Garmin Map Update 2008 City Navigator for North America NT (010-10989-00 and 010-10989-50) Reviews

• You can skip out on this update

  
  By A19LF2T1WUY4PK on 2007-09-19
  Pros: Some updates to local roads and extra POIs that were not there before.
  
  Cons: Missing major Interstate and local roadwork that has been in process or complete around for a year.
  
  Overall: I'm using the NT Update 2008 map with a Nuvi 660 in the Los Angeles, CA area. We've had completed major extensions of the interstate system (downtown and other areas) and major road alterations that have been in the works for years and they still do not show up on the maps or navigation. One bypass that I travel on frequently never showed up. The land that was originally where my company was at before is still showing up as my company, even though there are residential housing projects popping up there (El Segundo/LAX area). POIs are hit and miss. While it seems to show catering services run from people's houses, it doesn't show the old McDonald's that has been on in the local shopping center for years. At least for Los Angeles it's not really worth upgrading from V8. It should have been a clue that there are no specific changes or dates listed in the ads or packaging.
  
  Note: This DVD is labeled on the package as a map upgrade for ONE Garmin GPS. Once you enter the unlock code on the back of the jewel case, it will associate the map code with your Garmin via the internet. So you can't just purchase one DVD map and also install it on your buddy's Garmin. Worse thing is that when you update the map, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to update this thing. I tried to defragment my GPS afterwards to make it run faster, but it wouldn't let me defragment the 998 MB worth of map data!
  
  Not worth it!
  
  
  

• Save your money for a new GPS!!

  
  By A1S0FYTO40J9QA on 2007-10-02
  THIS WILL ONLY UPDATE ONE UNIT!!!...hard to see written anywhere except inside the case in fine print. We have two Garmin units...a Nuvi 350 and a Streetpilot 2720...I updated the Nuvi 350, then tried to update the 2720 and it said I couldn't without buying another CD!! I even called Garmin and they said that I can't even buy another product key...I have to get another CD...talk about a waste for the environment!! For over $60 I think it is a ripoff...save your money for a future, newer model!!
  
  

• Not worth the upgrade.

  
  By A16X9HXTT1305S on 2007-11-12
  After much deliberation on this 2008 upgrade, I took the plunge and decided to see if it was worth it. After 3 months traveling along the Southeast (Florida to Washington, D.C.), this upgrade still does not have the newer streets along this route that my old 2007 didn't have. As a matter of fact, I have yet to find a single difference between the two versions and I've traveled a lot on the road these past 3 months including out to Texas. Well established neighborhoods that didn't show up in last years version are still blank in this "upgrade". I'd be curious to see the lists of new streets added. In all, I'd hold off buying this right now if I could do it again. I love my Garmin, but this version is unnecessary.
  
  

• Covers less territory

  
  By A3241Y1TW19PW3 on 2007-10-19
  Product was fairly priced and arrived promptly. Issue I have is that the new map coverage did not fit into my Street Pilot c330's memory. Previous version included in c330 GPS out of the box covered whole continent. This version made me choose between the northern US and Canada OR the continental US.
  
  

• Updating the C330/C530

  
  By AOO26XVAD4EOF on 2007-09-22
  Unfortunately the engineers at Garmin were not thinking ahead. Garmin just released their update for the North American maps. The problem is that some models like the C330 and C530 do not have enough on board memory to hold the update. You now must decide whether you want the lower 48 states or Canada but not both.
  I am also not impressed with the quality of the updated Canadian information.
  
  
• Currently not Mac compatible for Streetpilot c330
  By AVB3AQGEX1ET5 on 2007-09-28
  After receiving error messages while attempting to install the 2008 update on my Streetpilot c330 ("We were unable to retrieve unlock codes from your GPS"), I contacted Garmin customer support. They said that the update will not install via a Mac on the Streetpilot c330. They are currently working on a patch, but if I want to install the new maps, I need to use a Windows machine. Not sure if this problem extends to any other Garmin units or just the c330. Love the Garmin products otherwise, so still giving this 3 stars (and hoping the patch comes soon).
  
  
• IS THIS REALLY AN UPDATE
  By A269OMZZPN4SNL on 2007-11-22
  I do not know how to determine whether the maps in my I5 are different than before the update. I know of a number of roads which were built in 2007 that are not included. I assume that some changes have been made but so far I have not found the maps any better.
  I have also found many box stores and restaurants that have been around for at least 3 years in Charlotte that are not included in this update.
  I am pretty disappointed that I have not seen any difference.
  
  
• Great update
  By A12EXOVDVBRYT1 on 2007-09-26
  This keeps my Garmin GPS right up to date. I live in an area with constant new developments and new streets. This update even has the internal streets in most of the new gated communities.
  
  
• 2008 UPDATE
  By A15JAY4XXCUZJQ on 2007-10-03
  This program installed easily and prompted correctly. Because I have a 330 I had to leave out the Canadian maps, but, as I know my way to Toronto, and everything else I do is in the USA, it was not problem. I like the added instructions and the new version finally puts the hotel I often stay at in Syracuse on the RIGHT side of the Thruway!
  
  Good upgrade and worth the money.
  
  JTV
  
  
• Good update to Garmin Map 2008 City Nav North America
  By A260OFGL0LC0SJ on 2007-10-11
  Pretty good update. Added most of the new streets in our area. Not all, but they are changing so fast that I can't blame Garmin.
  
  Anyway, the price on Amazon was the best, far less than buying direct from Garmin, or other retailers. Install took a while, but went smoothly.
  
  
• Snap to update my Nuvi 660
  By A11T807LX2EF00 on 2007-09-27
  I updated my Nuvi 660 with this new map. It was easy to do with my MacBook Pro. Just inserted the DVD and followed the steps. No hassle at all. Didn't take anywhere near the time it estimated. Unit restarted then started right up. Fairly new POIs now show up, though a small housing development over 2 years old doesn't -- go figure. Price was excellent on Amazon.
  
  
• Wheres ' the updates!!!!!!!!!!!
  By AXHDM1QJITVOT on 2007-12-10
  I have used this product extensivlely in NC & SC. There were a large number of errors and road changes on the old mapping software that I was sure would be updated on the new maps. Many roads that have been completed for 3 years are still not changed. Example Locust NC seems to not have a grocery store any gas stations, banks, or fast food resteraunts, these have been in place for years. Bottom line Garmin has done a very very poor job of updating this map save your money your old maps ae just as good. I have not found even one update in North and South Carolina. Also I use Karen the Austrlian english voice prompt on my 2720 and was suprised to find when you need to turn on a Drive ( Dr.) the voice says Doctor or for street (St.) she says Saint this is pretty pathtic that this got by all the design and editing departments and still no corrections. Garmin and navteq have a long way to go to have a first rate product.
  
  
• ANOTHER GARMIN RIPOFF
  By A16EGV2EB13GVK on 2008-02-23
  I'm from Canada but travel into the south eastern states quite a bit. I own the StreetPilot C330 and wanted to update my maps. I started the installation process and the factory installed maps were deleted (no problem, the manual says you can revert to the factory installed maps anytime). Then the installer gives you 2 options; install the continental USA or Canada and the states that border Canada. No where on the package do they tell you this. So I contact Garmin, guess what they don't support the original map software for my Garmin anymore, so despite what the manual says, I can't revert to the old software.
  What's the solution? Install the US maps and buy an SD card for the maps of Canada for another $80 bucks. What a deal I'd have $180.00 into a GPS device that Garmin doesn't make anymore, whose map software is already extinct and that Garmin will likely stop providing support for in the near future.
  As another reviewer said "save your money for a new GPS instead".
  
  
• Can I go back to my old version???
  By A3TO1TDDFW4PZI on 2007-11-07
  I've had the new update for about two weeks now and I'm disappointed. I haven't found any new POI's that weren't in my last one (which was done in '04 or '05), even though there are quite a few things that aren't in there still. Portland, Oregon doesn't change that fast. They should be able to keep up with it, but it doesn't look like they can. It also "unlearned" my way home. The old version used to take you through the main gate (which is the only way you're getting in if you don't live here) but the new one tries to take you through the back gate. I wonder if I can unload it and go back to the older version and send this back to Garmin...
  
  
• Downgrade is more accurate
  By A1WRS1ZYBB091T on 2008-01-02
  I live in the Atlanta area, and none of the stores or locations that were missing from the previous version are in this one. In fact, a town that was there before disappeared from the software and I can't even enter the address anymore. I can't believe I wasted money on this. Can I give negative stars?
  
  
• Garmin MAPS are GREAT!
  By AT3F14PF375OR on 2007-10-05
  The newest Garmin Update CITY NAVIGATOR 2008 NT is GREAT. It can be used to update Garmin GPS unit that are NT compatable. If you don't know if your unit is NT compatable, check the Garmin website before you order. The new update includes a lot of new information and is well worth your time to keep your GPS current with new roads, POI etc..
  
  
• What did this do to my poor Nuvi GPS?
  By A2SK5VCJNABH05 on 2007-12-24
  I LOVE my Nuvi 350. My girlfriend liked mine so well, she picked up one for herself. I live in the DC area and wanted to upgrade maps to catch all the new construction around the beltway. I am sorry I did now. It gets lost on exit and entrance ramps, tells me to drive over retaining walls to reach ramps, it even lost my closest post office which was there on the original version of the maps.
  
  I still love it but I have to be much attentive to where it thinks it is vs where it really is. I will be googling much more, I am afraid. Such as shame.
  
  
• Disapointed
  By A2FOBQMHUXKSCJ on 2007-11-08
  Maps were not as current as I expected. Roads known to be around three years old not on maps. Garmin should offer at least one free update. I complained to Garmin & all they said was to inform them & they would try to get it fixed in the next release. I really want to go buy another map that might have current road updates in it! I was disappointed in the map but even more disappointed with Garmins response. NOT VERY HAPPY WITH GARMIN!!
  
  
• Just say no!
  By A1N9JLCSBP34FD on 2008-01-16
  Don't do it!
  
  I installed this update on my Nuvi 660 and it was the worst mistake I have ever made!
  
  It seems to work OK for street driving, but now, on the freeways, all it shows is "Ramp ahead" even if the nearest ramp is miles away.
  
  It no longer informs me of upcoming exits and only tells me what they are when I reach the foot of the ramp and then quickly switches to "Ramp ahead" again.
  
  And Garmin's support on this has been terrible as well. After waitin in the queue for 45 minutes, all I was informed was that there is now way that they can roll me back to the 2006 maps that came installed on my device in 10/07.
  
  I am supremely disappiointed in this update for other reasons including many missing streets, including a new interstate!
  
  
  
• Not so many updates
  By A18ARKX2QVGXQ5 on 2007-11-04
  Disappointed at the lack of updates. There has been a lot of change around the local Austin area, and the only update I have noticed between the 2006 and 2008 maps is the Ben White/I35 interchange which is now about 2 years old. Hopefully on my travels to other corners of the US there will be some important updates. Otherwise I feel I should just have stuck with the original 2006 version.
  
  
• Updated maps but wiped out saved waypoints
  By AUH5SO1RFAM7Z on 2007-12-05
  I can tell that there are some new additions to the maps (my home address can now be found for instance), but I am disappointed that the update process removed all my saved way points (or "Favorites" in 340c terminology).
  
  
• I love my Garmin but maps needed update
  By A3AD5TLU48P1DQ on 2007-12-25
  Easy to install from the DVD; just followed the steps. No hassle at all. Didn't take long.
  My c330 GPS out of the box had 2006 maps preloaded. They were becoming out of date. I called Garmin in June, Garmin said the 2008 update would be out in Sep 2007; I waited and ordered it from Amazon, price was good. It arrived quickly. But I have been quite disappointed with the new map function.
  I live in Albuquerque,N.M. maybe they just didn't get out here to update. It seems to have trouble finding addresses, restaurants, movies and worse, a free standing Post Office that's been here over 3 years. We've had Costco for 10 yrs. there are three in town, the nearest it found was 276 miles away. Several places of business developed over 2 years ago are not in. Fairly new POIs don't yet show up. Upgrade still does not have the newer streets or businesses. The unit has misdirected me several times to places that no longer exist or perhaps were contemplating a location change and never made the move. I'm curious to see the lists of new streets added.
  I love its portability and easy to use screen and system. I have a suction mount and take it travelling. Near Orlando recently, I was misdirected to a NASA visitor station.
  I love my Garmin, but updating to this version is not necessary. I'd hold off buying this upgrade now if I could do it again. They need a better more accurate update. Not sure I'll spend the money again next year.
  
  
  
• Garmin Nuvi 350 latest software upgrade
  By A2V58NS9TF79VC on 2008-01-27
  Garmin Map Update 2008 City Navigator for North America NT (010-10989-00 and 010-10989-50)
  
  Frankly, I thought this update would increase the utility of my Garmin Nuvi 350 which I think is great. Unfortunately, I feel like it has degraded the utility. After waiting for its release from Garmin directly only to be told it would be another month before I could get delivery, a friend suggested Amazon had the update in stock, and for less money.
  
  I love Amazon's service but I hate the update. Can't explain since I used it in new regions (for me) and most of where I had to go was not locatable or sent me to the wrong location or just harder to navigate with. I will hold further judgement when I return to familiar haunts that the Nuvi found previously to see what happens, but for me, the big mistake was buying the update when the original (with downloable updates) was perfect. If it ain't broke don't fix it still applies.
  
  
• Garmin Map Update 2008
  By A17LWJA1EDSZ9B on 2008-05-17
  I'm a truck driver who has driven over 250,000 miles in 42 of the 48 lower states in 2 plus years. I have a Garmin 330c streetpilot and had purchased the 2008 update 6 months ago thinking it would of course...update. It was and is a major disappointment. It was a waste of money and I would not recommend it to anyone. Roads that I have known to have been built and have been in use for over 4 years are not on the update. I have emailed Garmin(4 months ago) asking for a response and as of yet have not been contacted. It was my conclusion and after reading reviews from others I now know that this "update" is not at all an update, so by all means save your money. However after many conversations with other drivers I do believe that Garmin is the leader in GPS navigation and would purchase a Garmin again, but would be very leary of any map update.
  
  
• Better Than A Map or Navigator
  By A27DHWJ275D678 on 2007-10-17
  I purchased the Garmen about two years ago and recently upgraded the map software so it would continue to perform as it should. Even people with a poor sense of direction will love this unit. Input the from address and the too address and it will deliver youto the front door. Can't be beat for the price.I found the accessory of weighted base a very good investment for those times when you want it available but out of site and not slipping all over your dash.
  
  
• Use limited
  By AN0B5VUUIIOLP on 2007-11-30
  It remains to be seen if the maps are properly updated, but be aware that you will only be able to update the maps on one unit. I have one in each car and will have to buy a second CD if I want to update the other unit. Maybe there is a disclsoure of this in the fine print somewhere. Considering the price I was disappointed.
  
  
• So much $ for so little new info
  By A1MONK5J3TE8B1 on 2007-12-25
  So, my Garmin told me it needed the updated map info for 2008. I live in Chicago so things are pretty much constantly changing. When I updated the new info it turns out the information isn't really updated. There are things that are not listed in the program that have been around here for a couple of years now. I feel a little ripped off and really think that Garmin needs to have a website to download newer information from.
  
  
• Doesn't seem to add much to previous version
  By A1AD9C904HUEQI on 2008-01-27
  The upgrade probably adds roads not there in previous versions but I can't tell personally. Also, my route to work was changed with the upgrade. It told me to get off a certain exit and go south on the freeway - never mind the specifics; suffice it to say that it changed the route such that it was 5 minutes longer. Who knows how this happens as obviously the algorithms are not transparent.
  Also, the points of interest are 2 years old, so any new restaurants are not going to be listed.
  SO my take is that you could probably wait a few versions and that it is likely not necessary to upgrade every time thay come out with a new version since there are no noticeable differences. It's not like you can go to their web site and have them spell out exactly what they have added - god forbid.
  
  
• Garmin Map update 2008
  By AVGG84C21JMMG on 2008-02-18
  I really did not see any updates when I installed the update. In fact the New tollroad that opened in the Chicago Market in November 07 is not on it. Disappointed for the money I spent to upgrade.
  
  
• mike pin
  By A3DNLSC9228INA on 2008-03-01
  I've bought Garmin products for about 10 years this 2008 update may be going back to Amazon. I'm dissapointed that the buyers from Amazon would sell this. Amazon pull this off your shelves, or loose more loyal customers. Save your $60, buy something usefull like a copy of Longitude, a sextant and a good watch.
  If you have ever been frustrated by the layout of Washington DC, there is reason, after the White House was burned in 1812, the city planners set up the streets so that any invading army would take the most circuitous route and not arrive at the White House until a GPS could be invented.
  I can only hope that the Clintons are using the 2008 update.
  
  

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