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August 2, 2007

Garmin Map Update Not So Smooth For Everyone

Trouble Ahead Road Sign

It's been a week since Garmin released their highly anticipated 2008 Map Update and while the up is going smoothly for most users, several customers are reporting that their GPS unit doesn't qualify for the free update, is incompatible, or that the entire North American region doesn't fit on their device.

Here's what you need to know:

Those products which are eligible for a free map update are:

  • nüvi® 200
  • StreetPilot 7xxx series
  • nüvi 250
  • StreetPilot 2720
  • nüvi 6xx series
  • StreetPilot 28xx series
  • nüvi 3xx series
  • GPSMAP® 478
  • StreetPilot® c340
  • GPSMAP 496
  • StreetPilot c550
  • Zumo® series
  • StreetPilot c580
  • iQue® 3200
  • StreetPilot III
  • iQue 3600
  • GPS V
  • iQue M5
  • StreetPilot 2610
  • GPS 18
  • StreetPilot 2650
  • GPS 10BT
  • StreetPilot 2620
  • StreetPilot 2660
  • Quest®
  • MapSource City Navigator North America NT (when used with a qualifying compatible Garmin handheld GPS unit)

If your GPS is listed above, the update process should be smooth sailing.

To qualify for the free map update, you must have purchased your GPS post May 1st, 2007 (and you'll need to register the GPS with Garmin, be able to show proof of purchase with the date).

Some users are reporting that the updated maps are 200MB larger than the previous version. Therefore, some devices, like the StreetPilot c530, don't have enough free space to install the complete North American region, and you must install the 48 continental U.S. States instead.

Rumor has it Garmin is working on a SD Memory card version of the Map Update for computer-less installations, but no official word from Garmin on this yet.

The update is available at various retailers, including Garmin's own e-store. If you qualify for a free update, you'll need to call Garmin support to order the DVD.

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