klm
SIOUX FALLS, SD
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Joined: 05/26/2004
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Hi,
Thanks to all that replied to my original post. I am leaning towards buying a new unit, as opposed to buying the update software. Besides maybe some newer features, my MAIN reason to buy new is to get the latest mapping available. Is there a way to determine the year of the mapping in the unit before purchase? I don't want to order a unit from online, if it has outdated mapping. Any suggestions on how to assure that unit has up to date info??? thanks, Kathy
'02 KOUNTRY STAR DP
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alogo4u
Fairfax, Virginia
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Would call mfg and ask them. Most brands give you 1 free upgrade.
"Exploring America...One mile at a time"
John
Jackie
Reilly - Our Smooth Fox Terrier
2003 Four Winds
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jplunkett
Virginia
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Joined: 04/04/2008
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Ditto on checking with the manufacturer. I just updated the DW's Garmin Nuvi 660's maps - it's done online, but it is a slow process even on broadband. The cost was $70 for the latest map set.
safe travels,
John & Elizabeth Plunkett
Louisa, Virginia
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Bobbo
Memphis, TN
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Joined: 09/16/2007
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When I bought my Nuvi 660, the map was 1 version old. I called Garmin and they mailed me the latest map on CD for free.
Bobbo, Linda and the furry kid (German Shepherd)
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LittleBill
Scranton , PA USA
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Joined: 08/29/2003
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if your main reason is to get latest mapping, then there is no reason to buy new, the map is same if you upgrade with an old unit, they new units don't get a special map, that you can't buy for any old gps
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Deaver
Bucks County, PA
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Joined: 09/01/2004
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I think your choice for buying new is a wise one. There are several things that will come into play
Likely, a newer unit will have an improved chipset in it which is the “Brain” of the device. It is much like the CPU in a newer computer. There are now several units that offer the SiRF chipset. This chipset is highly touted for satellite acquisition speed and accuracy of triangulation as well as sensitivity to receive satellite signals in an unclear overhead view of the sky.
Newer arrays of more user friendly features are now more common with a new unit. You no longer need the understanding of “waypoints” or data entry specifics as you once did with an older unit.
As far as “maps” are concerned, the minute a map is released it is antiquated to a point. New roads may not be included in the latest release. Most of the major manufacturers do offer free upgrades for a newly purchase unit. So even if the unit sat on a vendors shelf for a period of time, the latest version of the basemap is often available from the Manufacturer’s website for download. Both Garmin and Magellan use a company called NavTeq which is a US based cartography company which provides the map data. Tom-Tom on the other hand uses a European based company for it’s maps. Although I am sure a Tom-Tom works quite well in the US, I would tend to trust a NavTeq based map to be maybe a little more accurate
I would pick a list of candidates for consideration based on the features you may want and then look at the chipset and the basemap provider. You can read reviews on most of the units available today by “google’ing the manufacture and model number
Questioning current users of a particular model can be best asked if they would buy a different model if given the choice and why
Deaver
'05 Dodge 3500/CTD Dually - '04 Lance 835
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