To upgrade or not - Advice Appreciated

jullip200

GPS: nuvi 1390

To upgrade or not - Advice Appreciated

Hi All
I'm in a bit of a dilemma here and hope you can help.
I'm no GPS expert and have a Nuvi 1390.It's a couple of years old now.
My question is would it be better to purchase maps or just update to a newer model with newer maps and technology.
I have no probs with the 1390 it just seems to make more sense to go to a newer model.
Thanks in advance
Phill

johmazz2006

GPS: Garmin Nuvi 765, Garmin 3950LMT, Garmin 2455LMT, Navman40, Garmin StreetPilot 3

upgrade

Hi Phil, I tend to think the same as you re upgrading the GPS after 2 to 3 years due to better technology and the price of maps upgrading also.
No need to upgrade quarterly or yearly if you are not going to be looking for new streets in new suburbs etc.
Cost wise being nearly the same .

bernienchris

GPS: Garmin Nuvi 265W

New unit

If you're going to purchase anything then I would go a new unit, you would then get updates for at least another year (or up to 3 years might be on offer).
Then you can sell the old one before its worthless, the're still bringing reasonable money at present.
Smile

RMoritsugu

GPS: Garmin Nuvi 650, 255

IMHO

I figure 6 years is the outside useful life of a unit and that's with an out-of-warranty repair at 3 years. Usually by the 3-year mark, the battery in the unit no longer holds a proper charge and has to be replaced. The out-of-warranty repair service is a flat-rate charge running about $80 and usually includes updated, current software. Though if the price of newer units keeps dropping, they'll soon approach the cost of the out-of-warranty repair. I sent my Nuvi 650 in for service and it works just great. I only spent about $125 on my Nuvi 255 so I might not go the out-of-warranty route on that one.

roadrider01

GPS: Nuvi,760

Re: IMHO

I don't think it would be cost effective generally speaking to repair an unit that is an older model unless it has some feature you like that the newer ones don't. For example I have a unit that has an MP3 player and FM transmitter that I use all the time which the new ones don't seem to have anymore. That said, when it finally does not work anymore, I will not send it for repair but just purchase a new one and do something else for music.

RR

rachanth

GPS: garmin street pilot c510

Re: To upgrade or not - Advice Appreciated

jullip200 wrote:

I have just updated my old Street Pilot c510 which cost me $550 for a Nuvi 2460LT cost $360 and iam in love. New map updates for a year and so many other great features that my old one never had.
So the longer you wait the cheaper they get and they have more features. The latest map update for my old unit would have cost me $170

dgreen

GPS: Navman MY55T ; Navman S300T; Garmin 2360LT; Navman MY85XLT; Navman MY350LMT

To Upgrade or Not !!! That is the question.

As one who has a drawer full of GPS units, all still functional, I decided some time ago that to replace was far better than upgrade. I have a collection of Navman that I use locally and in Europe, but 6 months ago purchased a Garmin 1350T and Japan maps in English (maps only available for Garmin range). On purchasing the 1350T I paid AUD 298 (on special) and this week I note the 1450T at AUD199. This is a dramatic drop in price for a more tech model, but it just confirms my thoughts that it is no longer an option to update maps. Also it seems that I always have a unit that is covered by a warranty by buying regularly, so any issues just send back for repairs (generally replacment).
Regards,
Denis Green

hatchm

GPS: Garmin Nuvi 3790T

To Upgrade or Not

Technology is always changing and prices are tumbling. I have read that maps change about 15% a year and would include new roads as well as changes to existing roads. Updated maps is the primary element in a GPS and the costs of maps for an existing unit are often as pricy as a new GPS. You are better off updating a unit as you get the newer technology and updated maps.

jeffreies

GPS: Navi 1490T

Re: To upgrade or not - Advice Appreciated

jullip200 wrote:

yes Phill I would be looking for a newer model GPS as the unit would be getting to the stage that you'll start having problems with it and battery needing to be replaced..etc.
At least these days Garmin is giving FREE life time map updates on some of their models which is a big saving in the pocket.

Jeff

williamtey

GPS: Garmin nuvi 765T

Re: To Upgrade or Not

hatchm wrote:

more often than not, maps are updated to fix bugs rather than to incorporate new roads. what you are paying for map updates are not necessary getting new data unless you live in a city that is undergoing massive development everyday. I would agree that it pays to get a new unit rather than map updates.

These days increasingly popular for smartphones to incorporate GPS, I won't be surprised that Android/Google Maps would overtake dedicated devices one day.

steve.wilton1

GPS: Garmin Nuvi 1490

Upgrade

The newer units are better and faster. The other issue is buying upgrades and then a short time later having the unit get tired and fall over. They cop a bit of pain with temperature extremes from their location in the car.

grab a new one and pass your on to a friend or wife?

Thats my thoughts. Very Happy

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