GeneralGPS

Are there any GPS Navigation systems that keep maps updated?

In other words, are there any GPS Navigation systems that don't just use the pre-entered maps? How does that work?

Public Comments

1. You have to download the new maps from the correct site. but they all come withn the maps to start with. The RAC one is free for life, you can download as long as you have it. Some you have to pay for.
2. I plug my Magellan into my computer to get updates from magellan.com.
3. Same for my Garmin. Plug it in and download.
4. So, why is anyone concerned with updates? The only changes are a few different stores or gas stations -- and a few new streets in new subdivisions. There are places around California that have never been "officially' mapped anyway. So stop and ask a realtor if U can't find a place. I have had the Garmin flat LIE to me in Amador County East of Jackson, the county seat. I travel the Central Cal area from Yreka to Bakersfield, East of Sonora to the coast. Have not had to refer to paper maps ever. I have been "on" GPS for more than four years. I also carry a tablet with Microsoft Streets and Trips and DeLorme GPS I have never had to use either of the ones in the tablet. They do work fine, however. The first GPS was one of those little bitty Garmins, gold in color. It burned out (would not start) on a Saturday night. I was in Granda Hills or somewhere South of the Grapevine Pass and North of Los Angeles. Pulled into a Best Buy along the freeway. Clerk asked me my phone number and said "You have $495.00 Credit". Cool, an extended warranty that paid off! I very much wanted a Garmin 550 because it automatically lines up several addresses in order so that it would send me to the closest address, next closest, etc. The model 550 also has an anti-glare screen which is pretty important. All they had was a Tom tom. I returned the Tom Tom in three days and paid re-stocking fee of 75 or 80 dollars-- Tom Tom was not satisfactory at ALL for reasons that I will not go into. Ended up with Model 330. It is not legal in California to use devices that attach to the windshield. Also, my 70 year old eyeballs are not all that cool. I drilled two holes through the round base, through the rubber and all and right down into the instrument panel to the right of the speedo cluster. The thing is now perfect, about 12" closer than where it was on the windshield. I could just kiss that GPS every day. Modesto and Bakersfield are two cities that are HORRIBLY cut up with railroad tracks, rivers, old and new overpasses, poorly planned areas --- mixed lighting, all kinds of trouble if U don't have GPS. And you just don't need "updates." And you do not need monthly fee services such as traffic and weather. Remember also the other advantages of GPS; It tells you when you are going to arrive at your destination at your present pace. It tells you how far to the next turn and where to turn to. If you need a motel it lines up a BUNCH of them, from the closest on and in which direction and how far away.. Select a lodging and it pops up an address and a phone number. Same with gas station, stores, food. It never locks up or turns blue and dies like some piece of crap Microsoft thingy.