• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Garmin Map Updates

Page 3 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
Rio Rebel said:
As bad as it sucks to pay for these updates, it's nothing compared to the scam on my Acura. $149 for a one-time map update. I love my Acura TL, but this is my last one if they don't improve the technology. Outdated and overpriced.
Click to expand...
Pretty much all in dash navigation systems are scams because they're inferior and will never be as up to date and full featured as their standalone counterparts.
It's no different whether it's from Acura, Honda, BMW, Lexus, Toyota, Audi, GM, Ford, or what have you.
 
lothar said:
Pretty much all in dash navigation systems are scams because they're inferior and will never be as up to date and full featured as their standalone counterparts.
It's no different whether it's from Acura, Honda, BMW, Lexus, Toyota, Audi, GM, Ford, or what have you.
Click to expand...

I've never understood why major manufacturers don't partner with brand-names that actually have quality GPS systems like Garmin. Every single integrated GPS I've ever used has just been horrifically bad. I like using my phone with Google Maps, but my phone is small and requires a data connection, so I still prefer a dedicated GPS device, especially since they're coming out with larger 5" and 7" screens these days, which make them much easier to read.
 
Kaido said:
I've never understood why major manufacturers don't partner with brand-names that actually have quality GPS systems like Garmin. Every single integrated GPS I've ever used has just been horrifically bad. I like using my phone with Google Maps, but my phone is small and requires a data connection, so I still prefer a dedicated GPS device, especially since they're coming out with larger 5" and 7" screens these days, which make them much easier to read.
Click to expand...
Why would they partner with Garmin when they can pocket the initial $2,000 navigation premium fee, along with $149 for each additional map update for only themselves and not worry about splitting the revenue with Garmin?

There's no benefit for Garmin to partner with them for free.
For someone like Google...Maybe. But not Garmin.
 
lothar said:
Why would they partner with Garmin when they can pocket the initial $2,000 navigation premium fee, along with $149 for each additional map update for only themselves and not worry about splitting the revenue with Garmin?

There's no benefit for Garmin to partner with them for free.
For someone like Google...Maybe. But not Garmin.
Click to expand...

And that's the bottom line - they don't care about the customer experience, it's about cash. Thousands of dollars for a garbage nav system for the end buyer.
 
No kidding, I just picked up a 2013 VW GLI, and the damn map in the thing is already out of date. I didn't get the NAV for NAV, I mostly got it for the integrated backup camera and a few other features included at that model level.

Like others said though even my Garmin isn't that great. My Phone is about 100 times more useful and pretty much what I fall back to everytime.
 
JBT said:
No kidding, I just picked up a 2013 VW GLI, and the damn map in the thing is already out of date. I didn't get the NAV for NAV, I mostly got it for the integrated backup camera and a few other features included at that model level.

Like others said though even my Garmin isn't that great. My Phone is about 100 times more useful and pretty much what I fall back to everytime.
Click to expand...

That's what's frustrating - I love having a backup cam for safety reason, but you usually don't get it unless you spring for nav. I think next year it's going to be required on ALL cars by law, so hopefully we can just get a nice LCD interface without having to pay for nav.

Although I would gladly pay the extra if it was Garmin or something good, that also had free lifetime map updates like the newer GPS devices do. Having wires and stuff is a pain, although it is nice to be able to pass the GPS back to a passenger to reroute as needed. Maybe a dockable system would work...
 
VW's do use Garmin software so it actually works fairly well. If I know the address I'm golden, if I'm out and about and need an address on the fly its less than helpful. Assuming I've got 4G, the wife can search on the phone in a few seconds and we are off and running.

VW wants $199 for software updates on the older models, I don't know if they used Garmin back then. Mine currently has no updates available, but also doesn't include a massive overpass near the airport thats been finished about a year now. I'm always driving "off road" when I used it...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top