Lifetime Maps &amp; Traffic: Does the unit that comes with Lifetime Maps &amp; Traffic also come with lifetime "Live" services?
122816
If you are talking about 340TM unit (Lifetime Maps and Traffic), it does not have the Live services capability. The traffic on the 340TM unit comes through an RDS/FM receiver which is built into the car power supply. According to my experience, the traffic information is quite useful, e.g., it avoided closed roads in Boston. I have seen slow traffic reported only on highways but never on local roads (however, I've only used the unit for 2 days).
1801668
I do NOT believe there is. I am using their "Content Manager" to keep my content GPS updated and it's as slow as the first day I got it. Many times I've already passed a road and/or executed a turn by a couple of seconds before my position is actually recognized (and I am talking about suburbs with no building obstructions.) If you are reading this before purchase, do yourself a favor and consider something else.
387426
Nicole - if it states that you have lifetime map updates, then you do have them available through the gain website once you have registered your unit. I have had no issues with this feature over the past two years. As an owner a a Garmin product got over five years, I can confidently tell you that Garmin supports their products as advertised. Wanda
469605
As far as I can tell, the maps are current. You get regular updates after you register your GPS (just log in with it connected to your computer).
2226033
Hello,I just got a 1490T. Please excuse my ignorance, but I decided on that unit for the traffic feature as I commute over 35 miles each way. Thing is, I can't find a description anywhere that tells me what I need to do to have access to just the traffic info i.e. do I need to have the GPS active even when I don't need it - I know how to get to my office, for example. I'm a bit confused......Regards,Barry
2179223
In my opinion the map updates are nice, but not a big deal. I've seen that even with "current" maps, they will not always know about new subdivisions, and intersection traffic changes. i.e. it might take a few YEARS for their data to really get updated. The biggest annoyance to me is that after your first year runs out, the thing brings up a "your maps are out-of-date" warning that you have to hit "OK" to, each time you turn it on. This is basically just a "nag" so they can sell you a map update. Don't get me wrong -- I'd like to have the map updates -- just that is seems silly for them to charge a large amount for the update, when now the price of the GPS unit itself is now not much more than the price they charge for the "map update" feature. But if you find a good deal on a unit with map updates -- that's an extra bonus, and makes it a better deal. One thing: be warned that "lifetime traffic" is a totally different service -- it comes from a radio receiver in the cord (of some Garmin units) -- and in some cases, tells you traffic updates, but also puts advertisements on your screen. It has nothing to do with map updates, so be careful in reading the descriptions of what you're getting. All that said, I just got a 255WT (the Traffic add-on was from another retailer) and I am very happy with it. Even though it was produced sometime earlier in 2010, you do get ONE map update online from Garmin, so you can bring it up-to-date as of the time you first register it.
2041185
I found that the 3rd party maps ordered at a greatly discounted price does not allow for updates of maps. I guess if it came with the maps preloaded you would get the lifetime updates (LM). I currently have the European maps and get the updates. Did you purchase the unit with LM designated behind model number?
1705167
I got the maps,traffic option and there is a car charger with the traffic option. There is s computer cable for the lifetime map update.
541688
It included lifetime maps when new. I don't know if that would transfer if the unit were sold to someone who tried to re-register it. The map updates come 4 times per year and need to be done with the gps hooked up to an internet connected computer.
1986008
The bigest differene is you can update your own maps. For a fee, you can upgrade your current maps. I didn;t think the older models had voice quidance. I think you need a $125 cable for the real time traffic data.
370326
Well, now are free IF and only if you send by mail some ticket that the sellers are supposed to give you. Some times RM will say that they haven't received your mail.. You wouldn't know this until is too late or when trying to update after the first year. Plus, live traffic is not included.. You must buy additional stuff from them. Try Garmin 760
213156
Well, it is the updated model...with the features mentioned, plus speed limits for major roads and an indication if you are exceeding it. The maps aren't up to date (at least on mine ordered in Oct. 2012) If you have a memory card that fits the unit you can upload new maps. I had to buy one. I found that (once I had the memory card) the first download of maps took less than an hour when I used the 800 number--unlike the 4 to 5 hours mentioned on line. (I had registered the GPS online.)
1163648
Mine was trying to charge me as well until I activated my lifetime maps. If you have the TOMTOM home downloaded go to tools (at the top left of the page) and down to use latest maps guarantee. This worked for me at least. If that doesn't work for you then I would call the customer service number.
1832629
Just purchased a lifetime map subscription yesterday. The downloaded map says "US & Canada". Note also that the product description on the Amazon page says "detailed maps for United States and Canada".
2204229
No, it doesn't. It does provide traffic information about traffic jams and such, but again, only in certain areas. Not in mine for instance (Charleston SC)
1809953
Lifetime map updates should still be working. The only thing I've read is that you should let it update the unit fully with the one free update (outside of the lifetime maps) and not put in the code for the lifetime map updates until later. It may have trouble if you put the code in right away.I have this model that I bought about a month and a half ago. Works great. No complaints.
1248107
I've owned this unit (before "lifetime Maps and Traffic) for about a year and a half now. I've updated my maps approx once per quarter when Garmin makes them available. The updates take a while, but they do, in fact, offer them. When I got mine I had to purchase "lifetime maps" as an additional option. The units of today are almost all including lifetime map updates as part of the unit.For the price here on the Gold Box ....... It's a steal! Go for it.