Find great computer deals at StaplesTomTom unveils map-updating service
(Credit:
TomTom)
On Thursday, TomTom introduced a new plan for delivering map updates to its customers. Dubbed TomTom Map Update Service, the subscription-based service brings quarterly map updates for a one-time fee as low as $39.80 or $9.95 per map release.
The service is available starting today. If you subscribe, you will be alerted to new updates when you connect your GPS devices to your PC and the TomTom Home service (the company's free desktop software). From there, you'll be able to download the maps, which reflect all road changes that have been verified by TeleAtlas. The update includes whichever map or map set comes standard on the device.
As with all things, there's some fine print in terms of pricing. The cost of the update varies depending on TomTom model and the age of the map currently on the device, so it could be more than the advertised $39.80/$9.95 fee. You'll be given an estimate when you connect your portable navigation device to TomTom Home.
The Map Update Service joins TomTom's other map-update offering, TomTom Map Share, which allows users to make updates and corrections right on their GPS devices and then share them with the TomTom community. The company also has a 30-day latest-map guarantee, which entitles customers to a one-time free map download if a new map becomes available within 30 days of first use.
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.
I wish these companies would realize that if they would just make the updates more reasonable more people would pay for them.
After upgrade, I could not find the hotel address I usually stay in Louisiana and also my friend's home - these are not kept under favorites.
I ran mapshare, and I still could not find the addresses I want.
I called TomTom customer service and they told me there's a glich and sometimes the address will not be there and asked me to go to mapshare( I told her I did) - she kept running like a tape recorder with same instructions.
I told her this is suppose to be an upgrade and where is the address that used to be in old version?
Customer service said - NO REFUND!
In your case, calling TomTom support (866-486-6866) should resolve this, as they will be able to verify that you've paid for the service and make the correction on your account.
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by PCUser2008
October 8, 2009 11:56 PM PDT
- I have owned a garmin. nuvi 370. I loved it until the maps came to be outdated and the fm traffic feature ran out. I paid for one six month subscription for the traffic which costed $64.00. Then it was time for the map updates that cost's $99.00. Man that is too much for me to be updating every 2 years or so. Now it sits in the glove box until i really need a Standalone GPS device. Until they come out with a good app for my Iphone, I will use that instead. But for now I am sticking with the worthless google maps app on my iphone 3G to guide me when i need directions. I the plus side is that it is free.
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