Garmin 54LM. Do I automatically get free map updates for life or must I pay a one time fee?
76833
I suspect that the 'LM' in the product name indicates free 'lifetime map' updates...you pay for it with the price. You will have to register with Garmin.So, NO ! you don't pay for map updates.
76834
Free for life. No extra fee. However, Garmin gets to decide what the "life" of each product is. I suppose you can count on at least four or five years. I've used the unit for some time now and really enjoy it.
76835
I didn't pay any more and I have updated the map twice with no issue, so for me Garmin were as good as their word on this one. But that's how it was advertised so I had that expectation from the start.
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.
451073
I would suggest that you contact Garmin technical support and ask that same question to be sure your unit will support it - I have an older model Garmin nuvi and the last update I downloaded required me to put a memory card in to hold the amount of data - it was cheap enough - but something to consider is whether your unit will support current and future map updates & downloads - if your unit will support this lifetime maps update, go for it - great deal
821184
It comes with both Lifetime Maps and Lifetime Traffic. Be advised that if you are using Windows XP Media Center Edition, the updated will not download and install. Any later Windows version works just fine. Garmin customer support was extremely helpful in making the Map update go smoothly.
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.
99317
Yes. You can go to the Garmin site and download for approx. $69, or have a lifetime membership for $100, which seems the best way to go.
991598
Did your GPS come with lifetime updates? If not, you may have to contact Magellan Customer Service to see if you can return it to be updated. Search GPS models and find one with lifetime updates and you will never have to worry about this topic again. My GPS unit gets 4 free updates a year. An update could cost you around $200.
851730
Bob. Because Garmin updates maps 4 times per year, any Garmin model may or may not have the latest map. You are allowed 60 days after purchase to update your map (if needed) for free. I've owned and used several Garmins (one well over 4 years old) and have never updated a map yet (many people don't bother because the vast majority of the time a new map will have little or no effect on a person). However, if you must have the latest and greatest, Garmin offers a NuMap program for about 100 bucks, where you can download up to 4 map updates per year for the lifetime of your Nuvi.
183356
I just called Garmin. The person who answered the phone said that if you get a unit with V8 mapping data you will be sent a free update when they become available at the end of July 2007 [or maybe early August]. To get the free update, don't order it through ordinary channels. Call customer support and talk to a person. He reassured me that it won't matter who I happen to talk to when I call back; this is the new policy. It tool me 10 minutes to get through at 10:40AM PDT. As soon as they announce the update, at which point the rumor of the new policy will have spread far and wide, i'm sure wait times will increase, but there's a finite number of units covered so it'll settle down if you wait a week or so. They also told me to expect substantial improvements in the map data and POI data of V2008 over V8. This last statement, of course, should be taken with a grain of salt. -dk
820246
No yearly fee. - but don't buy it - price is right - but the product and it's use are horrible. I have had a month of grief and just sent it back. Best unit is a Golf Buddy. Garmin is not accurate. Good luck
1414020
As far as I know you can download new 2008 map version from Garmin site for free. Btw. consider Costco.com for 650 ($299 before taxes).
469604
if you buy a garmin recently, it has a lifetime of updates for the maps it has preinstalled or that you purchased as an addition. careful of secondary markets, they may sell maps that are static and not updatable.
1392413
Should you receive a unit with the older maps:Several of us who received the older v. 8 maps have been promised the new v. 2008 maps at no charge when the DVD is available. Can't promise, but Garmin was very nice to me about getting the map updates. I contacted techsupp, but others have also contacted product support with success. Hopefully Garmin has changed their policy to provide the map updates for free now, if you've purchased since the new version started shipping.
862323
Hello, the watch comes pre-loaded with courses (Mexico included) so you don't have to download any maps. But if a new course were to be built than you would need to. Keep in mind that you will have to pay an annual fee to access the maps. It's 20 US dollars a year. If you buy a Garmin watch (do a search for garmin s1) you don't pay for any annual fees. Good luck, I'm sure your husband will be very happy with this gift.
725401
Here's the update link: http://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=010-00810-05Note: Map update is NOT free on this model.
1281178
The unit gives you free life-time North America map. You can buy more regions and download from Garmin.com to install on the unit. You will have to plug in an external SD card to increase storage space.
1072158
I'm sorry, I can't help you with this one. I purchased a new unit but can tell you that all of the user information and map updates are readily available on the Garmin internet site.