We'll probably get arrested for talking about this - but has anyone tried burning a copy of the 5.1 version just to see if it will take and work..... I would classify it as backup anyway just in case it get's scratched or deformed in the hot sun because the car and radio get's so hot anyway....

 

We'll probably get arrested for talking about this

Probably couldn't get caught. However if you had the GM system with on-star it probably tells corporate if something pirated is installed. It tells them just about every thing else.

 

All GPS units (and web sites such as google maps and mapquest) require updated maps to remain accurate. This is particularly true for rapidly growing/changing areas such as PASCO county in Florida (just one example).The majority of these maps are provided by one company (NAVTEQ). From what I understand, NAVTEQ provides updated maps to GPS vendors approximately every three months. On a regular basis (usually annually for each prooduct they sell) the vendor then makes updated map CD/DVDs available for sale to individuals owning their GPS. For example, I have owned a Gramin IQue 3600 GPS for about two or three years. I started on version 5 of their North American maps and now just loaded version 8. I have also purchased European map sets and upgrades since I oftem drive in the UK and Europe. Each upgrade cost me $75.00, but provided me with the means to be able to travel to unfamiliar places with relative confidence that I can use the GPS to get to my destination and/or find points of interest that are really there. The bottom ine is how much the GPS vendor elects to charge for the upgrade (whatever the market will bear). One reason that I bought a standalone GPS and never wanted a auto maker installed GPS was the relative cost of upgrades. The other was the fact I can easily transfer my GPS between vehicles, including rentals.

Hope this helps everyone better understand the long term costs of the NAV system they have purchased. In many ways it is no different than buying a new Rand McNally road atlas evey year, except it costs a lot more.

One other note. For my GPS the maps are locked to a particular serial number, and a license must be bought on a unit by unit basis. I dont know if this same anti-piracy technique is used on auto-maker sold NAV systems.

 

It's a dual layer DVD but otherwise unprotected.
The NAV DVD reader handles a DVD+DL just fine.
Or so I'm told.

 

I love my garmin!

 

Does Garmin let you update off the internet?

 

No, they send you a DVD. You get it online though.

 

Once I receive notification that a release is available, I order the dvd, which usually receive within 7 days. Part of the installation includes on line licensing and payment. I receive an unlock code unique to my unit as part of the process.