Updating map data on KNAG520 / GVN52

[Renster]

All,

My apologies if this is a bit of a ramble...

In Dec 2006 I bought a Kenwood KNA G520 - which some may know is a badged Garmin GVN52.

According to the Garmin site, "If you ORIGINALLY & NEWLY unlocked a NEW locked MapSource CD-ROM/DVD-ROM product ON or AFTER the release date of an update for that same product, you are eligible to unlock on that specific update what you unlocked on the original for no charge. In other words, you can update to the latest data for free!"

Now I know the product is SD based and not CD/DVD - but nonetheless, Garmin support helped me through their unlock/register process, at which point I got an auto email confirming I had "City Navigator Europe NT+ v8-DR Deluxe".

V9 is now available, and was released in Sept 06 - which suggested I was entitled to an upgrade. Several emails later Ive given up with Garmin support, who now tell me my unit is Kenwood (as I told them all along!), and as such isnt entitled to the free upgrade as it is not a Garmin unit (other than the Garmin MOULDED badge, Garmin Serial No, and Garmin Software on board. However, I can, if I want, buy the update for £60 (UK and Ireland) or £150 (Europe). Which, if you hunt around their website is interesting, as the website lists City Nav. Europe, V9 NT (all regions) as being $75 - about £40....

So it seems they get Kenwood to sell lots of their units, then rip Kenwood customers off.

So based on my experience - if you know anyone considering buying a KNA-G520 - tell them not to. Map updates appear to be pricey, the nav software itself is "quirky" (one route I now know well uses the A420 - which it goes along, then takes you onto a B road, then BACK ONTO the A420!!), and the support at Garmin is all very friendly until they realise you arent happy with being ripped off.

Anyway, I spoke to the store that supplied my unit (audiocar.co.uk), and the guy there seemed to think *some* map updates might be available here on pocketGPSworld - Im not convinced thats true - but if it is, could someone point me to where on pgpsw it is?!

Cheers

Steve

[Renster]

Sorry folks, my bad - realised I posted the above to the wrong group! - Steve

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