Subscription required? Is there a subscription required to use GPS (other than the MSN subscription)?
2060514
No, GPS signals are always free all the time. "We the People" own the satellites.
268456
No. But you can pay a fee every couple of years to have them updated. You can google Garmin and they will list the fees.
76833
I suspect that the 'LM' in the product name indicates free 'lifetime map' updates...you pay for it with the price. You will have to register with Garmin.So, NO ! you don't pay for map updates.
725483
pretty sure u need an internet connection to download the maps, since they arent preloaded. but after they are, gps should work offline
1033549
None are required as the unit comes with a gps adapter. Still going strong after over 2 years.
1766876
NO. It's not like a cellphone or satellite radio service that requires a subscription. The Global Positioning System is a constellation of satellites put up by the US Government. Each one broadcasts a signal that can be used to triangulate your position anywhere on the Earth (with reasonable exposure and reception of the signals, meaning it won't work underground, etc). Your tax dollars already pay for the signals and research to make the antenna small enough to be practical. The wiki page for GPS give more background on it, and things like http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01390/animation.htm give animations explaining the basics. NO. It's not like a cellphone or satellite radio service that requires a subscription. The Global Positioning System is a constellation of satellites put up by the US Government. Each one broadcasts a signal that can be used to triangulate your position anywhere on the Earth (with reasonable exposure and reception of the signals, meaning it won't work underground, etc). Your tax dollars already pay for the signals and research to make the antenna small enough to be practical. The wiki page for GPS give more background on it, and things like... » Read More NO. It's not like a cellphone or satellite radio service that requires a subscription. The Global Positioning System is a constellation of satellites put up by the US Government. Each one broadcasts a signal that can be used to triangulate your position anywhere on the Earth (with reasonable exposure and reception of the signals, meaning it won't work underground, etc). Your tax dollars already pay for the signals and research to make the antenna small enough to be practical. The wiki page for GPS give more background on it, and things like http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01390/animation.htm give animations explaining the basics. « Show Less
1059886
buy the gps kit that is sold seperatly. comes with the gps locator box and the rights to use it.
1801668
I do NOT believe there is. I am using their "Content Manager" to keep my content GPS updated and it's as slow as the first day I got it. Many times I've already passed a road and/or executed a turn by a couple of seconds before my position is actually recognized (and I am talking about suburbs with no building obstructions.) If you are reading this before purchase, do yourself a favor and consider something else.
2008744
I have the model with free lifetime map updates. You download software to your computer then plug in your GPS unit using the cable that comes with the unit. The software checks for updates then when one is available you can download it. Then the software gives you step by step instructions to get the update installed on the GPS.
600734
No matter which unit offers the MSN.contact traffic option (which is what these higher end priced units offer). You will not be assured that you can use it in your area if it is not a MSN.contact coverage area. I just found this out with a Garmin 680. I live north of San Francisco in the Sonoma-Napa valley. Very populated area. Lots of tourist, travelers though here---but, MSN.contact is not available in this area, and will not be in the forseable future either. Check with Garmin or MSN.contact directly. Don't trust that you will have it just because the brochure or statistics for Garmin units tell you it comes with the unit. I have returned my Garmin Nuvi 680 due to this, and other reasons as well. No matter which unit offers the MSN.contact traffic option (which is what these higher end priced units offer). You will not be assured that you can use it in your area if it is not a MSN.contact coverage area. I just found this out with a Garmin 680. I live north of San Francisco in the Sonoma-Napa valley. Very populated area. Lots of tourist, travelers though here---but, MSN.contact is not available in this area, and will not be in the forseable future either. Check with Garmin or MSN.contact directly. Don't trust that you will have it just because the brochure or statistics for Garmin... » Read More No matter which unit offers the MSN.contact traffic option (which is what these higher end priced units offer). You will not be assured that you can use it in your area if it is not a MSN.contact coverage area. I just found this out with a Garmin 680. I live north of San Francisco in the Sonoma-Napa valley. Very populated area. Lots of tourist, travelers though here---but, MSN.contact is not available in this area, and will not be in the forseable future either. Check with Garmin or MSN.contact directly. Don't trust that you will have it just because the brochure or statistics for Garmin units tell you it comes with the unit. I have returned my Garmin Nuvi 680 due to this, and other reasons as well. « Show Less
357462
You must connect the GPS unit to you PC & download the latest update & maps before using the unit. Otherwise, you will get annoying pop-up "Tom Tom commercials" Also register your unit.
2268607
I found out from Garmin that a traffic receiver is available. It is GTM 25 and sells for about $100. It will provide lifetime traffic and is compatible with several GPS units. Some are 285wt, 205 series. I would suggest to anyone that has a traffic receiver with MSN to try out the traffic feature and if you like it or need it, then purchase a traffic receiver.
541688
It included lifetime maps when new. I don't know if that would transfer if the unit were sold to someone who tried to re-register it. The map updates come 4 times per year and need to be done with the gps hooked up to an internet connected computer.
908663
Nope, there are no fees involved for the GPS itself. if you get the GPS with the lifetime maps, you can update your map for free once there's new updates. However, if you just get GPS without the lifetime maps, you have to pay garmin if you want to update maps.
108493
Yes. It comes with a map function that is the same as GPS, and you can also get several free GPS apps.
950296
No. GPS works without the network service. However, it does require the network in order to download the map you need. Then, you will be able to head to the road and the GPS will work properly.
1400178
Yes. There is a $9.95 monthly subscription fee for AT&T; GPS navigator for Pantech P7040p. Set it for driving, biking, and or walking. You have the option to try it for 30 days free.