Hi, anyone knows about the frequency of the GPS. I mean the update rate. Is it 1Hz or more?
1430695
Technical questions etc can be found at:http://www.usglobalsat.com/s-161-suggested-software.aspxLook under the support tab.
1430696
not sure if this answers your question but I have found that, for my use, the unit will not function on anything over a 4800 Baud rate. Anything below that rate seems to work fine.
1338166
While mine is current, only a month old, there are two ways to upgrade maps and firmware... there is an sd card slot and a usb slot. I think the correct process for updating maps and firmware is to use the sd card slot though. Hope that helps.. I like the unit and the gps is pretty good.
1722184
I have a 255, 255w's smaller brother with identical features, and have been using it for over a year. I love it, but once you get your free map update online, you have to buy future updates fron Garmin at hefty prices. It is cheaper to buy a new unit than pay for lifetime updates($119). A onetime update is @ $60. Though I love my 255, it's a pretty stiff toll. I'm thinking of trying something different, because there has been some new road construction near me, and my current maps don't always suit.
1718724
I purchased 3 of these. Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY NOT! We found the GPS to be outdated and expensive to update. Radar detector was so-so. Of course, this is just my opinion. We upgraded to the 9500's and a Max; that was the proper choice.
652503
Anyone who has purchased this: Can you please tell me how the software is? Does it glitch? Is it slow or fast? How does the navigation work? Is it completely different then Google Maps?
77874
My boyfriend has a Garmin Venture HC that we had been using for geocaching. We both have macs and wanted to update the device so we could upload maps onto it. The firmware update for the software took over 20 minutes and never finished. Since then the device won't turn on at all. We have done every possible thing to make it work and nothing has made a difference. We are now looking at buying a new GPS. Hope this helps even though it really sucks because it was a great GPS device before.
1255574
Why must everyone get a map update? I never do. Hell, one of my GPSs hasn't had a map update in ten years and it's not perfect... but with a little common sense I can use it to navigate anywhere I want.This one is recent enough that I think it's fine.For $99, it was an excellent deal. This is an awesome GPS. I don't think paying 50% more for maps and bluetooth is a bad idea, but not everyone needs either of those feature.
690356
Yes Absolutely. This is the best and most versatile GPS I have ever had. However don't expect a lot from the traffic reports as there are not a lot of radio stations available. The updating is easy.
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?
1377803
To take the 5 answers so far, and chime in with my own answer. I am also looking at possibly buying this unit, and I did some searching around. Firmware updates for the radio (not including maps) are free from the JVC website. When a map update becomes available (there isn't one for this unit, yet) they will include it on the support page and forward you to Navteq (navigation com). http://www3.jvckenwood.com/english/car/support/navi/nt500hdt/index.html Updates for Similar (older models of JVC in-dash nav units) are $139. Looks like the updates come out about every 18 to 24 months. One example: http://www3.jvckenwood.com/english/car/support/navi/nt1/us/index.html
196594
Have had my unit 2 years and at least 4 updates with no problems at all. Are you sure the old update problem still exists? Updates during the year appear minor, but should be done whenever you are taking a long trip to unknown areas.
837275
Hey MelissaS, I've been researching the Garmin GPS's for a couple of weeks and can tell you the differences I've seen. The 255W has a few of "new" features in their 2x5 line but the two that I've seen people the most happy with in the reviews I've read are the satellite "hotfix" and the faster processor. The "hotfix" is supposed to speed up satellite acquisition immensely by having the unit remember where it was turned off last so it can calculate where the satellites should be when you turn it back on and from what I've read it works like a charm. The faster processor will speed up things like map drawing and looking up points of interest which people have really seemed to also notice in their reviews. The big drawback of the 255 and 255w is the text to speech voice quality (this is the voice that pronounces street names). Apparently the voice quality isn't as good on the 255 line as it is in the previous products due to the voice engine Garmin has used in this model...most people I've read say they can live with it but some bring it back due to the quality. I would goto a store and try both side by side to see if you can live with the quality. I did that today and was able to understand what the 255w was saying even in a busy store but still think I'll wait for the 265WT in October. Hope that helps!
1801037
Garmin's website is still showing $60/year for the FM Traffic subscription. Are you sure about your info? I just bought the c580, so it's not really a concern for me, but if the price continues to drop I may replace my other c3xx series GPS (the c580 went to my wife) with a 550 or 580.
1399500
I have found it very easy to use. If you keep the GPS updated it finds the signal quicker. If you don't keep it updated I've had it take up to 2-3 minutes to link up. On average, I'd say it takes 45 seconds to 1 minute to link.
1017830
I bought a new GPS which is very good, I like the maps and traffic updates. Bluetooth function works but is a little bit noisy most of the time.
631614
The "maps" feature can be updated regularly by hooking it up to a computer and downloading the new map information. It appears that the memory inside the GPS does not have enough storage capacity for all of the map updates. At least that is what this person is saying was his/her experience. I haven't tried to update any maps yet, so I can't verify the Garmin's storage capacity. I can't imagine that it wouldn't have enough for at least one or two updates, but I have no personal knowledge.
1128183
Mike, I agree what Garmin said made no sense, but it is working today. So who knows what really happened. Where did you get those other updates for the traffic receiver?