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August 6, 2008 1:02 PM PDT

Navigon FreshMaps keeps you in the know

by Bonnie Cha
Navigon FreshMaps

Navigon FreshMaps

(Credit: Navigon)

Having the most current maps on your portable navigation device is an important feature, and while all GPS manufacturers release map and software updates, the method and frequency in which you receive them differs by company. For Navigon, it's important to make the entire process as easy as possible for its customers so the company has launched a service called Navigon Fresh, which includes Navigon FreshMaps.

Navigon Fresh is a free application you can download from the company's Web site to your PC and allows you to update and manage content, access software updates for your device, and back up data. To this, you can add Navigon FreshMaps which offers up to 12 map updates over a three-year period. This includes refreshes to the maps and points of interest--all of which are verified by mapmaker Navteq. That said, unlike the Fresh application, FreshMaps requires a one-time fee of $79.99, which is a pretty fair price considering that single updates from other manufacturers cost that much. You can find out more about Navigon Fresh on the Navigon's Web site; the company's GPS devices include the Navigon 2100, Navigon 5100, and Navigon 7100.

Bonnie Cha is a senior editor for CNET, covering smartphones and GPS. When she's not testing the latest gadgets, you can find her chasing after her crazy lab or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California. E-mail Bonnie.
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by whizkid454 August 7, 2008 6:02 PM PDT
Very interesting. Garmin should take a hint.
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by Dorsey Bohlman September 4, 2008 11:35 AM PDT
Thanks - I have a Garmin 22, and the unit was purchased Apr'08, and I want to get "map updates" to bring the unit up to date, as to new roads, streets,etc. What or how do I get this done. Please advise me. D.B.
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About Miss Direction

Bonnie Cha is a senior editor at CNET.com, covering PDAs, smart phones, and GPS. Though she didn't grow up in an era where GPS was widely used or readily available, she really wishes she had. Perhaps then she wouldn't have gone through the horrifying experience of her dad putting the car in reverse on busy I-95 just to make the exit for Disney World. In Miss Direction, Cha answers your questions about GPS, discusses the latest industry news and trends, and shares her tales from the road.

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