before... my 255W does everything "I" want it to do. There's newer models available (mo' money) and all kinds of bells and whistles that I don't want or need. Some of the newer models also seem to have some issues with the software and function that haven't been completely corrected.

I will keep using the 255W until it dies then see what's available and has the best reviews.

From the screenshots others have posted, I don't want the "ads" popping up on the screen while navigating. Tired of being bombarded by advertisements, I'm not going to pay for them.

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

I have 3 Garmins, one for

I have 3 Garmins, one for each car. I started with the 660, then the 760, and finally the 1490T. They all do the job of routing and finding the destinations. Until one goes on the blink, will I upgrade to a newer model. I do notice problems on my newest model, the 1490T after upgrading firmware - sound going out, bluetooth connections, etc. and having to reset to solve the problems. No problems with the older 660 and 760 all with original firmware, thus prefer not to upgrade those firmware as long it works find. I still feel that Garmin and Tom Tom are my nav system of choice over Magellan and Navigon based on reading various gps reviews on the web.

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