Garmin Map Updates

[Kaido]

FYI the map updates are pretty dang cheap on Amazon. They wanted like $79 for the Germany street maps on Garmin, but only like $35 on Amazon, so it may be cheaper on Amazon even after the Garmin discount code.

 

[Gunbuster]

I just avoid that type of stuff, by you know, not speeding or running red lights. >_> I know, I know, what an odd concept.

Of course, because red light cameras are for safety! They would never ticket perfectly legal maneuvers such as a right turn on red just to generate income....

 

[smackababy]

Of course, because red light cameras are for safety! They would never ticket perfectly legal maneuvers such as a right turn on red just to generate income....

I have never been ticketed for turning right on red where it was legal. So, no, they don't do that.

 

[Mitch101]

Unless it has downloaded maps like Nokia...

Yes love my Nokia Maps they are just as good as Google Maps and dont require constant data connection.

 

[smackababy]

There are a few apps that download the maps to the phone. They take up a lot of space though. =(

 

[timfountain4444]

Because once you're out of cell service, your cell phone gps is worthless.

Er, anyone for CoPilot? Free maps and traffic and loaded onto directly onto the iPhone or Android so no cell coverage needed. I use it on an old HTC Android that doesn't even have a SIM.

IMHO Garmin is a zombie company as far as their current business model is concerned. I haven't seen an innovative product from them in years. Same old Nuvi with a tweak here and there, whilst all the time the market has been moving to smartphones.

 

[lothar]

Er, anyone for CoPilot? Free maps and traffic and loaded onto directly onto the iPhone or Android so no cell coverage needed. I use it on an old HTC Android that doesn't even have a SIM.

IMHO Garmin is a zombie company as far as their current business model is concerned. I haven't seen an innovative product from them in years. Same old Nuvi with a tweak here and there, whilst all the time the market has been moving to smartphones.

Quite possibly one of the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.
Just like people have been preaching for death to print media for decades, paperless office, etc...Stand alone GPS isn't going anywhere anytime soon, especially when some judges think it's illegal to fumble with your phone, but perfectly legal to do so with a standalone GPS.

Garmin makes plenty of profit for their shareholders.
They're in no time of dying anytime soon if you analyze their free cashflow.

Disclosure: I've owned their stock since Nov '10.

 

[lothar]

Yes love my Nokia Maps they are just as good as Google Maps and dont require constant data connection.

Google Maps does not require a constant data connection.

 

[jjsbasmt]

For the couple of folks who seem to have a problem with the latest map updates - well today I drove for over an hour on a major US highway and through a couple small towns and experienced no abnormalities even in thundershowers. Certainly nothing at even hinting at the zooming issue mentioned.

 

[Jim]

Google Maps does not require a constant data connection.

Unless something's changed in the last 6 months, this is not true. Believe me, I tried.

 

[lothar]

Unless something's changed in the last 6 months, this is not true. Believe me, I tried.

Google Maps only requires an "initial" data connection(when you open the app and click the navigate button to wherever you want to go), not "constant" data connection.
That has been my experience at least for over a year.


***EDIT***
Google has had this feature since ***drumroll*** 2010.

Offline reliability
Vector graphics also enable another significant new feature: the ability to continue viewing maps even when you have poor—or no—network connections. Because each vector tile works across multiple zoom levels, it requires more than 100 times less data to view maps across all zoom levels than before, allowing Maps to cache much larger areas of the map on your device.

With this first version, Maps proactively caches map data for the places you use Maps the most—where you’re actively using it as well as places for which you search or get directions. Then when you’re plugged in and connected over WiFi, caching happens automatically. Near your frequent places, you’ll get detailed vector tiles for city-sized regions so you can see every road labeled. Further away, you’ll have less detail but will typically have towns and highways labeled for miles. We’re continuing to work on these algorithms, so you’ll see improvements over time.

Offline rerouting
With Google Maps Navigation (Beta), you’ll also see the benefits of additional caching with offline rerouting. This feature is only possible because Navigation caches not only map data but also data like turn restrictions for the areas surrounding your route. You’ll still need to be connected when you first start a trip to download and cache your route. But this way, even if you take a wrong turn after losing your connection, Navigation can use the cached data to get you back on your way. We will be rolling this feature out gradually over the next few weeks.

This is just the start, and we’re really excited about all the possible ways to use vector graphics technology for the next generation of Google Maps. So please stay tuned!

http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2010/12/under-hood-of-google-maps-50-for.html

 

[Qacer]

This seems to only work for USA maps. I tried the European map updates, and it didn't knock $20 off the price.

Also, Lifetime Updates is not really lifetime. If you have not updated your device in more than 24 months, then the lifetime update goes away. I have not updated my US maps for that long since I've been in Europe. When I checked my available maps today, my USA maps updates are no longer showing.

 

[jjsbasmt]

I had not updated my maps in over 24 months, but both lifetime and onetime updates were both offered to me. Qacer, are you currently in Europe? If not, does your device still think that you are in Europe or have you allowed it to get a current location fix so that it can correctly determine which maps you are most likely to need?

 

[jjsbasmt]

Qacer: You are most certainly correct, I just found out that the update is for the North American version ONLY!
I had forgotten to mention that on Friday, a friend of mine tried to get the update the, site gave it to him at no charge even though it was at least a year since he purchased his unit and perhaps as much as 2 years, and he had never gotten the one free update from initial purchase.

 

[Thump553]

Please execuse necro'ing an old thread, but I saw another deal for a manufacturer refurbished Garmin nuvi 2455LMT for $67.99, free shipping. This model is 4.3 inches, lifetime maps and traffic, but it has no bluetooth or mic. Link:




No links to eBay allowed.


esquared
Anandtech Forum Director

 

[ClockerXP]

Thank you! I found it from Beach Camera and picked up one. Great deal, IMO, and now my phone is free for other things, like my son to play with it.

 

[TivoOwner]

Anyone know of a cheap way to get updates for the Garmin that is installed in the dash of my Dodge Ram?

 

[Kaido]

You know, I don't really see the point in buying the Lifetime updates when you can buy a brand-new 4.3" Garmin GPS, which includes Lifetime Maps, for $96:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-4-3-Inc...dp/B0057ODG6Y/

For an extra $20, you can get a modern piece of hardware plus free maps forever

 

[ClockerXP]

Since I'll rarely use it, the savings is well worth it.

 

[Thump553]

Anyone know of a cheap way to get updates for the Garmin that is installed in the dash of my Dodge Ram?

Unfortunately the in-dash GPS has got to be one of the most overpriced car accessory since the invention of dealer installed undercoating or gloss coating. I agree with Kaido-get a modern portable GPS and mount it right over the white elephant in your dash. It will cost you a lot less than a map update from the car manufacturer.

OTOH you may just want to skip updates altogether unless you commonly travel to construction sites. I can only think of two instances where I ran across changes in the interstate highway system that weren't shown on my outdated GPS (nearly six years old).

 

[KoolAidKid]

Because once you're out of cell service, your cell phone gps is worthless.

Just buy the CoPilot Live app for $5, it includes offline maps for all of North America and free updates.

 

[Thump553]

Another very nice GPS buy-today only, factory refurbished Garmin nuvi 2455LMT 4.3", lifetime maps and traffic, all accessories included, one year warranty, free shipping from Best Buy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/garmin-r...&skuId=2263113

I've bought both new and refurbished Garmins before and I could tell absolutely no difference between the two.

This one is a pretty nice unit and a good price. Note: if it is like mine (different model) add a SD card to it if you want to update to the full US and Canadian maps to it.

 

[ClockerXP]

I am loving my refurb 2455LMT gotten through beachcamera/eBay. Just like new as far as I can tell. I was able to do all the map updates plus a couple small add-ons without adding a memory card. There's about 60MB of space remaining.

I did add a $10 8GB card after doing the map update. Not sure how it works or what to do with it but it is in there incase any more space is needed. Does it just use the added space automagically?

 

[Thump553]

ClockerXP: I think you'll be OK. On my refurbished nuvi (forget the model # right now) I ran across a space limitation the first time I updated so I only updated this region. I then added a memory card. When I went to update again, it would only give me the choice to update the regional map. I putzed around for a bit, ended up deleting my regional map and then was able to download and update the full maps.

Garmin and Logitech are two companies where I would not hesitate at all in buying a FACTORY refurb based on my personal experience.

 

[Rio Rebel]

As bad as it sucks to pay for these updates, it's nothing compared to the scam on my Acura. $149 for a one-time map update. I love my Acura TL, but this is my last one if they don't improve the technology. Outdated and overpriced.