Garmin Map Updates

[DennisJ]

I have a Nuvi 1490 and am trying to decide between the one-time ugrade or the lifetime upgrade option. Is it worth the extra cost for the abiilty to update several times a year or do the maps even update frequently enough to make that necessary. I don't see a lot of changes in roads in the Pacific Northwest to justify the multiple updates cost. Any pros and cons already discovered?

Any better optons than BaseCamp? I am ready to go back to Streets & Trips to create maps. BaseCamp defies me so far.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Do the lifetime...Then you only gotta buy it once.

 

[user 31223]

I have had 3 updates this last 12 monthsYou can use other tools , the Harley Davidson route planner web site ( garmin under the covers) is a tool I use sometimes! It has an option to sync with your device, I also believe google maps can but haven't used that

 

[fjRaven]

I would suggest that you go ahead and just buy a whole new unit that includes lifetime updates. I had the 1490 and upgraded to a newer version with updates for about $120, and it's better, faster, and has newer mapping software. Not really much more than the lifetime maps would cost you plus you can get traffic in some cities. Would suggest a 5", size matters. Maps update twice a year, I believe.

 

[DennisJ]

I have used the HD planner and the first thing I thought was that I had opened MapSource by mistake. I seem to end up with a series of segments though instead of one continuous route so suspect I am doing something wrong there.

Thought about just buying a new Garmin but then I would have three of them, all in working condition even though the maps are out of date on the two I have now. Maybe I need to shop around again and see what the current models offer. The 1490 has traffic but in the Seattle area it seems to notify me after I have already figured out there is a problem. Usually after the last turn-off for a bypass. I use it mostly out of town.

 

[kamal]

I have a Zumo 220 that came with the lifetime North America map. It updates regularly, though I have no idea what the updates are?

The only obvious one was when they opened the Golden Ears Bridge over the Fraser River, the GPS showed me riding across a field and about to plunge into the river. An update fixed this.

To create maps to share with friends or print, I use Tyre to Travel https://www.tyretotravel.com/

 

[BkerChuck]

I just bought my first GPS in March of this year, a Garmin Nuvi 2595LMT which came with lifetime map updates. It's already updated twice since I bought it. Don't reallly know exactly what those updates might be though. Brand new less than $175 shipped, 5 inch touchscreen with traffic alerts. With the way technology constantly evolves and improves and prices hold or even drop, if your unit is more than just a couple years old, I'd vote to replace it. I really hate doing this sort of thing but you get to the point where you're spending money on an item the manufacturer considers to be past its lifespan.

 

[petey]

Do the lifetime...Then you only gotta buy it once.

Keep in mind that a lifetime update purchase is only good for the unit (GPS) you have now, not for others you may buy...

 

[leedavis]

I'd purchase the lifetime maps for the 1490 and hope the 1490 never breaks. That's the last Nuvi model Garmin ever made that uses the "traditional" algorithm for multi-point route calculation, which is much better for what we do than current Nuvi models. Motorcycle specific models also use the superior method but are much more expensive than a Nuvi. Another option: Though discontinued by Garmin a 1490lmt can still be found - do a web search. "lmt" means it comes with lifetime maps and other bells and whistles.

When I discovered that Garmin screwed up the current generation Nuvis I purchased a 1490lmt to have as a 2nd unit and backup. They're inexpensive.