Hello,

I am in the market of buying my first GPS and was wondering if most GPS devices are able to be updated to the latest maps and POI? Is this service free or would you have to pay for each update?

thanks!

Most GPS manufacturers come out with updated map software every couple of years. You do have to pay for it and it is expensive, ususally over $100. Not really worth constantly updating unless you live in an area with a lot of new construction. Even then, expect the updates to be a year or more behind.

Map updates : Annual updates ~$70.00, and yes the data is at least a year old.
POI Updates: Come with the map updates, but you can also download your own from sites like POI Factory for free.

Check this link: POI Factory | new & interesting places for your GPS (http://www.poi-factory.com/)

oh cool...thanks guys! good to know :)

It should be noted that there is a big difference between handheld GPS units and vehicle installed NAV units.
While I'm sure you can download POI's and updates to handheld units, vehicle NAV units are mostly DVD based and require an updated NAV DVD. These DVD's are model and manufacturer specific and are read only data. They are typically very expensive......for instance the Eclipse NAV discs are North of $300.

My Garmin GPSmap60 CSx handheld uses the same DVD navigation software as their installed units. The update discs run just over $100. Kenwood in-dash nav/stereo units also use Garmin. Pioneer, Eclipse, and others have thier own discs that are much more expensive.

My Garmin GPSmap60 CSx handheld uses the same DVD navigation software as their installed units. The update discs run just over $100. Kenwood in-dash nav/stereo units also use Garmin. Pioneer, Eclipse, and others have thier own discs that are much more expensive.


Pioneer uses Tele atlas Map's Updates are $250.00 quarterly.

Anyone know what system we are using in the 07 Tundra? I am looking to update, but cant find out where to get the update disk.

I only know about the Garmins, but when you buy one you'll get one free update. After that it's $70.

I just picked up a Nuvi 760 with the 2008 maps. As soon as I registered it with Garmin they said I had 30 days to download the 2009 database.

I never bothered to update the map database on our four-year-old Quest, and it never was an issue. It wasn't worth spending the money to update it. And like most people tend to do, I got a whole new unit instead, and the Quest does only local duty in our 2nd car.

Thanks for the reply. Two problems...ok, maybe three.

1. The Garmin is a 350, and Ive had it for a few years already so the update is out of the picture....at least for free.
2. The Garmin lives in my wife's Expedition, and only gets out when it goes on flights with me.
3. The Tundra is an everyday driver for me. I work in and out of town, and the mapping software that Toyota uses is the pits. Im hoping that the update adds a few more streets.

Thanks for the reply. Two problems...ok, maybe three.

1. The Garmin is a 350, and Ive had it for a few years already so the update is out of the picture....at least for free.
2. The Garmin lives in my wife's Expedition, and only gets out when it goes on flights with me.
3. The Tundra is an everyday driver for me. I work in and out of town, and the mapping software that Toyota uses is the pits. Im hoping that the update adds a few more streets.


don't count on it Toyota navi is really beyond updated on the highlander hybrid. My advice is wait every 2 year's on the updates right now really hasn't gained all that much. I forget what site i reviewed the other day but it shows the updates Toyota made in the recent edition in some location's and in some it's not touched at all and may not be worth the updates.

Erik