Do you have to pay for updates? Do you have to pay for updates or does Garmin update for free? How often do they update? Thanks for your help!
828229
According to Garmin's website, map updates come on a Micro-SD card, currently offered for $200.
828230
Yes, you do have to pay for updates.Garmin just released updated maps. They are FREE for recent buyers of other units. But, Garmin will NOT give a free copy to buyers of the Garmin i5.The updated maps cost $70.
984063
I think most stores will have the older version in stock. You might get the newer version by ordering it directly from Garmin (more expensive). I've been corresponding with Garmin, trying to get a commitment for a free upgrade if I buy it today. NO ANSWER YET!!You should hit them with the same exact request:techsupp@garmin.com
703310
The instructions that I read stated I had to download the updates by a computer then insert the card into the GPS. I am not totally certain but if you have a camera that connects to your computer through a usb port, you may can insert the card into your camera, then use the camera as a drive. Computer will ask where do you want the download to go, point it to your camera with the new SD Garmin 4GB inside. I would contact garmin to insure this will work or on the safe side go out and pay $10 or so for a usb port that accepts card readers.
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.
1500764
there is no fee to update your Garmin go here. https://my.garmin.com/maps/chooseDeviceType.htm?
1255574
Why must everyone get a map update? I never do. Hell, one of my GPSs hasn't had a map update in ten years and it's not perfect... but with a little common sense I can use it to navigate anywhere I want.This one is recent enough that I think it's fine.For $99, it was an excellent deal. This is an awesome GPS. I don't think paying 50% more for maps and bluetooth is a bad idea, but not everyone needs either of those feature.
485285
I purchased a Magellan RoadMate 5120-LMTX because it was supposed to have free lifetime map updates. It's been 7 months and I haven't been able to get any updates, and now today I'm told the update will cost $69.95. That doesn't sound free to me!
568707
I called Garmin on July 13, 2007 (yesterday) regarding the updates for my then Garmin Nuvi 680. (I have since returned the unit to Amazon)---Anyway, I was told the updates would be available in a few weeks and would not be free. The cost was available, but I assume it will be the $75. Evidently there are mixed responses either from Garmin, or from Garmin Owners as to what will be "free" and what will be available for a fee due to Garmin Customer Service not having a standard anwer to this question when you finally get a hold of someone there (30 min. wait on the phone). So, until it happens no one will know for sure.
2070578
The radio comes with the SD card (microSD actually) with the map info installed. The map was a little dated (2012), and this radio does not come with free updates. I purchased a year of map updates for $69 - http://www.navizon.com/ if I remember correctly. The location for the map updates is on the NAV screen when it comes up each time. The NAV screen is a little slow the first time it is selected each day (~30 seconds) but after that it comes up immediately (switching between radio, bluetooth, NAV).
724469
Firmware updates are free. Map updates vary depending upon your wants and needs. Once you purchase a Garmin unit, Garmin has a 60-day map update policy. If a new map comes out within those 60 days of purchase, you get it free. Many people don't want or need map updates very frequently, but when they do it costs about 75 bucks for North America. Garmin also has a "NuMap" policy where you can update your maps 4 times a year for as long as you own your Garmin for a one-time charge of about 120 bucks (North America).
1865280
Yes it is true.. You do have to pay for the updates.. Sad part is when you do run the update the stored info in the detector is sent back to Escort for them to use for the next updates.. In other words they get their info for free or I should say we pay them to take the info back since we pay for the service..
252904
Answer to Question 1: Garmin releases U.S. Map updates for all of their Nav units yearly. They come on dvd and usually cost around $75. If you have a Windows PC with DVD drive and USB Port, you can usually update your unit in about an hour.
213156
Well, it is the updated model...with the features mentioned, plus speed limits for major roads and an indication if you are exceeding it. The maps aren't up to date (at least on mine ordered in Oct. 2012) If you have a memory card that fits the unit you can upload new maps. I had to buy one. I found that (once I had the memory card) the first download of maps took less than an hour when I used the 800 number--unlike the 4 to 5 hours mentioned on line. (I had registered the GPS online.)
1052894
I would say the best answer would be from Garmin direct. But if its a close friend or family member you could easily get the updates.Once that person connects to Garmin it probably would update without any problem.
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.
242191
I have not done it yet, but from what I have read - I have to register the Garmin online and then I will get access to the updates. I will try to do this over the weekend and repost my results, if that helps.
1722188
I would suggest you do the system update right away. I used mine for a trip from Baltimore to Toronto, and I definitely should have done the update (because there are now roadways which weren't there a few years ago when this model released). Do the updates and your Garmin will work better than ever.