Finally bit the bullet

I can't give you any first-hand results, but if we are to believe Garmin's faq:

https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?...

when your nuvi is unable to receive the largest map your nuvi is entitled to receive (and from what you write, I assume you have the Lower 48 version of the 40, not the full North America map version of the nuvi 40), Garmin Express will alert you to either choose to:

1) install your full new map to a SD card; or

2) select a region less than your full map and have it installed to the nuvi's internal storage.

If you let Garmin Express do "1)", the largest-map-to-SD option, then there's no need for you to to the MapInstall method described in the faq you referenced ( http://www.poi-factory.com/node/31185 .)

So if this were my nuvi, I'd buy an 8GB Sandisk Class 4 SD card, place it in the nuvi, then re-install the latest map update choosing the the SD card option which will install your full map update to the card which will leave lots of extra room on the nuvi itself when the map files, jcv, etc. move from the nuvi to the SD card.

This option is only offered to nuvis that have insufficient space for the full map you're entitled to receive; i.e., you can't use this method to force a SD installation if the nuvi still can hold your full map--and this option is not offered to the Garmin GPS models mentioned in Garmin's faq that a re not offered the SD option. Your nuvi 40 should receive the SD option and since you state that you've received the choice mentioned in the faq, your device is at the point where the SD option will be offered.

Thanks. Exactly what I wanted to know.

The GE did give me the option.

I had a similar situation a few months ago, so I used a 16gb class 10 sd card which so far seems to get the job done. I shy away from Gexpress. Map updater seems to work for me.

I just upgraded my Garmin when I felt my older Garmin w/o life time map upgrades was outdated enough. Now I have a new Garmin with life time map upgrades. I think my older Garmin did not come with any life time options. I'm pretty sure I would have chosen the option if it were available.

@David
Today I updated my neighbors Nuvi 40 that has full Lifetime Maps. The map area is for the lower 49.

My neighbor doesn't have a clue about map updating so I volunteered (big mistake). I first removed all the extra files such as voices, vehicles, and foreign text.

I was able to get the entire lower 49 map and the JCV file into internal memory. This will be the last update that will fit since only 52MB free memory remains.

I just ordered him an 8GB Class4 Sandisk Micro SD card to prepare for the next update.
He told me he bought the unit last year, I checked the map version and it was 2011.20.
So it appears it's been sitting on the stores shelf for quite some time.

As a side note, having had poor success with Garmin Express in the past I thought I'd give it another try and downloaded the latest version. I still had issues so I used MapUpdater and once again worked like a charm.
Next I get a call from my friend asking me to upgrade his maps on his 265T and 2595LMT, both have lifetime maps.

Connect the 265 and Express can’t find the device. Connect the 2595 and it finds it and offers the 2014.30 map update.
Connect the 265 again and use MapUpdater and it’s recognized and I download the map.
I then used MapUpdater on the 2595 and updated its map.

I removed Garmin Express and have no intentions of ever installing again unless Garmin decides to discontinue MapUpdater and I have no other option.

Glad I don't have the issues other report with GE. I have a Nuvi 1450 and a 2557 and both of them work flawlessly with it.

When I went to Garmin to see what the price is for a LM subscription, I was pleased to see it was (I think) about $60. I seem to remember it being much more.

Today I realized that it was Cyber Monday.

I avoid Garmin Express and stick to Map Updater. I like the fact that it leaves my install files behind as an option so I can install the maps on my laptop. Once they are installed, just need to plug in the GPS to unlock them.

More correctly, I believe that the .net install did it. I lost IE and Internet Options have disappeared. My work PC has to get replaced (loaded it there as a quick test). My home workstation is another issue altogether. I wasn't due for a new one at home... Bleah!

That's good to know-

By the way, GE gave me the option to install maps on both my Garmin and PC.

GE performed flawlessly, although my PC, and old Gateway, gave me a few problems. Had to reboot.

The Install screen defaulted to giving me Complete NA, instead of the Lower 49 or whatever.

No problem, the new chip took it all.

I guess that it's a good idea to backup before installing .net. I've had .net destroy my system on more than one occasion.

I think nowadays never pay for unnecessary things (like lifetime subscriptions), especially when someone else has it for free. Not just with Garmin, with anything.

Very true

You wouldn't believe how uninformed I get sometimes.

This is very helpful information.