FreshMaps Update Service U.S. Map Digital Download

I purchased FreshMaps last week, registered it and instantly downloaded the latest map/POI update (1st Qtr 2009). Setup was easy, and the download/install process took less than 2 hours. (and it's done automatically - you don't have to baby sit the install.Once complete, I discovered several POI's that were not present before, and after checking the file sizes, I saw that the states where I travel mostly showed significant increase.All I can say is that it is extremely important to me that my GPS is current, and FreshMaps guarantees that in the most cost effective solution out there. For less than $.05 per day, I get 1 update per quarter for the next three years. How can you beat that?All you have to do, is register the Fresh Maps subscription and plug the GPS into the USB port, Open "Fresh" (the Navigon free update software) and click on Map Update. The wizard then walks you through creating a backup of your current software, and a download install of the new map software. That's it. Nothing to it.Based upon the feedback I have received on my review of the 8100T, there are obviously user preferences out there that would prompt someone to like one GPS over another. That's what the free market is all about. Yet, when it comes to the basics of keeping the device current, it's hard to argue that there is a better solution out there than Fresh Maps. It's by far the least expensive, and it does what it says it will do - update your map/POI's on a quarterly basis. As always, just my $.02.

I purchased the Fresh Maps from Amazon for about $50 +/-. You get 12 updates over three years, which is one update every 4 months for 3 years. I sucessfully downloaded the update using the free Navigon software available on Navigon's web site to my Navigon 7200T. It took nearly 5 hours to download the new maps over a DSL line. I have not had an opportunity to use the unit since the download, so I can't say what the changes are yet or if there are any improvements. The only reason I am giving this a 4 star rating is the amount of time the download takes. If it wasn't for that, I would rate it 5 stars, since it is a real value given the other GPS systems charge more than the cost of Fresh Maps for each and every update you get.Given how technology changes, I figure in 3 years when the updates run out, I may be looking to replace my Navigon 7200T with a newer version. Who knows what they will be able to do in 3 years.

I love my Navigon 7100 GPS. I have had it for about 9 months now and it has performed well. I purchased the FreshMaps Map Update service to keep current. I found the instruction somewhat confusing. Also the code number that had to be entered from the package was so small I had to use two magnifying glasses to read the darn thing. Give us older folks a break! The packaging was plenty big enough.It took several attempts to get the Navigon Fresh program to install correctly. When I did get the program to install, and checked for updates it found none. I have just returned from a trip to VA, PA, and New Jersey. During this trip, there were several exit ramp instruction that were incorrect. The most notable one was my own exit here in NC. When getting off, the GPS advised turning right. If I had made a right turn it would have taken me in the opposite direction I should have traveled. It still has the old exit, which was replaced over two years ago. Yet the program said there were no available updates.Navigon really needs to get their act together and get more current maps. Most of the errors were due to new interchange ramps and re-routing of the traffic flow.I am going to do another (or should I say another attempt) update and see if any of these errors have been corrected. If they have not, I could not recommend purchasing this update mapping service. Navigon 7100 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

The Navigon Freshmaps Update Service will work if one has a lot of patience and perseverence. The service performs in the typical Navigon fashion: extremely dumb and non-cooperative software performance. The update process is non-intuitive and downright obstinate at times. When one does get to the point of downloading the update file it takes several hours to complete (using DSL). All that being said the product did accomplish an update. Quarterly updates for three years is an excellent idea making the product a good value. This is especially true for the purchase price and delivery of the item that was obtained using Amazon.com.

Navigon FreshMaps downloaded and installed and tested:1/ Download took about an hour (cable modem).2/ Install took about another hour (I connected the Navigon GPS to the computer with a USB cable. Next time, I will try using a card reader. I think one hour for install is a bit long?????3/ First quarter map for 2009 fixed several problems ... newer roads are now recognized and several POI problems have been fixed.It is worthwhile and the price is good, if we really are going to get 12 updates over three years!

Item as described!

I rated this one star because Navigon has pulled out of the US Market. I was able to use my Fresh Maps to update twice in 2009 (1st and 2nd qrts.) Went thru the devil to get the 3rd. qtr. in late December 2009 and with no expectations I'll ever get the balance of updates I paid for (12 in three years - 9 to go). Not sure when or if they will ever publish the 4th. qtr. 2009 or any subsequent map updates.As for the Navigon 7100 GPS unit I bought the Fresh Maps for, I've been quite pleased with it - got it at a very good price at the end of 2008 and it has been well used. Had I known they were about to vacate the US market, would have bought another brand.