GPS, TomTom promises lifetime (free) map and traffic updates for select 2010 PNDs
By Darren Murph 
posted January 8th 2010 3:32PM
posted January 8th 2010 3:32PM
GPS, posted January 8th 2010 3:32PM
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Units starting at $799.
Just saying.
Buy it and get PND!
too little, too late.
@bobsmith
Yeah because everyone's going to want to buy a $200 phone and pay at minimum $70 a month for at least two years just to use a GPS that doesn't work unless it's got service and uses some of the most unreliable maps I've ever used (yes I'm talking about Google Maps). The Droid and similar devices are nice but there's still a hefty portion of the population that will always find a GPS that doesn't have monthly service fees, doesn't need to be connected to a cellular network and can just be left in the car a better option. Yeah PND sales are declining but I'm sure market saturation has absolutely nothing to do with that.
@High
Probably not everyone, just smartphone users who already are willing to pay the $200 and the monthly $70 for a semi-reliable GPS that can also browse the Internet and make phone calls. I know I'm certainly not paying over $100 for a simple GPS ever in my lifetime, free updates or not.
@zangetsu2
I disagree. At least not people who need an accurate GPS. For instance, using MotionX GPS Drive on the iPhone is great for most navigation. However, due to the inaccuracy of the phone's GPS, sometimes the app can get confused. One example in my town is a freeway that runs parallel to a major road about 1/4 mile to the east. The app/phone gets confused as to which street I am on, the freeway or road. Now I am not saying the iPhone's GPS locating is better or worse than any other phone, but I do doubt that any phone is a whole lot better.
And don't forget, Google Maps (and MotionX GPS) does cache maps for the upcoming nav, but if you start in a no service area (a place you are probably more likely to need directions) you are screwed.
I do agree that PND's are about to go on life support. However, it will be because every car will have GPS built-in (Ford Sync for instance is a fairly inexpensive option), not because smartphones will take over the task.
hooray for free updates though
That would be nice.
I was going to get the GPS option built into my has car until I ask how much for map updates... they said $700 per update.
I bought a really good GPS and set it on the dash for under $500.
I could have lived with a $5-$20 map update but free will work.
@(Unverified) In-dash GPS systems are a huge ripoff, and I can't figure out how or why anybody ends up buying them. I mean yes, it's nice to have the thing actually built into the car, but they usually cost about $2,000 and then either *can't* be updated or have ridiculous update prices like you describe.
I'd personally rather have a personal GPS unit I can take with me, switch between cars, etc. anyway. And they cost a LOT less. Even if you get one that no longer has updates available (like my oldie but goodie Magellan Roadmate 2200T), it costs less to just toss it and buy a completely new one than it does to get an update for an in-dash system.
@(Unverified)
I wish more PND manufacturers would work with the auto manufacturers to get PND docks built into their cars. Tomtom had the right idea with VW.
You'll still need to give your liver to get the update, though. Don't lose those receipts!
My Garmin Nuvi 265WT already has free traffic for life, but free updated maps would be awesome!
Who's lifetime?
At costco you can buy a Garmin with life time map updates.