Garmin Map Update-From the horse's mouth

 

I'm a newbie to both GPS and this forum but thought I'd pass on some information from Garmin that I just received. I want to preface this information as it comes from one of their Senior Vice Presidents and is someone I have been conversing with over the last few weeks. It started with a major problem with one of their etailers but the fact that he plus the CEO got involved shows how much they care. Just shows how responsive Garmin is.

Anyway, asked one final question about the new Garmin Map update due out this month. Since I had just purchased my Garmin c340 I was concerned that I may have to pay around $70 for a new map update. It turns out I received one that already had the new maps but was also informed by him that Garmin will be announcing a policy change within the next couple of weeks for warranty customers that the update will be provided free at least for those under a year. He explained it is expensive for them and they pay for every update no matter when or where. It's also even more expensive for Garmin to provide the CDs.

So, if you have a Garmin unit and it's not too old you may be able to get this update free instead of the expected $70 or so at Best Buy or Walmart. The new program is expected in the next two weeks.

By the by, at least on mine and according to him, the new update will be City Navigator 2008. Check your Map Info on the unit.

Regards,

Rick

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I hope for the people in this situation that this information holds true. But this is completely contrary to what they have been telling people for the past 2 or 3 months.

`

Perhaps they've heard enough negative feedback on this issue and have decided to take an alternative course that puts them in a much better light than they would have been in if they went ahead as was talked about.

At any rate, I hope they amalgamate their digestive byproduct and just announce what they're going to do smile

--
*Keith* MacBook Pro *wifi iPad(2012) w/BadElf GPS & iPhone6 + Navigon*

I hope he is right

My unit is only 7 month old. If I can get the free update is that a internet download or do they send out CD's?

--
Garmin Nuvi 750 & c530 with RT's vol. mod., Vulcan Nomad

I really hope you are correct about the update...

I went ahead and ordered a Nuvi 680 this morning, just hoping this might happen. Think of what this policy does to a merchant. Terrible. And if the returned units are sent back to Garmin, as I am told they are, another problem.
I hope you are correct Rick. A good decision by Garmin.

--
Frank (Nuvi 2497LMT, 2455LMT, 765LMT,680,StreetPilot 2720)

I hope this is true

I hope what the OP is saying is true. I just got mine less than a month ago and it came with the v8 map. I brought three 350 units and that would suck to pay $70 each to update each one.

My Nuvi 350 has NT2008

I ordered a Nuvi 350 a few weeks back. I got it two weeks ago. It has NT2008, the latest map.

Hopefully this is true for

Hopefully this is true for those of us who just purchased their unit. This would be a great feather in Garmin's hat for word of mouth advertising - this forum being a good example. By doing this, Garmin would show everyone that product support is better than any other manufacturer out there. I already feel this is the case as many others here have stated.

I hope this is true, but...

Since I purchased two Garmin units in the past 30 days, this would really be good news for me. However, it does contradict what Product Support said in an email just yesterday. They said:

ProductSupport@garmin.com wrote:

Automotive mapping comes out every 12-15 months and this usually happens in late summer around late July and early August. There is a 75.00 fee to update per year to the latest version of mapping. If you have registered and have become an e-mail recipient we will notify you via e-mail when that update is available. If you have not registered I have provided you with the direct link below to do so.

--
Zumo 450, C530, Quest, Quest, GPS III+

not unlike any other big business

Motorcycle Mama wrote:

I hope for the people in this situation that this information holds true. But this is completely contrary to what they have been telling people for the past 2 or 3 months.

The lack of communication! If indeed this is true, I'm sure it will take several weeks or months (if ever) for the information to be sent down channel, from the CEO to the Tech Support person.

Then, the one tech support rep "we" talk to was on vacation when the word came out...and they never got the word.

Yeah, sounds like where I work.

--
........Garmin StreetPilot c550 / Nüvi 765...........

All I can tell you..

All I can tell you is what this VP said to me.
This new update is City Navigator North America NT 2008 which newer units should already have in them.

In fact here is the quote out of his email to me:

"We will release this update on DVD in the next month or so. It is easier and faster for us to cut these new releases in on units than it is on update DVD’s, so the DVD’s will usually lag system updates by 6 to 8 weeks.

If you have old data in your unit and you want to update it we will provide you with a free update. We had announced that we would no longer provide free updates, but as you have heard, this has not gone over well. We are about to formally announce a change in this policy. I suspect this announcement will go out within the next two weeks.

One of the primary reasons for trying to stop the free updates is that it is costly for us to do the updates internationally including Canada and Europe, and when going from one update to the next there are not all that many changes. However, over the course of a couple or three years the changes do become significant, but at that stage customers accept the premise that they need to pay for the updates."

All I can tell you is that this is the man who makes these types of decisions.

From the horse's mouth
Rick

If you haven't already...

Rick,

If you haven't already, you should send him the URL of this thread to him...

As with many others in this forum, mine came with V8 where some have received theirs at the same time with 2008. The response from their tech support was "too bad".

I was thinking about returning the unit and buying another unit to get 2008. It would actually be Garmin's best interest to make me keep my unit instead of them having to deal with the return and selling them as 'refurbished'.

--
Garmin nüvi® 660, iPhone 8gb (Technology is not the solution. It's only a tool to help you achieve it.)

Let's give him the two weeks

Hi Traveler,

I'd prefer, at this moment, to give him the two weeks before hitting him with another email. He's been a great contact and very open and honest so I don't want to "overuse" him. Especially since he's said they plan on fixing this issue. If we don't hear otherwise though, I will.

Rick

Talk about the Rumors

Seems every time someone posts, it is a different rumor. It will be interesting to see once the maps are available whose rumor holds up. sad

--
Garmin Nuvi 2699 with 2017.30 Maps

From Garmin

I spoke to two different people in support yesterday regarding problems with nm Nuvi 660. I asked both about the upgrade and told them my unit was about a month old and both said I should receive the upgrade for free when it comes out within the next two weeks.

City Navigator North America 2008 is out

It is now on their webpage for purchase. Let's see if they notify anyone of the freebie nature soon.

--
It is not a sign of weakness to need other people; it is a sign of strength to have them!

Map Update

Wow, I seriously wish that what you are saying is true. I have my Zumo less than a year and a free map update would be great. Even if not, I would buy the updated map. But I won't turn down a freebie.

~Ingo

Update:
I just checked Garmin's website and the CN ver.2008 is not the NT version that I need for my Zumo.

--
Garmin Zumo550

free mapping update??

Rskowron wrote:

All I can tell you is what this VP said to me.
This new update is City Navigator North America NT 2008 which newer units should already have in them.

In fact here is the quote out of his email to me:

"We will release this update on DVD in the next month or so. It is easier and faster for us to cut these new releases in on units than it is on update DVD’s, so the DVD’s will usually lag system updates by 6 to 8 weeks.

If you have old data in your unit and you want to update it we will provide you with a free update. We had announced that we would no longer provide free updates, but as you have heard, this has not gone over well. We are about to formally announce a change in this policy. I suspect this announcement will go out within the next two weeks.

One of the primary reasons for trying to stop the free updates is that it is costly for us to do the updates internationally including Canada and Europe, and when going from one update to the next there are not all that many changes. However, over the course of a couple or three years the changes do become significant, but at that stage customers accept the premise that they need to pay for the updates."

All I can tell you is that this is the man who makes these types of decisions.

From the horse's mouth
Rick

Rick am I reading this right? I bought my Garmin last Oct., are you saying I can get a free map update?? This would be fantastic!

Ray

--
Garmin Streetpilot i3, Streetpilot C580 and Nuvi 265WT

I just called Garmin and the

I just called Garmin and the support person said the v2008 update was $75 and that the new policy is not to offer any free updates.

I'm going to wait for the free update press announcement if it comes. I also noted a $30 off Topo 2008 rebate if you are an existing Topo customer. With the 3D shading on the PC with the new version I may get the Topo 2008 with the rebate.

--
eTrex Touch 35, Nuvi 1350LMT, Nuvi 350, Nuvi 260, Garmin GPS III, Basecamp

Don't know how far they will go..

Hey Ray,

I don't know, when all is said and done, how far back they'll go. Seemed like the way he worded it that they will go during warranty which most have a year. Can't make any statements though to how far in reality. It really wasn't laid out. But once the policy is laid out, I have to believe that Customer Service will be more open to "negotiating" with you.

I can say, since I've been in the software/computer industry for many years, that during the warranty period, most software updates are provided free during that time. Time will tell but, as I stated before, let's wait a bit till they actually announce the policy change officially. Then theoretically all the CS reps should be on the same page.

I would keep the cards and letters coming into Garmin just to maybe help formulate the policy a little cleaner. It sounds like they are listening.

Rick

warranty

Rskowron wrote:

Hey Ray,

I don't know, when all is said and done, how far back they'll go. Seemed like the way he worded it that they will go during warranty which most have a year. Can't make any statements though to how far in reality. It really wasn't laid out. But once the policy is laid out, I have to believe that Customer Service will be more open to "negotiating" with you.

I can say, since I've been in the software/computer industry for many years, that during the warranty period, most software updates are provided free during that time. Time will tell but, as I stated before, let's wait a bit till they actually announce the policy change officially. Then theoretically all the CS reps should be on the same page.

I would keep the cards and letters coming into Garmin just to maybe help formulate the policy a little cleaner. It sounds like they are listening.

Rick

Hi Rick,
That's good news since my warranty runs until October! Maybe I will e-mail Garmin to keep the pressure on...

Ray

--
Garmin Streetpilot i3, Streetpilot C580 and Nuvi 265WT

Topo 2008 Format Recommendation from Garmin

When I spoke with Garmin, I asked about the new Topo 2008. Looks really neat. Two interesting comments from them:
1. The CD holds a little more map than the Nuvi 680 can hold. They recommended the SD card version.

2. The Topo map on the Nuvi OVERLAYS the existing maps. This sounds really great to me. Shouls be an interesting presentation.

Oh, and my new Nuvi 680 that arrived today.... v8 maps. I hope the upgrade rumors are true. Garmin told me they were.

--
Frank (Nuvi 2497LMT, 2455LMT, 765LMT,680,StreetPilot 2720)

I did notice that it says

I did notice that it says "This Update is NOT for NT units!" Aren't are ZUMO's running City Navigator North America NT v3? Just curious.
Denise

How to check

OK, here's the question. I bought my c340 less than a month ago. How do I check what version of the mapping software I have. When I power up the unit, the info blows by so fast it's hard to tell what I've got.

Thanks for the help.

--
Garmin 765T...Is it about the destination, or is it about the journey?

Map Version

jkaplan wrote:

OK, here's the question. I bought my c340 less than a month ago. How do I check what version of the mapping software I have. When I power up the unit, the info blows by so fast it's hard to tell what I've got.

Thanks for the help.

On the Main Screen, select the wrench @ the bottom of the screen. Select Map. Select Map Info. This works on my C330, imagine yours is the same... Hope this helps...

Thanks!

Benson -

Just did what you said, and voila! I have City Navigator North America NT v8 installed. Am I correct in assuming that v8 and NT2008 are different, and that NT2008 is/will be the new release?

Thanks again.

--
Garmin 765T...Is it about the destination, or is it about the journey?

Your welcome

jkaplan wrote:

Benson -

Just did what you said, and voila! I have City Navigator North America NT v8 installed. Am I correct in assuming that v8 and NT2008 are different, and that NT2008 is/will be the new release?

Thanks again.

Your welcome. I cannot answer your question about v8 and NT2008, others will have to tell us both...
(((edit...))) I just did a search here and found the conventional wisdom is that the newest version will be NT2008 and the old version is v8... therefore your assumption seems to be correct..

NT2008

You may be interested in this version thread.

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

To get the free update would

To get the free update would be great, but I wouldn't minded paying if the price was halved to $35 for those bought it within a year.

Rskowron wrote: I'm a

Rskowron wrote:

I'm a newbie to both GPS and this forum but thought I'd pass on some information from Garmin that I just received. I want to preface this information as it comes from one of their Senior Vice Presidents and is someone I have been conversing with over the last few weeks. It started with a major problem with one of their etailers but the fact that he plus the CEO got involved shows how much they care. Just shows how responsive Garmin is.

Anyway, asked one final question about the new Garmin Map update due out this month. Since I had just purchased my Garmin c340 I was concerned that I may have to pay around $70 for a new map update. It turns out I received one that already had the new maps but was also informed by him that Garmin will be announcing a policy change within the next couple of weeks for warranty customers that the update will be provided free at least for those under a year. He explained it is expensive for them and they pay for every update no matter when or where. It's also even more expensive for Garmin to provide the CDs.

So, if you have a Garmin unit and it's not too old you may be able to get this update free instead of the expected $70 or so at Best Buy or Walmart. The new program is expected in the next two weeks.

By the by, at least on mine and according to him, the new update will be City Navigator 2008. Check your Map Info on the unit.

Regards,

Rick

thanks for the info

A free update would be reasonable

A free update would be nice. For those like me that bought the nuvi 660 / 670 5 months ago we paid two to three hundred more for the units than they are priced now. A free update would be reasonable.

--
nüvi 660 & 670 - Hello I'm a Mac :))

Lookie what's on the Garmin website!

Just checked Garmin's Map Updates page and the City Navigator North America 2008 is now available from Garmin for 75 bucks. Release date and ship date of July 12, 2007.

--
Garmin 765T...Is it about the destination, or is it about the journey?

The NT version is not available yet

jkaplan wrote:

Just checked Garmin's Map Updates page and the City Navigator North America 2008 is now available from Garmin for 75 bucks. Release date and ship date of July 12, 2007.

You need North America 2008NT for the GPSr. Current version online specifically says that it is not a replacement for the NT version. Should be available soon.
Also noted that the option to view the map online is only for v8. I am waiting until they post the ability to view the new maps until I purchase.

--
Garmin StreetPilot c530, Mapsource

It may be there

But when I follow the directions, and put in the code from ,my yellow page, it tells me there are no updates available for my unit.

Looks like they have some things to update in their ordering system yet...

I may see if I can find it out and about this afternoon.

And in light of the above, no wonder it's telling me there's no update available...

--
*Keith* MacBook Pro *wifi iPad(2012) w/BadElf GPS & iPhone6 + Navigon*

.

jkaplan wrote:

Just checked Garmin's Map Updates page and the City Navigator North America 2008 is now available from Garmin for 75 bucks. Release date and ship date of July 12, 2007.

Good, I'll register my 350 and hope to get a free update. smile

This is not the version needed to update Nuvis

Nuvis need the "NT" version.

And if you're going to try to get a free update, keep in mind Garmin may require a copy of the receipt as proof of purchase to meet requirements of whatever free upgrade policy they finally decide to adopt...

--
*Keith* MacBook Pro *wifi iPad(2012) w/BadElf GPS & iPhone6 + Navigon*

Garmin Stock

I have watched garmim stock price per share for over a month on my scottrade account.This stock went from 56.00 per share to over 82.00 per share in three weeks,oh why didn't i buy!Procrastination pays nothing.

Garmin software update

when I recieved my C-330 I was told it came with a free update, which was true, they sent the software free. However it cost me $70 to activate it. I hope this latest promise turns out better.

FYI

Larry

Updates

Did anybody else notice, that on the update description page, on Garmin's website for the 2008 update, that there are multiple spelling errors? Hopefully they are more careful with the map updates. smile

--
Steve

How can you tell what version

I just bought my Nuvi 360. i hope i get the latest version. how can you tell what version do you have?

If this guy is on record

If this guy is on record with this info, then why not name him and provide contact info?

This ambiguity in policy is not doing Garmin's reputation any good and is making some people post-pone purchases of their products.

update from Garmin on map update policy

I mailed Garmin this weekend:
"I purchased my nüvi 350, North America on 02/11/2007 (I have the receipt for proof). I read today that a Garmin has stated that Garmin will be announcing a policy change within the next couple of weeks to warranty customers that the new City Navigator North America NT 2008 map update will be provided free of charge to those whose registered device is under a year old. Can you confirm or deny this statement?"

The reply this morning:
"Thank you for contacting Garmin International, I will be happy to help with this. At this time there is no policy change however if you just bought the unit and it has V8 I will be happy to send you a copy of the update with provided proof of purchase. You can contact me again when the updates for your unit start shipping which should be in around 3 weeks."

I doubt that they are going

I doubt that they are going to automate a policy change like this. Most likely you will need to call Garmin directly and cross your fingers in hopes that you talk to someone that will set you up for free. But that's the case for most companies.. if you complain and get in their face, they'll usually try to make you happy somehow.

Give the guy his 2 weeks first

Quote:
"If this guy is on record with this info, then why not name him and provide contact info?

This ambiguity in policy is not doing Garmin's reputation any good and is making some people post-pone purchases of their products."

As I mentioned in my original comment, he stated the policy change would be announced in the next two weeks or so. Let's at least give this a chance before inundating him with hundreds of emails. The update isn't even ready yet for CD delivery. I'm sure they're not going to announce this until they have stock of it.

Rick

I got this today at MyGarmin page

Rskowron wrote:

The update isn't even ready yet for CD delivery.

Yup, it was very evident when I logged into MyGarmin page. It displayed:


nüvi 660, North AmericaAvailable Map Updates
Map Update 2008 City Navigator® North America NT

However, when I clicked on the link I got this:


Oops!
Looks like the page you were trying to visit doesn't exist, or else it may have migrated south for the winter. We apologize for this renegade behavior -- rest assured that the web team has been notified and is working to resolve the issue.

I believe it's the typical 'left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing' syndrome...

--
Garmin nüvi® 660, iPhone 8gb (Technology is not the solution. It's only a tool to help you achieve it.)

Will this version work on

Will this version work on the C340? Which units are "NT" units?

2008 City Navigator posted on Garmin shop

theTraveler wrote:

Yup, it was very evident when I logged into MyGarmin page. It displayed:


nüvi 660, North AmericaAvailable Map Updates
Map Update 2008 City Navigator® North America NT

However, when I clicked on the link I got this:

Oops!
Looks like the page you were trying to visit doesn't exist, or else it may have migrated south for the winter. We apologize for this renegade behavior -- rest assured that the web team has been notified and is working to resolve the issue.

The 2008 City Navigator is now listed on the Garmin shop. It is a DVD for US$69.99.

The URL is https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=10397

I just bought my Nuvi 650 3 weeks ago. I don't see anything in MyGarmin about free or discounted updates.

The Update page lists the 2008 map but says "Updates & Downloads:
We are not able to locate the product for which you are looking for software. Please use your web browser's Back button, and try again."

--
Brent - DriveLuxe 51 LMT-S

Wrong version

brentrn wrote:

u

The 2008 City Navigator is now listed on the Garmin shop. It is a DVD for US$69.99.

The URL is https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=10397

I just bought my Nuvi 650 3 weeks ago. I don't see anything in MyGarmin about free or discounted updates.

You need to wait for the NT version which is not out yet. That is the version that works in our GPSrs.

--
Garmin StreetPilot c530, Mapsource

MYGARMIN

Does anyone else think the MYGARMIN is pretty lame? On the card that came with the 660 I bought, it said, sign up to MYGARMIN for a prefered rape on map updates OPPSSS I mean preferred RATE on map updates. I've had it all of 12 days and they are going to stiff me for a MAPUPDATE? That won't go over very well.

--
Lifetime NRA & USPSA member

Map Update 2008 NT

I called Garmin on Monday when I saw 2008 NT out there for my nuvi650. The first call I was forwarded to iQue support and got the run-around. I called for two reasons, 1) to get mapsource since the 650 doesn't come with the DVD and 2) to inquire about getting 2008 NT for free since my GPS was only a couple weeks old. I called a 2nd time and got nuvi support this time. She immediately said she could ship me the v8 DVD and that if I would fax her a copy of my receipt she would put in a request for 2008NT for free. Well today is Wed and I just received two copies of the v8 DVD and one copy of the 2008NT DVD. Of course in three different boxes smile. But I am happy now. I don't mind paying for an update but not when the GPS is brand new.

It sounds like my VP contact is going ahead

From some of the posts in both this thread as well as the two others concerning the free update, that the word is trickling into tech support. It's only fair that they try and keep it to a dull roar and needing the sales receipt is certainly a small inconvenience to get the free NT2008 update.

It's appearing that Garmin is true to their word.

Rick

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