Satnav Updates & Support

[MantaRay]

How long do Satnav manufacturers support a particular model regarding obtaining latest maps & updates? I ask because I've just returned a Binatone to Argos after having discovered the "free lifetime maps" were limited to three years with no further support after that, even at a cost. Is this typical of other satnav makes/models?

[gangesboy]

Had a tomtom for 5 years with free updates and not aware of any limitations of timescale

[TWR]

Go on their Web Site Manta, they should be there FOC

[Mass_Hysteria]

I have a Garmin Sat Nav from Halfords with lifetime updates with no end date.

[hc4361]

I've just had an email from TomTom saying that my Go 520 will no longer be supported by updates, with links to their latest models.

[gangesboy]

I have the tomtom start 60 and I haven't heard anything about stopping updates

[hc4361]

This is the email (web version) that I got from TomTom

https://email.tomtommailer.com/pub/sf/ResponseForm?_ri_=X0Gzc2X%3DYQpglLjHJlYQGmWcgrAL3ljmzcBR0eijuIJyjs8jzb7bKcgzfsW71cvpzgrRyoCzg2zaH0VXMtX%3DYQpglLjHJlYQGgjgzgiNGmzcdLhozg1DOUP957W5aNYmF7jlps6hw0IdjnPlTYjNN85&_ei_=EolaGGF4SNMvxFF7KucKuWMqxlImwO92zsXBgecroEYpbJM4Gwoyk3qvwYVQGIX6vUhzzV2H_osP2FXbOBc7zw

[derekpara]

I've just this minute connected my 8 year old TomTom XL to the pc and TomTome Home tells me that ' Due to the age of the device and the limitations of ints internal memory it is no longer possible to update with new software or maps.' This also means that I cannot load any maps that I purchase.

However, I was still able to download the Mapshare updates that TT provides.

D

[hc4361]

I've been using my old 7" tablet as a satnav for 3 years or so and find it far, far better than the TomTom ever was - I use the CoPilot app and no problem with memory for updates :)

[MantaRay]

So it seems as though the Binatone 3 year life is well below that of other Satnavs then?

[hc4361]

TomTom's lifetime maps:

*Lifetime – this is the useful life of the device, which means the period of time that TomTom continues to support your device with software updates, services, content or accessories. A device will have reached the end of its life when none of these are available any more.

Garmin:
A product’s “useful life” means the period during which the product (a) has sufficient memory capacity and other required technical capabilities to utilize current map data and (b) is capable of operating as intended without major repairs. A product will be deemed to be out of service and its useful life to be ended if no updates have been downloaded for such product for a period of 24 months or more.

Snooper:
This option applies to compatible Snooper product until your product’s useful life expires or Snooper no longer receives map data from Here® Maps, whichever is shorter.

At least Binatone give you a definite term of free map updates - the others are meaningless, really.

[MantaRay]

A good idea to buy a recently introduced model then, rather than perhaps one mid-way or well into it's production cycle?

[hc4361]

Absolutely - or if you have a tablet or smartphone - use that with an app.

[MantaRay]

Thanks everyone for your comments, all useful information.