Mapsource question

that I needed Mapsource for my computer and they sent one out on DVD for free. That was about 6 months ago so maybe policy has changed.
Maybe somebody else has a more recent experience !

I bought the C550 7/1/07. Sent email to Garmin 8/5/07 requesting should I have a map program for my pc. I included a copy of my receipt. Free Mapsource dvd arrived about a week later. So that was about a month ago.

It took me a couple of tries to get the Garman folks to finally send me the full product DVD. You need to let them know that you want it not for the maps, but to manage your "favorites" (waypoints).

I got two upgrade DVDs before I finally explained in single sylable words that I needed the full version.

Hang in there, you will prevail,

Joe

Tell them that you want to use it to manage your favorites and transfer them between the nuvi and your computer.

Ed -

Try again. I sent this message via the Garmin support website...

"I just purchased a Nuvi 660. I understand that Garmin will supply a copy of City Navigator NT on CD upon request. I'd like to be able to upload and view waypoints on my PC as I was able to do with my eMap and MapSource. How can I get a copy of Mapsource / City Navigator on CD? Thanks."

And then received this message ...

"Thank you for contacting Garmin International, I have gone ahead and set up this order for you, it should arrive in 7-10 business days."

The CD arrived a few days later.

BTW... Did you register your Nuvi with Garmin?

Its interesting that Garmin will send City Navigator on CD for free.

If one was to have another Garmin with only the basemap, would you be able to load City Navigator on it?

No, you would need a valid unlock code to do that.

If I understand the question to mean, can you transfer the city navigator map to the gpsr...no

Most of Garmin's newer units will not allow you to transfer map/route data anyway.

Which is the reply from garmin when requesting the Mapsource DVD. That is why we recommend telling them you want to "manage" your favorites. Mapsource is also handy to create TourGuide files.

So the Mapsource NT 2008 program on cd that they are sending me is not the full program that contains the maps. - ie Mapsource City Navagator NT. That would make sense to me. The program only allows "managing" data on your computer.
It must be different from their POI loader
Please excuse my ignorance, but I'm a newbe and the map software is still confusing.

No, I'm pretty sure it's the full program. (You are getting it for free because you purchased a unit which came with the full version of the maps preloaded.)

And you can use it on your computer. And you can use to it manage your Favorites and send them back and forth between your GPS unit.

But you can't load maps (maps are the expensive part of the data) to another GPS unit without a valid unlock code which is something you have to pay for.

Yes, POI Loader is different. It is a free piece of software that Garmin created and has provided for loading Custom POIs to their compatible units.

As MM said, the Mapsource program is complete. I believe you can transfer maps through the Mapsource program (or MapInstall), however you need to have used the unlock code for the GPSr.

Thanks for all replies.
Its all pretty confusing to a newbe.
1) my 1 month old 350 has the current NA maps
2) posts on several forums indicate that Garmin will provide a current complete version of Mapsource NT so I can "manage files". - and the Garmin Tech said mine is in the mail.
3)From what I understand from forum posts, you can load maps to 2 Garmin units that I own that are compatible with the maps.
4) My 2 week old 60cx came with basemap only and Mapsource NT is an accessory.
5) It seems that I should be able to unlock it for the 60cx and manage files all I want. If I have a complete new program, should I not be able to unlock a new Garmin GPS and upload maps?
6) Somehow though, it doesn't seem right.
What am I not understanding?

Number 1 and Number 2 are correct.

Number 3 is incorrect. You used to be able to load the maps to 2 units, however, 1)Garmin changed that policy on June 1, 2007 and 2)that was never true for units that did not ship with the DVD anyway.

As to Number 5, you would have to purchase the maps in order to load them to your 60CSx. You don't have a valid, unused unlock code that you would need to load the maps to the additional unit.

Having the program and being able to load maps to a unit on which they did not come preloaded are two different things.

You MUST have a VALID, UNUSED unlock code in order to load maps to a GPS unit.

Your nuvi came with the maps pre-loaded so the unlock code is in the unit. Your 60CSx did not, so you don't have one and would need to purchase one.

What you say makes sense - finally.
Please - one more question.

If I purchased the product, An unlock code would be included?

Using the program Garmin is sending me, can I buy an unlock code only or do I have to buy another Mapsource program?

Yes, if you purchase City Navigator, it comes with an unlock code.

Not sure as to the second part as I've heard both things. It used to be that you just had to purchase an unlock code. But recently someone posted that the Garmin person they spoke to indicated that they would have to purchase an entire new version.

My recommendation would be to go to your myGarmin site, and see if there is a link in your details that reads, "Purchase an additional unlock code". If there is, then you should be able to do it that way. If not, I'd call Garmin customer service and ask.

If you have to purchase the full product for your 60CSx, my recommendation is not to purchase it directly from Garmin. You can get it for around $100 online. Amazon, Provantage, etc. But don't buy it from eBay.

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