2018.10 - 3490 Last Map Update?

You don't have much fre space, but there are probably files you can get rid of to free up space like language files and others. There are FAQs on this site that show what files can be safely deleted. Be sure to make a complete backup first.

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/41876

On the other hand, an 8 or 16GB microsd card is very reasonable (under $10). For speed of transfer make sure it is at least a class 10 or UHS-1.

Far be it that I am very knowledgeable about a GPS.

Is there a possibility that you have dual map files installed ?
When you installed the new map the old was not deleted or overwritten?

According to a forum thread the 3400 series have about 7GB internal storage. My 3797 has 5.4GB used so at a 7GB storage I have lots of room left.

I seem to recall someone saying they had deleted the older maps (back them up first) before trying to load the new maps on the unit so it doesn't say it doesn't have enough space.

Melaqueman has it right, I think. You should have plenty of space if you find those files that are taking up space.

If your device is not currently in Mass Storage Mode, then look at
What is MTP Mode and how to change to Mass Storage (Garmin)

Using your computer, look at your 3490 and find which files are taking up space. The gmapprom.img file in your .System folder should right now be some 2.8 Gb.

Nothing else on the device should be of a similar size if everything is correct.

Give us an update, please.

I am not sure how Melaqueman has squeezed his 3597 down to 5.4 GB unless he has some files stored on SD card. If you add up all the files installed with CN NA 2018.10 on a 3597, they add up to a whopping 6.38 GB (See http://www.poi-factory.com/node/46941?page=0#comment-443143). On my 3597 I have removed all non-English voices, text files, help files, etc. and I am using 6.76 GB out of 7.01 total with only 258 MB free space. I believe the 3490 has all the same files as the 3597 except for maybe a couple of the .SID files. In any case it is very possible that Preroll is running out of room on the 3490 and will need a SD card for a future map update.

Just install the SD card before the next map update.

My 3597 first used the SD card for the last map update. Before that, it had been unused for two years. Garmin Express waits until there is literally no room left on the device.

dobs108

My nuvi 3580 is similar to the 3590 and has had no issues installing the latest maps. It does have an 8Gb card installed.

No SD card in use on my 2797. But any files I have no use for have been deleted ie. Language, help etc files.

My 850 uses the SD card for updated files.

Just updated my daughters 3790LMT and Windows Explorer shows 8 GB storage and after the 2018.1 update has 1.48 GB of free space. No SD card. This GPS also has all unnecessary files removed.

I go in every few weeks and delete everything but the last 2 most recent in "archive" file. If you've never deleted you might have a quite a few you can delete. Along with unused
language files, voice files, vehicle icons, text files and keyboard files you should be able to make some room.

I too disagree!

If you download treesize free app for your PC, and select your Nuvi drive you will see that Garmin has added a lot of files that consume a lot of storage especially to the hidden ".System" directory which consumes 6.82 GB/7.02 GB. The largest folders are the SID and ASR folders with more than 2.4 GB and the (map) image file is 2.6 GB. The junction view, and gmapdem and 3D.img files take up more than 1.2 GB: https://ibb.co/hzuuT5

Asking the end-user to remove unnecessary files has more risks than benefits. Most importantly, it's not going to make much difference.

I don't see how one can claim to have almost 2 GB of space available after removing optional files when all these extra voice files, etc. which are not that large to begin with even when you cumulatively add them all up.

I don't see any folder named "Archive" either. All my .gpx files only add up to 309 KB and keyboards 1.31 MB. Voice is the most at 207 MB. Vehicle icons 13 MB.

As a caveat. On my 3597, I added a Patriot microSD card and I had a really hard time, almost didn't get the memory card out.

When you have to update the mapset, just update for your own region that you need eg. NA west or east. If you must have the entire continental GPS consider getting a smartphone or tablet which is a better option than having a standalone GPS these days.

Furthermore, consumer aftermarket GPS hardware purchases are now a very small market. It's only us old farts who still prefer standalone GPS units.

Last year I bought a new VW Passat and I DEFINITELY wanted the in-dash GPS which I discovered to be Garmin based.
Well after almost one year of having the car I still use my "Stand alone" Nuvi since it is so much easier to manipulate. If you want the back-up camera you have to have the Nav unit !!!
Using a smart phone uses a data plan and not everyone has a data plan. I for one do not and I have an iPhone.
It is quite easy to install a SD card and download all of the 2018.1 NA file to it.

I believe my .System folder holds the most but I need to go back and verify.

Now for a stupid question. If there is NOT enough room, will Garmin Express be smart enough to prompt for an SD card in advance before proceeding? I have plenty of cards laying around. I believe the limit for the 3490 is 32 or 16 but I'll have to look that up.

Ok thanks.

I am not aware that GE will prompt for an SD card if the map is bigger than the device and there is no SD card installed. Play it safe and install the SD card before it is needed.

32 or 16 GB is fine. Even 8 is good.

dobs108

On my 2450 when the time came for a "too big to fit on the unit" it seems to me it either recommended getting an SD card or install just a subset of the map. Well, I had an SD Card, so then it prompted something like, it can't fit all internally, do you want it installed on the sd card?

It did prompt, I said yes, and we are living happily ever after so to speak.

Great! Thanks for the info. I have a feeling that will be my next update experience!