Garmin GPS map updates

[wagonmaster2]

My Garmin is approximately 2 years old and was wondering if the newest map updating from Garmin is worth anything (will the newer one prevent leading you into a field or dead-end road). When I turn it on lately it shows its time to buy new maps.

Wagonmaster2

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagonmaster2 When I turn it on lately it shows its time to buy new maps.

Wagonmaster2, Mine is doing the same thing. I want to wait for the 2011 maps since I have the 2009 maps.

Now that said, take the cost of the new map and subtract that from the cost of a new Garmin with a 2010 map and a FREE upgrade and what do you have? I thinkin' about it .... gimmie a minute!

[azloafer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer Wagonmaster2, Mine is doing the same thing. I want to wait for the 2011 maps since I have the 2009 maps. Now that said, take the cost of the new map and subtract that from the cost of a new Garmin with a 2010 map and a FREE upgrade and what do you have? I thinkin' about it .... gimmie a minute!

It cost me $65.00 for the last upgrade. I'll wait before I upgrade anymore and get the latest Garmin in a year or so. Joe

[Chuck 1935]

I also don't see the value in buying a map upgrade. The speed at which technology changes it seems to me that I would rather put the money in the latest and greatest unit in the next year or two.

[Our Time]

Wagonmaster 2, I have a Nuvi 780 I just updated the maps on 2 months ago. It still takes me into dead ends and yesterday tried to take me off I 75 for 26 miles and then back on for no reason. Don't waste your money on a map update, same problems! TomTom has the same problems also. Something that has to do with who does the mapping according to Garmin tech support. Chuck 1935 may have the right answer!

[depchief]

I purchased the upgrade for my 2720 and installed. It worked fine. 2 months later the touch screen stopped working. Had to buy a new unit. Figureing the cost of the new unit and the upgrade, I could of/should of bought a new unit instead of the upgrade.
The technology changes and price reductions are worth the change every few years.

[RedT]

Depchief.....what did you replace your 2720 with? I have a 2720 and really like it (updated to 2010 map last fall) I've often wondered what I would replace it with if it fails.

[Bill Adams]

The biggest value I have found to the map updates are the updated POI's. There are more and more accurate POI's each year. We generally updated every other year but the updates are now cheaper so we update each year. There is now a lifetime subscription if you have a newer Garmin. We have a 2720 as well and I fear I am going to have to replace it soon (5 years old) as the GPS reception is getting a bit flaky. I don't like the newer dumbed down units but they sure are a lot cheaper.

[BobGed]

I have a Garmin 7200 that I purchased a lifetime map update for about two years ago. Cost was less than $100 and gives up to four updates per year. Has more than paid for itself, and I really like the 7200 due to its large screen size. If interested, more info here:
Garmin nuMaps North America Lifetime Updates

[Excel Worker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by azloafer It cost me $65.00 for the last upgrade. I'll wait before I upgrade anymore and get the latest Garmin in a year or so. Joe

My Garmin also is telling me the same thing, and I'm thinking along these lines. They are going to come out with some feature I know I just couldn't live without.

[kstateaddict]

We have a Nuvi 765 and recently tried to update our unit. I'm glad I read all of your comments. Think I'll wait awhile.

[Logthumper]

I also have the 7200. Very happy with the unit's performance and the large 7" screen. Easy to see and read. For me there is nothing out there that comes close as an equal. Also purchased the lifetime map update. Have never been locked out by a limit of four updates per year. Update whenever I feel like it. Use it in the Monaco and Jeep Wrangler. See pics below in "Makeing it ours"..

[Max Hubrich]

I bit the bullet and bought the life long (Garmin) updates for $119 each.

I have two GPS's. I'm not sure they are updated 4 times a year. I did the first long overdue update on my older Street Pilot in September. I just plugged it in two days ago and it said I have the latest update . My SP sure needed the change it now has.

The data bases are supplied to Garmin by a vendor. My two units data bases are supplied to Garmin by Navteq. You can see that name, or maybe a second name such as Teleatlas, as you turn the unit on as it is loading the maps. The two links I just mentioned are ready to take your recommended changes, if you are interested in doing such.

I just got finished doing that about two weeks ago for a road name change in Maine. You will need Lat & Lon coordinates to make any changes.

Good luck,

[a k]

The main updates come out about April each year. You can make your own POI and load them into you GPS. I have all the red light camera locations in mine. If you do some research you can get programs to do all kinds of things with the Garmin. If you hold the BAT indicate in for about ten seconds,it will bring up the secret menu and you can test the bat and change the volume. You can also change the voice and what they say.

Go to Garmins site and get there POI loader. Its free.

Also, I believe that lifetime update is only good for that one GPS. If it breaks your screwed.