Could someone explain the whole GPS thing to me

[krunchykrome]

Im in the market for a decent and affordable GPS unit for my car. I've been looking at the Tomtom ONE and I have my eye on the Magellan Maestro 3100 as it's currently on sale. From what I understand, many of these units manufacturers do not offer map updates. How are the maps updated? For example, I've read that Tomtom has new maps available every once in a while, where as Magellan and Garmin do not offer map updates.

 

[Sukhoi]

Uh Garmin has updates, at least every once in a while. But you have to pay.

 

[Futher]

I have a flip-screen alpine GPS connected to a DVD player that's mounted under my seat. Alpine sells update DVDs every year or so.

 

[dug777]

I just know where i'm going, i guess.

 

[AStar617]

Maps are either stored on a flash (SD etc) card for portable units or cd/dvd for in-dash, and just swapped. Some older portables use serial/usb cables for PC connection and are updated via cd/dvd that way.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: AStar617
Maps are either stored on a flash (SD etc) card for portable units or cd/dvd for in-dash, and just swapped. Some older portables use serial/usb cables for PC connection and are updated via cd/dvd that way.

So, generally speaking, you would just buy a new map sd card form the manufacturer when they have an update..?

 

[TheKub]

Spend $50 for a usb reciever and use your laptop!

 

[akshatp]

TomTom gave their users free updates for this years maps...

 

[Quasmo]

Maps are updated every 6 months.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Quasmo
Maps are updated every 6 months.

Even for Maggelan GPS units?