Does it come programed with maps and lifetime updates?
1991861
Had to send my unit back to even get the GPS programmed the first time. Was not happy as we did not get it until after our vacation the second time. Once we got it back it had some maps programmed and has worked good for around town but won't know about out of state or updates until we take our next big trip. Be careful ordering unless you have time to converse and return. Seller was very prompt with responses and tried several things before finally letting us return for updated product.
1244275
Yes it has lifetime updates, just connect the USB cable to your computer & download the updates.
1389070
You get a one-time map update with the package, which allows for the latest maps from Garmin to be loaded. It is fairly straight forward once you download their software.
1078703
maps come loaded in the unit, future updates would have to be purchased separately
2179223
In my opinion the map updates are nice, but not a big deal. I've seen that even with "current" maps, they will not always know about new subdivisions, and intersection traffic changes. i.e. it might take a few YEARS for their data to really get updated. The biggest annoyance to me is that after your first year runs out, the thing brings up a "your maps are out-of-date" warning that you have to hit "OK" to, each time you turn it on. This is basically just a "nag" so they can sell you a map update. Don't get me wrong -- I'd like to have the map updates -- just that is seems silly for them to charge a large amount for the update, when now the price of the GPS unit itself is now not much more than the price they charge for the "map update" feature. But if you find a good deal on a unit with map updates -- that's an extra bonus, and makes it a better deal. One thing: be warned that "lifetime traffic" is a totally different service -- it comes from a radio receiver in the cord (of some Garmin units) -- and in some cases, tells you traffic updates, but also puts advertisements on your screen. It has nothing to do with map updates, so be careful in reading the descriptions of what you're getting. All that said, I just got a 255WT (the Traffic add-on was from another retailer) and I am very happy with it. Even though it was produced sometime earlier in 2010, you do get ONE map update online from Garmin, so you can bring it up-to-date as of the time you first register it.
1974512
No. It's only good for free lifetime map updates. You'll have to get the next one up that gives you traffic updates.
1695692
It does not. However it is update able and will accept code changes. This is why I like it because it is not useless in a couple of years.
1576306
I used it traveling from Germany to France just last december. Coming back to Germany i realized some major roads where outdated, it was as easy as hooking up the tomtom to my mac, create a username on the lifetime update for my unit and there, updated maps for free!!! Beware that they are quite heavy updates, so depending on your connection speed it may take a while. Feb 24, 2014 by joshzaid
629284
My Via 1500 came brand new with lifetime maps. From day 1 the web site said it was expired. I download peripheral stuff but as far as I know the maps are not included. They do offer an update for $70. Thanks!"My Tom Tom" is the software for the 1500. "Tom Tom Home" will not work.I tried to deal with Tom Tom support but got nowhere. Good luck
443889
I don't have this unit any longer, and I don't remember if it did have lifetime updates.
213154
I have lifetime FREE updates of software and maps. I'm very happy with the GPS. I just want to re-find that wonderful screen again.
1099990
this unit seems very good i havent used it alot but it does have the US map installed. it is pretty accurate. i will check later about canada. i do not know about lifetime updates. also it does pick up a signal pretty well.
2187342
I updated the maps once after purchasing the device as new version of the maps were available. Did not encounter any restriction on the no. of times I could do that. Also the documentation says that it is free for the 'usable' life of the device i.e. until the device can support the newer versions of the map either in the sense of its capability or storage space.
1400987
Their marketing indicates that the updates include the map of Europe, but in fact it does not.See the company's statement at: http://www.tomtom.com/en_us/services/other/lifetime-map-updates/#tab:tab2
1400990
Does it or doesn't it include updates of European maps? Can TomTom set the record straight on this?
1451548
I bought one during Prime day and received it on July 16th 2015. The one I received had maps of both North America and Europe pre-loaded. I plugged it in and both maps updated (put a 32GB SD card in mine first that I had already) without issue. My Tom Tom account shows lifetime updates for both maps. Hope this helps others trying to decide.
976344
It comes w/European maps. I haven't tried to get updates, but I have been led to believe that those are available at no charge -- for a lifetime. One function I used a number of times was (under "Tools") was "Where Am I?" This worked right off the bat when we got to Switzerland. This came in handy when we visited a large city especially later on when we were in France. I'd park the car, go to the Where Am I function, give the location a name and save it to Favorites. Later, when we wanted go back to the car, I'd bring up the name (I'd call it "Car"), and the Garmin would direct me back without a problem - finding the car in a strange city would have been quite a challenge without the Garmin. It comes w/European maps. I haven't tried to get updates, but I have been led to believe that those are available at no charge -- for a lifetime. One function I used a number of times was (under "Tools") was "Where Am I?" This worked right off the bat when we got to Switzerland. This came in handy when we visited a large city especially later on when we were in France. I'd park the car, go to the Where Am I function, give the location a name and save it to Favorites. Later, when we wanted go back to the car, I'd bring up the name (I'd call it "Car"), and the... » Read More It comes w/European maps. I haven't tried to get updates, but I have been led to believe that those are available at no charge -- for a lifetime. One function I used a number of times was (under "Tools") was "Where Am I?" This worked right off the bat when we got to Switzerland. This came in handy when we visited a large city especially later on when we were in France. I'd park the car, go to the Where Am I function, give the location a name and save it to Favorites. Later, when we wanted go back to the car, I'd bring up the name (I'd call it "Car"), and the Garmin would direct me back without a problem - finding the car in a strange city would have been quite a challenge without the Garmin. « Show Less