Convert Nuvi 200 to Nuvi 250

I did it to mine. I installed the new 2008 US maps in internal memory and installed Alaska and Canada on the SD card using MapSource.

Hi Glenn

Could you give me a little more detail on how you did this?

Did you move the maps from the internal memory to the SD card? Or did you have the maps on a DVD and install them onto SD card?

Do you notice any difference is performance when using the maps from the SD card vs the internal memory?

Am I correct in assuming the Nuvi 200 and Nuvi 250 are identical except for the pre loaded maps?

Can't say for sure, but I have a feeling that there is probably less memory in the 200. I have a feeling that you may have to do like Glenn did and leave the map on the internal memory as they are and install the US maps on the SD card. I don't think I'd be inclined to erase the main reason you have the unit unless I was absolutely certain that it wouldn't do any harm.

Good idea Rick. I'm afraid I may end up bricking the unit if I play around too much.

Any idea on whether the map read off the SD card slows the performance down?

Also are the City Navigator North America NT maps multiple little maps that will work seamlessly together? I believe Magellan requires that you select either USA and Canada and so you need to switch maps when you get into the neighbouring country. I don't want that on my Nuvi.

I simply installed the new 2008 US map update on my nüvi and installed the maps for Alaska and Canada on the SD card using MapSource. You can also use MapInstall to put the maps on the SD. It is very simple. Instructions were included with the 2008 North America DVD. Updating the internal maps was automatic.

I haven't noticed any performance degradation with supplemental maps on the SD. If so, you can simply remove the SD when you don't need those maps.

Ok - I get it now.

I was thinking of the Nuvi 200"C" which is preloaded with Canadian maps - and so in reading your post I was under the (wrong) impression you moved the preloaded Canadian maps out of the memory to the SD card and loaded the US maps into the internal memory.

Could you run a test for me and turn off the internal maps, turn on the GPS simulator and see how the unit calculates routes, pulls up POIs etc. when using maps from the SD card. Do you see any performance drop?

TIA

And you are going to need a valid unlock code.

If I turn off the internal maps it turns off the supplemental maps too.

Glenn: Thanks.

Motorcyclemama: I assume the unlock code comes with the DVD.

The way Nuvi prices are dropping it may be worth selling the Nuvi 200 now, waiting a while and getting a new 250.

Thanks for all you inputs. It will help me make a clear and logical decison.