Garmin N├╝Maps - Full European Lifetime Map Updates for Nuvi series

Fantastic product. You can update the maps a few times a year at no extra cost.

Having read other feedback I can understand why I found it so frustrating trying to get the software on to my nuvi 255WT. The Garmin instructions via a link from the `dashboard' were of little help either; had to rely on trial and error in the end.Downloading the software although time consuming was straight forward, as long as you appreciate you have to opt for the download to computer option and have enough storage space free to do so; with the 255 there is not enough memory to load directly to the device, despite the original programme having European mapping. Point to note you still need the device connected to the computer to verify that you're not trying to install on multiple devices (I assume).Understanding how to then get the data from the computer to the GPS was the hard part, for me anyway. However once the software has been downloaded, you have to run the MapIntall in the Garmin file within the computer C drive program files. You're then asked to find device (by default to the connected GPS). At this point you need an SD card either fitted to the GPS or connected directly to the computer. Initially I tried a 2GB (as other suggested) but I could not fit the entire European map onto it so used an 8GB borrowed from my camera (4GB should work mind). Once you have a card installed to the PC, change device box destination from the GPS to the drive your SD card is connected to and select next. This brings up a map of the world with The European area is divided up (but not logically by country) into areas that can be highlighted for download.I found that by zooming out and left mouse clicking (and holding down) above Iceland then dragging across the rest of Europe I could highlight all the regions available. After download onto the SD card and fitting it to the device the 255 recognised there were two map options available but defaulted to the newest one on the card. Yet to give it a long distance run but so far so good.

My Sat Nav is a Nuvi 2350 loaded with WEST European maps. I think a lot of the problems on the other reviews could be the FULL Europe mapping. If Garmin have not increased the memory on units there will be a space problem. Western Europe only takes around half of available memory on Sat Nav. I had no problems with the update, do agree it would have been nice to have the instructions on pack. So in case it is of use to others this is how I obtained maps. Plug Sat Nav into mains (preferred) or have fully charged. Connect unit to computer with USB lead. Go into the website MYGARMIN NOT the Garmin website. Go into your account,(this would have been set up when you registered product). Site will recognise unit. Check for software updates, and update. Now go into manage maps, site will check maps and give you the option Buy maps or load gift card. The site will only load the updates for the maps originally on the unit, if you wish to update from West Europe to full Europe I believe you will need to buy another product key from Garmin. The rest is just follow the on screen instructions. (Select RUN this will put the update straight onto your connected Sat Nav. You can always back-up to computer at later date). 30 minutes download, 5 mins. to sort files, 40 mins to load onto Sat Nav, website does it all for you. Would have given this 5 stars but for wasteful packaging and no clear written instructions, its still nice to have a read and know what you are expected to do before the computer takes over.

Some of the reviews on this page made me feel I'd have to get "psyched up" and set aside a day at the minimum to update the the maps using this card on my girlfriend's Garmin Nuvi 1690. I need not have worried - I connected the satnav via USB; logged onto the Garmin site and entered the code supplied on the card; a small piece of software was installed onto the PC which then took me though the update. The map update took about 2.5 hours to download on a 5MBPS broadband connection. The software then invited me to install the updated maps which took two minutes or less and that was it. I restarted the unit and my girlfriend zoomed in on a known map error near Hemel Hempstead, and, it had been corrected in the update proving that changes had been made to the old map as verified by the Garmin site.It was noteworthy that the unit memory was sufficient to cope with the upgraded maps, none of the existing data like favourites etc. was wiped or, indeed, any of the photos stored on the device.Of course, I am speaking about the upgrade process - we have yet to test the efficacy of the updates in terms of picking up new roads etc. Given that Garmin publish frequent operating system updates for their units on an ad hoc basis I do not understand why maps cannot be updated in the same way e.g. why do we have to download the whole upgrade at once - if a known change occurs can't it simply be added to the map as it is verifed? - however, this thought probably shows a shortcoming in my technical understanding rather than Garmin's approach.Oh yes, and finally, given that the card can only be used to update one registered sat nav it makes sense to buy this card soon after buying the satnav unit to get as many updates as possible, although, bear in mind Garmin currently allow you a free update for up to 90 days of activating a device.