Garmin releases LIFETIME data updates!

[mikea]

Garmin is now selling a LIFETIME maps update product for terrestrial GPS like the Nuvi (what did you think? ):

Garmin nüMaps Lifetime North America Map Updates


Amazon, among other resellers, has it for $100 or less. (The price has dropped $2 since yesterday.)

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...st-20?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

It's non-transeferable and for PRODUCT lifetime, meaning if the GPS dies or gets stolen, it's over. I think it's a slam dunk deal, with a single update going for $70+. I was going to finally spring for the update for my Nuvi which has data over 2 years old. Now I can get a much better deal. I was waiting for the new release which always seemed to be around July, just in time to miss Oshkosh.

If only we could get the same for aviation data, huh? Not a chance with the Jeppesen tax.

 

[CT Arrow]

Based on the falling market prices of portable Consumer grade GPS units, you would be better off if bought a new GPS every few years.

Then you get an updated database, latest processor, updated features,,, and a new warranty. Also, consider Tomtom w/ Mapshare technology. I update my unit every month and get the latest stuff for free!
http://www.tomtom.com/page.php?Page=Mapshare

FWIW

 

[silver-eagle]

Sounds like a good deal but.... first nuvi didnt last a year. European DB cost me an extra $100 on SD. Based on what Garmin told me, the MAP database onboard can't be moved to a SD so would all the updates be to the onboard DB?
Now if it were transportable within the product line...

 

[DeeG]

Cool! DB in my Zumo needs updating.

I wish they would continue with the "buy one, use it in two units" like the used to have. I'd pony up the 80$ ever year to keep the Zumo and 376C updated.... ~sigh~

 

[mikea]

Sounds like a good deal but.... first nuvi didnt last a year. European DB cost me an extra $100 on SD. Based on what Garmin told me, the MAP database onboard can't be moved to a SD so would all the updates be to the onboard DB?
Now if it were transportable within the product line...

It's one product, one owner, so you'd need a lifetime subscription for each unit. They also say there's no guarnateee the updates will fit in the device's storage. They have a way in the Mapsource program to cut out areas and waypoints to make the data a smaller package.

I've had my Nuvi for 2-3 years. I don't see any signs of it deteriorating. The battery life was low in the first place with the screen brightness set high. It seems to be about the same. I recently ran on battery alone when I grabbed it for use in the other car and I got a couple hours of life in short trips.