We're all pilgrims on the same journey - but some pilgrims have better road maps.
About a year ago we decided it was time to purchase a new GPS. The one we had was old and I really wanted one that showed lane changes, traffic and speed limit. Now it had been a long time since we had been without a GPS. We couldn’t get by like our friend, Denise, does. Check out the picture below. This is what she calls her GPS. It may work for her but certainly wouldn’t work for us.
![03_thumb[3]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSBNab_SVnsjnudZevoIXGGlw_AfYUHZFE4i0LdpyMcGREtxBUykrSg6zqJS1V-9LuvVdURI46EJfY5qalHA7iKLPMrNrvUVDgb-OJrZz5nFUFJj40NoLJbHLEeGbYj6GHyUtFbfC_C0/s1600-h/03_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg "03_thumb[3]")
After our purchase of the new Garmin we were constantly comparing this particular one to the Magellan we had previously owned. There were a lot of differences between the two. Some were due to technology changes and others were just the differences between the companies. There are some things we definitely preferred with the Magellan and some things we definitely prefer with the Garmin.
Over the last year we had been places made it obvious our map was out of date. In March that update became available. The model of the Garmin we have is the 2365LMT. The LMT stands for “Lifetime Maps and Traffic”. That’s pretty cool, huh? Well, hold it a minute. After finally accomplishing the many hours of trying to get this thing updated, I’m beginning to think that the offer of free upgrades is definitely a gimmick. It’s certainly not as easy as it sounds when you’re doling out the cash and making the purchase.
I’m not saying we didn’t get the update. We did …. finally. I made the first attempt to update it when we are on the road using our air card. When the download first started I was given a timeframe of about 984 hours!!!! Do you know how long 984 hours is? It’s not that we care but we certainly knew that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. The upgrade was put off until we could connect to a wired DSL or cable line. We knew there was no way it was going to happen on the road.
The time came and the wired line was available. Our son was paying for it. The estimated time for the download was 9 hours!! That's still a very long time for a file that size. However, it was better than the first estimate of 984 hours.
Garmin gave an option of upgrading the computer or the device and the computer. I figured it would be faster to just upgrade the computer and then transfer offline to the device. That's not how it worked. A good nine hours later the download was complete and the computer upgraded. However, that was just the computer and not the device. It took another three hours to download additional files and update the Garmin itself. Ever done that?
Garmin gave an option of upgrading the computer or the device and the computer. I figured it would be faster to just upgrade the computer and then transfer offline to the device. That's not how it worked. A good nine hours later the download was complete and the computer upgraded. However, that was just the computer and not the device. It took another three hours to download additional files and update the Garmin itself. Ever done that?
Here’s my thought. I know I had a good connection. I also know my son has downloaded other much larger files without a hitch and in a much, much shorter time. Here’s my guess. 1) With the release of the new maps others were probably trying to download at the same time. 2) Garmin isn’t set up for fast downloads from their servers for free software. I bet the purchases are off of different servers than maps actually purchased. I googled for information on download times. There were lots of complaints so I know our situation wasn't necessarily different from others.
I’m glad it’s done. When the new software comes out next year at least I’ll know what to expect. We needed an updated GPS map or I wouldn’t even have attempted it.
‘Tis life on the road.
I've tried to download my "free" updated map twice. Each time it was on all day (I have unlimited data through Verizon on my phone), and at bedtime it was still preparing download - I never even got to the install part.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you - it might be a gimmick. If they are charging for the "free" downloads, they should make the installation easier and faster.
I paid for the free downloads since I have an older Garmin. I'm happy with the way it works and don't want to replace it yet. I'm thinking they are making the downloads so slow so that we will give up and buy a new, updated version. If I have to do that, I'll look at other companies, too, and Garmin may lose my business. :(
Like you said and huge amount of time for the upgrade!
ReplyDeleteWe have not found a need for a hand held gps yet. Microsoft Streets and trips with the GPS works great for us in our coach and even in the car if we need it. The laptop is just not as convenient that's all.
I think I would have downloaded the device right out the window and under the tires of my RV.
ReplyDeleteIn this age of technology, this is inescusable.
Besides, if I finally got a download of that size done, I'd probably still take the wrong turn... ;c)
I need to decide what I'll do for GPS in my snowbird machine so this is valuable information. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteInteresting observation. We have had Garmin for some years and had to purchase life-time update on the first one. The updates went on within reasonable time. However, even the updates are out of date. Or what would you think about driving on a highway which has been around for years and all-of-a-sudden the Garmin gal tells you to hang a left and there is nothing but.....forest. And driving in Canada with it is definitely worse than in the U.S. Whenever you approach a big International Airport like the one in Phoenix, our Garmin gal has no idea what she's doin'. Those are the pleasures of electronic guiding.
ReplyDeleteAlso, while the first NUVI we bought was from Canada and had many different languages to offer (we have ours on Norwegian) the new one bought in the States offers only English, French and Spanish!
We updated our Tom Tom last summer at the kids' house for the same reason. And it took hours and hours and hours to download so it's not just Garmin. I was so frustrated with it that I told Jim we could just use the one on the phones.
ReplyDeleteOMG Jeri I laughed hysterically when I saw that pic of "my" GPS !! You thief you !! LOL
ReplyDeleteBut see - I don't have to spend hours doing downloads and I don't have that saucy gal telling me to turn LEFT NOW !! when I'm in the middle of an Interstate.
Yup, I think I'll stick with "my" GPS !! hahahaha
If Paul had that GPS on his steering wheel, we would have crashed every time he drove. What a hoot!
ReplyDeleteWe have mixed emotions about our new GPS by Rand McNally. Tons of wonderful features but it still will occasionally take us down the wrong road. But I say, it isn't really the GPS fault, it is who ever or whatever enter the info in the computer.
If Paul had that GPS on his steering wheel, we would have crashed every time he drove. What a hoot!
ReplyDeleteWe have mixed emotions about our new GPS by Rand McNally. Tons of wonderful features but it still will occasionally take us down the wrong road. But I say, it isn't really the GPS fault, it is who ever or whatever enter the info in the computer.
I was thinking about updating my Garmin, but guess I definitely won't be doing it on my air card. I can't imagine the bill. lol I'm not sure if the update is worth it or just to buy a new one. I have also considered switching brands. I will be interested to see how you like your new one.
ReplyDelete