Map downloads

tpolley

I have just bought the LG LN790, i here that to do map updates I need to purchase them for +- $150.00, are they free for the Garmins? should i return it?

dav

I have never heard of free updates for maps from any OEM.

But I have only had a GPS for a short time, so will have to defer to those who have had them longer.

Keith

My mother (against my advice) bought some off-brand GPS on QVC and it comes with free map updates too, or so it says. I don't even want to touch the thing. She has 30 days to return it, and I'm trying to get her to get a Nuvi.

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tpolley

Thanks for the input guys, I am in a similar situation to your mom Keith, I powered it up today for the first time, i will try it for a few days to see what i think.
I have read some good reviews on this model and some not so good, the price was right so thought i would give it a try, i wanted to get the nuvi 660 but it is still pretty high price'd here in Canada, I saw it on a site in the US for low $300.00 but they won't ship to Can.

Thanks again,

TP

Les

I have a Jensen GPS system and would like to know how to update my GPS.

hgebbia

Navigon 7100 comes with three years of free map updates and free traffic information at no cost to you for the life of the unit. Price is good and customer service quite good. And they have a road, "reality view" that makes freeway mix masters a piece of cake. You can check out a demo on line. Just made my first trip with mine and so far so good. Traffic receiver is already built into unit so you need no monthly subscription either. ......... Hank G.

ninja279

I couldn't find anything stating free 'Fresh Maps' with purchase on the Navigon website, I did see 'Add NAVIGON FreshMaps and get the most up-to-date maps for three years.' for $79.99. I have yet to see any manufacturer give free upgrades unless you purchase your unit within a certain time of the new upgrades.

hgebbia

That is true of everything "other then" the 7100 unit. Anyhow that is how it is for the map updates, for USA maps. Maybe Fresh maps for Europe have to be bought. 7100 unit comes with free map updates for three years, free traddic / traffic info for life and NO radio subscription cost for life. The traffic radio is already built into the unit. The 7100 has a few problems but 90% should be resolved with the May 14 software upsate release. I love mine. I have six or seven other units mostly Garmins and like the 7100 maps far better and the reality most is the BEST. .......... Hank G.

hgebbia

Garmin has NEVER gave away free updates except for a short period after purchase, if newer maps are available and yours though, new are outdated. What they have done is reduce the cost from the original $125 to the present $70 for one year. I have many Garmins and find that updating them yearly is a TRUE waste of money. I now have the new Navigon 7100 also, and their maps are "much" superior to Garmins and and cost nothing the first three years and then are $79 for a an additional three years. If they resolve the poor screen sensitivity issue, for the money I think they are hands down the BEST value out there. Am sending mine back as soon as I get home from this trip,due to the senstivity issue. When I get it back will post more on the subject. ........... Hank G.

Max

I've heard of Navigon's doing some wacky routing and not having up to date (read: accurate) maps and navigation.
Can you lend any thoughts to your experience with the validity of the maps HG?

CatFuzz

I have an LG LN735 that has been replaced with a Garmin Nuvi 350. As far as I know, there are no map updates yet available for any LG navigation product. That's one of the reasons it's sitting on the shelf now.

hgebbia

What I have found, is that this issue is no worse then any of the other units out there. Most people ( make that NEW to gps use ) find that the routes are never the same, as they would run normally in neighborhoods they know / are familiar with. This is quite common. One VERY nice feature of the Garmin units ( shortest route mode ) was if the route you took was shorter to the same place, the Garmin bread crumb trail that was logged, will be remembered If you re drive that same route again, the Garmin will use your shorter bread crumb trail, and route you that way, from then on . That is a feature I very much like.
I would suggest that you don't use the "routing feature", when driving in
these familiar areas. Just leave the unit on and showing current position and map status. I NEVER turn my units off when in the car, bike, boat/ whatever. Have just bought a Navigon Pocket LOOX N100, will shortly be asking for info, or providing what I can on it too. In the meantime if there is anything you want to share about the LOOX N100, would love to hear it, Later! ............ Hank G.

P.S. One observation that I made about Navigon routing ( 7100 ) was when I picked the fastest route to Las Vegas, it came up with a 1384 mile trip, from my home. Have driven it many times and the fastest route is totally different and only 1164 or so miles. This can easily be worked around by selecting points you want to actually route/travel, then let it build the route. I just loaded a 1.88 gig software update last night, that is suppose to be addressing all these issues, so will reserve judgment until I can re eveluate, and give you and update ... over and out!