Garmin 2008 Map Update

Yes The Disk is free but you will have to pay $69.00 for the unlock code or what ever Garmin wants my 2720 is $69.00 so i asume yours is to

So the update isn't free. I was wondering, since he got it a year ago.

I just checked my MyGarmin account and there it was, you have an update comming. Just click on it and followed the directions, I hope I don't have to buy an unlock key!
Never did get an email from Garmin.

you can upgrade for free??????????? after a year of having it? That doesn't sound right.

on their web site (Garmins)they say to enter your serial number to see if you are entitled to a "free" update. I did, I verified my mailing info. as it ask. I assume I will get a free update. If not, it won't bother me. I doubt if the maps are any better.

The dvd comes with the key to unlock...am I misunderstand something?

I just emailed Garmin... I'll let you know what they say
~n

I have seen it two ways, they send you the disk for free. Then you have to go on line and pay for the key. Another time, I purchased it from them over the phone and it came with the key.

on their web site that it was a free update. If they want to sell you a key for the update, then it isn't free. Pay for a update? They can keep their key. The new map version isn't any better for me than the old version.

The unlock code should be with the DVD, I am very confused with this thread.

First of all, how did you get a free DVD with a GPSr that is over a year old?

Second, as stated, the unlock code should be on the DVD.

We are talking about the 2008 upgrade to the maps, right?

Here's the policy:

>>
Your customers may be eligible for a free Map Update 2008 – City Navigator® North America NT DVD for use with the products listed below. If the product was purchased after May 1st, 2007, the map data could be out of date.
Customers can receive a free map update by first registering their Garmin unit at www.mygarmin.com. The registration process will identify those customers eligible for the free update. By providing the necessary address information, etc. a free map update disk will then be mailed to the customer. The Garmin website will support this feature beginning August 22nd, 2007.

Those products which are eligible for a free map update are as follows:
nüvi® 200
nüvi 250
nüvi 6xx series
nüvi 3xx series
StreetPilot® c340
StreetPilot c550
StreetPilot c580
StreetPilot III
GPS V
StreetPilot 2610
StreetPilot 2650
StreetPilot 2620
StreetPilot 2660 Quest®
StreetPilot 7xxx series
StreetPilot 2720
StreetPilot 28xx series
GPSMAP® 478
GPSMAP 496
Zumo® series
iQue® 3200
iQue 3600
iQue M5
GPS 18
GPS 10BT
MapSource® City Navigator North America
MapSource City Navigator North America NT (when used with a qualifying compatible Garmin handheld GPS unit)

The below Garmin products are not eligible for a free map update:

StreetPilot i2
StreetPilot i3
StreetPilot i5
StreetPilot c320
StreetPilot c330
StreetPilot c530
StreetPilot 2730
Quest 2
iQue 3000
iQue M3
iQue M4
>>

I guess thats a no to me.

Hey, my first post here guys so "I've just gotten to the party and you folks are on your second case", anyway.

Ordered the 2008 update...going in great!(writing while I wait). BUT, I got another disk for a coworker and started his update and it bombed. Got as far as putting in the unlock, and the disk stopped working.

My speculation is he's not registered and it's a failsafe on the disk, but after trying twice it's a no go...just locks up my computer. Any advice on the (yep it's brand new) worthless disk?

Sorry for the delay...I was in Chicago and just returned.
We bought the Garmin through Costco, so it might be a Costco upgrade through Garmin.
After I entered the serial number and the registration code (coupon code) the Garmin website processed the order and sent me a e-mail to go to their link for the unlock code.

SO, I don't know if this is free or just a Costco extended service plan.

I will let you know after the DVD arrives.

Sanger

Looks like I installed the software for nothing.
You have to pay $75.

They never said anything about costing $75 on their original email.

The DVD is free but to unlock it, it will be $75.
False advertising....

Sanger

I received the email from Garmin today announcing the map update. It defenitely gave a price of $69.99. It also said if you did not want to wait up to three weeks to receive it from Garmin then head over to Best Buy or Circuit City to buy a copy.

Circuit City and Best Buy are about $11.00 higher

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C340

I just bought a c330 and checked around for updates. Amazon has it for about $58.

when did you get it, you may get lucky and call garmin and they might send you a free upgrade, lot depends on how old it is. but check with them before you go buy one.

The first way would be stupid for Garmin to do. Why spend money and time sending someone a free DVD that may never buy the unlock code? My code/product key came on a sticker on the back of the DVD case.

It makes perfect sense for Garmin to send out disc this way hoping people will buy the unlock key since they probably pay less than a penny a piece for the dvd and charge 69 bucks for the key. If one person buys then they paid for 100's that didn't.

But, it's still stupid to waste the time to manufacture, package and ship the DVD to someone who may never activate it. It costs a lot more than a penny as Garmin has to pay the wages of the employees to do this...and shipping. If someone's going to buy the unlock code, then they're going to buy it. Garmin should THEN ship the disk and pass the savings on to the rest of us by making future updates cheaper.

One nice thing would be for Garmin to allow an internet download of the file and then a product key can be purchased. Lots of software packages work this way. What would be cool is if we could download a 30 day free-trial to see if the upgrade is actually worth buying. Again, lots of software packages allow this feature.

Explain that to AOL, for a while I was getting a disk every 5 weeks or so. And you can outsource the the labor to those countries who don't have a minimum wage. So the cost is more like 17 cents per DVD. But guess what happens if they did try your way and they save thousands. Who's pocket do you really think it will go in? Not ours, but the stock holders and owners. Regretably companies go for what makes them the most money, not save the consumer money.

That's why I own a butt load of stocks. Garmin and otherwise. Living off dividends that are well into the six figures and not having to work ever again is pretty nice.