Pros and Cons for Buying Garmin LifeTime Map Update

**tp2168** · 8th March 2013, 03:37 AM

Pros and Cons for Buying Garmin LifeTime Map Update

Pros
1. Four fresh new maps updates per year
2. Notification of new maps when available
3. Firmware and support files download to device
4. The price of LifeTime maps has dropped to $54
5. Can be purchased by online map code or map update card

Cons
1. Older Garmin units may not have enough internal memory for new maps
2. For some GPS units you will need to purchase 4GB SD memory card
3. Down loading large maps files will take lots of time
4. This map update only can be used to update the preloaded maps that came installed on your Garmin device
5. The GPS must be registered in your name (INPORTANT)

Tips before purchase
1. Log onto your Garmin account and confirm the GPS is registered in your name
2. You will need a fast internet connection
3. 8GB of free space in your computer
4. Take time to read the comments from those that have purchased this product, it’s cheaper to learn from others mistakes then make them your self

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Amazon.com: Garmin n�Maps Lifetime North America Map Updates: GPS & Navigation

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Amazon.com: Garmin n�Maps Lifetime Map Update for North America [Online Map Code]: Electronics

Deal Breaker for me
1. My nuvi 1300 was purchased pre-owned and not registered in my name
2. The LifeTime map update is for US & Canada only, I must have Mexico maps included
3. The unit is 3 years old and needs a new battery before buying LifeTime map update
4. My StreetPilot 2730 has no SD Card slot and a slow CPU processor for today’s maps
5. My StreetPilot III can only use None-NT maps

Comments
-For me it may be better option to purchase a new GPS unit with lifetime maps and traffic and use the older units for backup.
-For those that have GPS unit with Europe and North American maps you can purchase LifeTime maps for these units.

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**dasilvarsa** · 8th March 2013, 07:33 AM

Yes I agree with you.
It's Always a better deal to Buy a NEW Garmin with lifetime Maps and Traffic.
The 2013 Premium Series Looks Good.
If you don't mind having a 2012 The 3490 LMT is an Excellent Machine
Since Firmware 760 it is 100% Stable (Before it had an 0ccasional reboot for no apparent reason.)

**greekislandlover** · 8th March 2013, 08:02 AM

I know the maps can be got via this site, but for me ease of updating is a biggie. Not worries about how long it takes or having to have an sd card etc. I know that whatever is shiny and new today will date, and as new facilities become available people will upgrade, but you can buy a device with lifetime maps for less than the cost of the device without it and the additional subscription by shopping around.

Personally, I paid for the subscription for european mapping (as that's where I live) and use this site for the US map. Garmin lifetime maps I think is a decent (if slightly overpriced) deal as it's genuinely going to give you new maps for 2-3 years when it's time to buy a shiny new one anyway. Tomtom is similar price but limited to one year - poor value.

**catymag** · 13th March 2013, 02:00 AM

I think most of he advanced and habitual users here have LT, and subscriptions for traffic etc ,it's nice to have Nuvi easily and always up to date

Advanced users buy many devices too and probably not so many LT

**dasilvarsa** · 13th March 2013, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by catymag

I think most of he advanced and habitual users here have LT, and subscriptions for traffic etc ,it's nice to have Nuvi easily and always up to date

Advanced users buy many devices too and probably not so many LT

Hi Caty,
I think you mean LM
Have a Nice Day !

**catymag** · 13th March 2013, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by dasilvarsa

Hi Caty,
I think you mean LM
Have a Nice Day !

Thanks . Yes I mean n�Maps Lifetime

**alamel** · 13th March 2013, 05:17 PM

from what I understand we have to pay a suplement to have LM in a new device , when it's free , tested and comment here , if we know what to do

**Neil** · 13th March 2013, 11:03 PM

As Garmin seem to be moving to lifetime Maps, [LM or LT, who cares, we knew what Caty meant

], it means that older devises without LM are going to be worth even less secondhand. Look at the 2013 range in US dollars, full retail:

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A nuvi 44 with US & CAN (one time) costs $129.99, with lifetime maps cost $159.99 only $30 more. But for another 40 bux again, $199.99 buys a superior 2457LMT with Lifetime NA maps and Lifetime Traffic too! Smart marketing and pricing.

If you buy a base 44 (with onetime map) for $129.99 you can then add a separate LM subscription to your OEM map for ...ta da ... ONLY $89.99!!:

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I think that page may be outdated 'coz i'm sure i read elsewhere that you can get NA LM for the device's OEM maps for $49.99, but still wouldn't you be a bit miffed if someone gave you a base one-time maps x2 or x4 model as a gift and you then had to pay $50 or $90 extra for lifetime.

Good move Garmin. Screw the 2nd hand market and the pirate map sellers on ebay at the same time. Gotta admire that .......

**greekislandlover** · 14th March 2013, 08:05 AM

Good move Garmin. Screw the 2nd hand market and the pirate map sellers on ebay at the same time. Gotta admire that .......

I've always felt that corporate greed would backfire in the case of the cost of maps. I think that most people would prefer having a legit version, and had they priced to a level most people thought was fair, then sales would increase and the piracy market to some extent be quashed. $30 in addition to the cost of the device is absolutely a fair price IMHO.

**dasilvarsa** · 14th March 2013, 08:43 AM

In Certain countries you cannot buy a Nuvi without LM or LMT
e.g. In South Africa the Only Nuvi you can buy without LM is Nuvi 30 . (Only Available at Makro)
When they converted last year they put up the list price by about 150 Rands (+-20 US$) on Average.
I was very pleased with this decision by Garmin South Africa and I immediately purchased 3490's for Business and Pleasure.

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Maybe in the future all Nuvi's worldwide will be well priced with LM/LMT as standard.

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