Lifetime updates - can someone clue me in?

I'm looking at purchasing lifetime map updates for my nuvi. I have
tried working out the download/installation process via Garmin's
website and I have also searched the archives of this group. But it
is still a total confusion to me.

This nuvi has never been registered with Garmin. (I am the original
owner.) There is nothing on my PC pertaining to this unit other than
manuals.

Also, Garmin offer the updates as either a "gift card" or "download" -
what difference does it make which I choose? It seems that one way
you get an access code in hard form and the other in soft form. Am I
missing something?

Can someone please set out for me in 1,2,3,.. steps what I need to do
to successfuly download the maps and set them up on this unit? What
traps and pitfalls? Does the download also end up on my PC? If so,
if it messes up on installing on the nuvi, can I retry from the PC
copy? I don't want to be messing up and repeating each download.

Thanks guys.

Start by creating an account for yourself and reigstering your device.
You will also need to plug in your device to your PC with a usb cable.
The Garmin pages will indentify your device when you are plugged in
and identify software and map updates available.

Be sure to download and install the EasyGPS application. It will
enable you to export all your custom locations to the PC before doing
an upgrade in case the custom locations get wiped out. You can
reimport them using EasyGPS.

It is quicker to install map upgrades directly to the Gramin via the
usb cable to the PC. Doiwnloading to the PC and then to the Gramin
takes twice as long. The download will take at least an hour or so.

-- Howard

marginally bad idea. Strongly look at how often you're likely to want a
new device, in addition to how likely the unit is to fail and need
replaced. Since lifetime maps follow only the working unit itself, you
could be throwing money down the drain.

I mean, seriously--how much map detail do you actually need? Do you
NEED new maps every three months? Did you do that with paper maps?



well, you'll have to register in in order to use lifetime maps.

Well, what would happen if perform first the download to the pc of the new
maps using the nuvi with lifetime activated, and then install the downloaded
maps to a newer second unit?
Is the control yust for allowing the download or on activation too?

the maps are "locked" to a specific GPS serial number - can't be installed
on a different unit -
either when you order and download,
or purchase - and receive an "unlock code" based upon the GPS serial number.