Is there a monthly service fee on GPS's? I was told by a friend that GPS's require a monthly service fee, I never see that in descriptions for any GPS, so I was wondering before I buy one, is there going to be a monthly bill I'm going to have to pay?
1174720
There is a fee only if you subscribe to a live traffic service or something similar. There is no monthly fee to use the GPS to map your trips and get directions. However, at some point you'll want/need to update your maps, which you'll pay a fee for. OnStar requires a monthly fee, but it does more than GPS mapping.
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 The biggest annoyance to me is that after your first year runs out, the thing brings up a "your maps are out-of-date" warning that you have to hit "OK" to, each time you turn it on.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.
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>> F. Robinson says:>> I use this phone with T-Mobile, I have the pay as you go >> plan with unlimited data, So I couldn't tell you what they will bill you for.I have the vanilla prepaid plan. Does this phone require a data plan for the GPS to work?
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anyone know what the fee is if your past your date? we are thinking of buying this but want to make sure we can get updates in the future - even if it's "for a fee"
21955
Thanks for the reply, Craig!Do we need to buy the topo software directly from Garmin, or does Amazon carry it? (I couldn't find it here.) Will we need an extra memory card to hold the topo data for a region? I'm trying to figure out what the total expense will be for all the add-ons we'll want/need before we choose a unit.If you were choosing between an eTrex and a GPSMAP unit today, which would you choose?Thanks again!
1610147
I purchased a gps long ago and I'm very satisfied with it, I DON'T UNDERSTAND why you sent me this email asking me about this nonsense question, I sent positive feed back a few days after a started using the device, so please double check on your emails, it may be a mistake in your behalf. Thank you. !
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There was not a monthly fee when I purchased this in 2011. I recall the minutes being expensive, but when you are overseas, it's to be expected. When minutes got low it prompted me to buy more in $5.00 increments, which was a good feature.
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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!
1996258
Darn it, I have never tried the gps; however, I have found customer service at 5 Star to be very helpful. Also, please consider if you find the gps is not satisfactory, return the unit to Amazon or go ahead and buy it from a local Walmart for a bit higher cost, try it out and see what happens. BTW, I only need to charge my unit once each week and the provided test to check the unit works quite well. I like mine and the only negative in the experience is that in 5 Star advertisement, they really should note that a monthly tax will be added just like any telephone system. Mine adds about $3.Harry Darn it, I have never tried the gps; however, I have found customer service at 5 Star to be very helpful. Also, please consider if you find the gps is not satisfactory, return the unit to Amazon or go ahead and buy it from a local Walmart for a bit higher cost, try it out and see what happens. BTW, I only need to charge my unit once each week and the provided test to check the unit works quite well. I like mine and the only negative in the experience is that in 5 Star advertisement, they really should note that a monthly tax will be added just like any telephone system. Mine... » Read More Darn it, I have never tried the gps; however, I have found customer service at 5 Star to be very helpful. Also, please consider if you find the gps is not satisfactory, return the unit to Amazon or go ahead and buy it from a local Walmart for a bit higher cost, try it out and see what happens. BTW, I only need to charge my unit once each week and the provided test to check the unit works quite well. I like mine and the only negative in the experience is that in 5 Star advertisement, they really should note that a monthly tax will be added just like any telephone system. Mine adds about $3.Harry « Show Less
2001076
Hi Ezequiel, We do charge a service fee for the Ride system. Much like a cellphone, the Ride system features a built in SIM card that requires service to operate. Cell service and GPS will work together to triangulate your location and offer an `always on' security system. The monthly fee in the United States is $10.95, or $131.40 Annually for International customers. More information on our data plans can be found here : http://ridescorpio.com/shop/data-plans/ If you have any other questions, please let us know!
1262403
You probably already bought your GPS, but just in case, if you look around you may find the nuvi 650 for a lot less. I just ordered one last week (should get it today) from Costco.com for $299 plus my membership fee of $50 plus shipping and taxes, total $374.
471102
Hi Kathi, Since this is unlocked you don't need to pay any monthly fees. You still need a data line though to get it to work and that will require a monthly fee, from your operator (AT&T;, T-Mobile, etc...).
990839
I didn't buy a GPS yet. Maybe I'll ask Santa for one. I think I would buy the 265w.The refurb. price is right, around $90.00 . The reviews are 4+ stars. Ckt. City hada new one for $90. ,plus postage I think. I was hoping Consumer Report would havean updated report on Gps's in Dec., but none. I don't know what a 765 even sellsfor. I don't drive much anyway. But, I think I would use it. Thanks for asking.
1996259
Darn it, I have never tried the gps; however, I have found customer service at 5 Star to be very helpful. Also, please consider if you find the gps is not satisfactory, return the unit to Amazon or go ahead and buy it from a local Walmart for a bit higher cost, try it out and see what happens. BTW, I only need to charge my unit once each week and the provided test to check the unit works quite well. I like mine and the only negative in the experience is that in 5 Star advertisement, they really should note that a monthly tax will be added just like any telephone system. Mine adds about $3. Harry
1398101
Hmm i guess it says there is GPS in the title. How does it work?? I have this product. I also don't know how to update the information.
681513
Here is a question you may know the answer to. I have been looking for a phone number for Garmin. We don't know who makes it, how to get a extended warranty, or if there even is a warranty. How good can a product be if the manufacturer won't even speak to us about their product. Whose pockets are we filling anyway? Will they, whoever they are back up their product?? Help, anyone! We bought 4 of these as gifts. Thanks. Dismayed!!!!
1151675
I think that it's not OK that all it says on the box is "free traffic" instead of "free traffic with ads." I don't quite feel fully-informed by Garmin. I'm thinking seriously about returning my unit just because I don't like being treated like that.