F20 Map Updates - NOT FREE

[MaFt]

[gambitgander]

I guess we are all entitled to our opinions

Robertn, you are indeed right, a lot of the rules have been made up along the way. I expect that part of the reason is because of the rapid growth of individual companies. The likes of TomTom and Navman grew from a small handfull of employees to a few hundred in a very short time period, so that has no-doubt had a knock-on effect regarding their own processes, etc. A good way of looking at it is that they've gone from crawling to running and missed out the walking bit

Watch this space, as I'm sure that 2007/2008 will see a bit of a change in the market place ;)

[IvanTheNavigator]

More than a year has passed since the original discussion, but the map updates prices are still unreasonable in comparasment to the cost of actual hardware and software.

I've read the entire argument through and I should say that I cannot agree with 2 point:
1) Customer should feel for OEM providers' costs and arrangments made with OEM suppliers.
2) Data updates can be priced as high as OEM feels fit.

Regarding, the first point I could not care less if Navman has a rip-off agreement with map suppliers or if it takes a lot of effort to re-compile the maps. Its Navman's worry to renegotiate these agreements and streamline their operatinal processes. My worry, as a consumer, to put pressure on the OEM. OEM isn't worried in a slighted that I've already spent a lot on their equipment. Let everyone mind their business.

The second point is a tad more interesting. First and foremost, we're dealing with a lock-in effect, a created monopoly. Having already spent money on the initial purchase we do not have much choice, but to come back to the same vendor for maps, since the maps are not in some standard interchangable standard, they are tied to the device.

Several discussion participants have brought an operating system upgrade as an example. I believe that the parallel is unjustified. Instead lets look at the case of antivirus software.

Navigation device has a task of accurately and efficiently leading its users to a desired destanation.

The antivirus sofware has a goal of accurately and efficiently protecting its user from malicious software.

Both type of systems operate in the everchanging enviroment. Navigation needs up to date maps, antivirus software — virus database.

Both maps and antivirus database are distributed in proprietry formats and would only work with the specific versions of the systems designed by specific vendors.

Both maps and virus signatures are costly to keep up to date for the respective vendors.

But there is a difference. When buying antivirus software we get an inclusive subscribtion to the up to date virus information. For a year as a rule, often for longer. We get to buy a renewed subscription for a fraction of the initial investment. Virus information updated daily, best vendors update it several times a day.

What is about the maps? Why does it take half a year to update the database? Why do we have to pay through the nose for the updates?

Greediness and inefficiency come to mind.

[MaFt]

new navigon units now come with 'fresh maps' where you get 4 map updates during the 1st year of ownership. after that you can buy 4 updates for a fair price - about €80 if i remember correctly.

shame it wasn't one of the bigger players though as others may have followed suit. navigon use navteq mapping so in theory garmin could also offer this deal at the same prices...

MaFt

[portman]

I think this thread demonstrates that buying a Tomtom is your best bet in the long run. They are the only company that support old units with new software upgrades and new maps, at a reasonable cost. Many people on here have bought cheap, bought twice!
I haven't got one 'cos i like to fiddle!!
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Samsung Mega
Tomtom 500

[robertn]

But then, why do you need map updates anyway? Does it make that much difference?

I am cautious to recommend updates as most of the time people unhappy with an old map data set are unhappy with the new one. It will be better, don't miss understand me, but not that much better.

I often wonder if the map updates is not the industry version of "would you like to upsize that?"

[mikealder]

[Anita]

Surely if the manufacturers were to include free map updates they would increase the price of a device to recoup what they lose on map sales.

I'd rather pay less for the device and decide how often I want to pay for a new map.
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Anita
TomTom VIA 135 - App 12.075
UK map 1125.12264
Samsung Galaxy S21

[IvanTheNavigator]

[MaFt]

it's common to sell things cheap then make a profit on the 'extras'. for example, i could buy a decent epson printer for about £30 which comes with some ink. to buy the official epson ink to replace it it'd be about £40-£45 - cheaper to buy a new printer with new ink (or buy compatible cartridge for a tenth of the cost!)

the only different really here is that there are no 'compatible' maps for sat navs...

i agree with anita though, i'd rater have cheaper good then decide when to pay the extra for new maps rather than it being bundled in the initial cost.

MaFt

[IvanTheNavigator]

[TheM]

[mikealder]

I would consider the TomTom product range if you want access to a decent upgrade path for the maps, it is one thing they are streets ahead of any of their competition - even the earliest PNA device they made can still use the very latest mapping. Oh and for those quick alterations to the map you also get the MapShare functions (if you want to use it) - Mike

[Froggy]

My main complaint with Navman is not that they charge for map updates - although prices are steep in comparison to Tomtom - rather the fact that they cynically abandon happy customers by not PROVIDING updates in the first place! I had an ICN 510 which I was happy with, but they no longer supply new maps....

I am now a happy Tomtom 720 owner, having had a free update to the latest available map, and the knowledge that Tomtom still provide new maps and software for their earliest models.

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