Does a Garmin C580 have BOTH MSN direct AND FM Traffic? Am considering either a Garmin C550 or C580. I understand the difference between the two is the C580 has MSN Direct. Does that mean it loses FM traffic capability? Or does it have both? Also, what if I do not pay the subscription FEE for either the C550 OR the C580? Can the unit still receive Traffic info but just not be able to automatically MAP routs? Or is it no longer able to even receive traffic alerts. Some Garmin GPS units like the nuvi 370 have a receiver for traffic control but do not require a subscription. Do the C550 and C580 default to the same thing if you do not pay the subscription? Finally, does anyone know the cost for a subscription to EITHER FM Traffic Control OR MSN Direct? Does a Garmin C580 have BOTH MSN direct AND FM Traffic? Am considering either a Garmin C550 or C580. I understand the difference between the two is the C580 has MSN Direct. Does that mean it... » Read More Does a Garmin C580 have BOTH MSN direct AND FM Traffic? Am considering either a Garmin C550 or C580. I understand the difference between the two is the C580 has MSN Direct. Does that mean it loses FM traffic capability? Or does it have both? Also, what if I do not pay the subscription FEE for either the C550 OR the C580? Can the unit still receive Traffic info but just not be able to automatically MAP routs? Or is it no longer able to even receive traffic alerts. Some Garmin GPS units like the nuvi 370 have a receiver for traffic control but do not require a subscription. Do the C550 and C580 default to the same thing if you do not pay the subscription? Finally, does anyone know the cost for a subscription to EITHER FM Traffic Control OR MSN Direct? « Show Less
1801036
To my knowledge, all Garmin GPSes, including the Nuvi 370, require a subscription for traffic data. The C550 includes a 3 month FM traffic subscription while the 580 includes a 1 year MSN Direct subscription. The 580 does not include an FM receiver, and without a subscription for either, you will not get any traffic info once the initial subscription runs out.MSN direct costs $50/year or $130 lifetime, while a one year FM Traffic subscription is $60 (this information is available on Garmin's website, although it may not be the easiest in the world to find).
1801037
Garmin's website is still showing $60/year for the FM Traffic subscription. Are you sure about your info? I just bought the c580, so it's not really a concern for me, but if the price continues to drop I may replace my other c3xx series GPS (the c580 went to my wife) with a 550 or 580.
1147661
MrMan, the free Ovi maps announcement includes the traffic information. According to the press release, it includes "turn-by-turn, voice guided navigation comes free for both drivers and pedestrians. For drivers this includes lane assistance, traffic information, safety camera, and speed warnings." So with the 5800 Navigation Edition, you are essentially paying extra for the accessories only, which still might be worth it versus getting the accessories separately. The Navigation Edition includes the pen stylus, music headset, car holder pack, and mobile charger that the standard 5800 does not come with. MrMan, the free Ovi maps announcement includes the traffic information. According to the press release, it includes "turn-by-turn, voice guided navigation comes free for both drivers and pedestrians. For drivers this includes lane assistance, traffic information, safety camera, and speed warnings." So with the 5800 Navigation Edition, you are essentially paying extra for the accessories only, which still might be worth it versus getting the accessories separately. The Navigation Edition includes the pen stylus, music headset, car holder pack, and mobile charger that the standard... » Read More MrMan, the free Ovi maps announcement includes the traffic information. According to the press release, it includes "turn-by-turn, voice guided navigation comes free for both drivers and pedestrians. For drivers this includes lane assistance, traffic information, safety camera, and speed warnings." So with the 5800 Navigation Edition, you are essentially paying extra for the accessories only, which still might be worth it versus getting the accessories separately. The Navigation Edition includes the pen stylus, music headset, car holder pack, and mobile charger that the standard 5800 does not come with. « Show Less
600732
No matter which unit offers the MSN.contact traffic option (which is what these higher end priced units offer). You will not be assured that you can use it in your area if it is not a MSN.contact coverage area. I just found this out with a Garmin 680. I live north of San Francisco in the Sonoma-Napa valley. Very populated area. Lots of tourist, travelers though here---but, MSN.contact is not available in this area, and will not be in the forseable future either. Check with Garmin or MSN.contact directly. Don't trust that you will have it just because the brochure or statistics for Garmin units tell you it comes with the unit. I have returned my Garmin Nuvi 680 due to this, and other reasons as well.
1506514
First of all the traffic update is active ONLY if you use the car adapter with the built-in FM traffic supplied with this unit. You also have to 'Web Update' your unit before using it. Go to this link http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/howtoinstall.jspMost of the problems like locking up and/or unit weirdness can be fixed with this simple procedure.
772647
Few things off top of my head...Pros street pilot c550 over nuvi 350:-Better looking display (quality) than 350-bluetooth.-No bulky external antenna to break off.-intergrated traffic receiverPros 350 over streetpilot c550-more compact-slightly bigger display
2268607
I found out from Garmin that a traffic receiver is available. It is GTM 25 and sells for about $100. It will provide lifetime traffic and is compatible with several GPS units. Some are 285wt, 205 series. I would suggest to anyone that has a traffic receiver with MSN to try out the traffic feature and if you like it or need it, then purchase a traffic receiver.
1894145
I've been using the Mio c310x for over 10 months now. My first and only GPS unit to date, so I can't comment much on teh Garmin c320. -the Mio has 3.5mil POIs. Didn't know much back then, but that is kind of a low amt, but it's still something to work with -Navteq used to overall superior, but ever since Mio finally came out with the map update for the c310x back around 9/2007, I thought i read somewhere here saying now says that Navteq no longer enjoys it's supremecy, but can't find the direct quote http://www.gpslodge.com/archives/008669.php -mp3 player isn't very good. Still better than nothing, but not very good at all. No way to fast forward/rewind within tracks. Surprising since it's touted to be an ebook reader. Hate to have to start a 30min track all over again to get to where u left off. Playlists are hard to work with. I just gave up on them, leaving them in order they were added to the device. I've used and made playlists in winamp 2.81, Windows Media Player 9, and 4th gen ipod with ease, but half the time, I'd rather use my PDA as an mp3 player if it were b/w these 2 for music -contrary to what's around, the c310x does NOT come with Canadian maps, preinstalled or otherwise -US maps are preloaded my next GPS device will have many more POIs, and text2speech, but my c310x gets me to where i wanna go, even in unkonwn territory
1482811
I used this card in a Nuvi 3590. I have to admit that when I returned to my country of residence, the 3590 no longer wanted to give me turn-by-turn street name voice prompts. A short upload from the Garmin site and it was fixed again. The nuvi 500 is a smaller and more rugged unit than the 3590 and has the additional micro simcard slot which is pretty standard today. There's absolutely no reason why the card shouldn't work. Beware, though, the version that I got sent had a few glitches, where we drove roads which though completed about 2 years ago, were not yet on the card and the GPS got a bit confused. But 98% was OK. I used this card in a Nuvi 3590. I have to admit that when I returned to my country of residence, the 3590 no longer wanted to give me turn-by-turn street name voice prompts. A short upload from the Garmin site and it was fixed again. The nuvi 500 is a smaller and more rugged unit than the 3590 and has the additional micro simcard slot which is pretty standard today. There's absolutely no reason why the card shouldn't work. Beware, though, the version that I got sent had a few glitches, where we drove roads which though completed about 2 years ago, were not yet on the card and the GPS got a... » Read More I used this card in a Nuvi 3590. I have to admit that when I returned to my country of residence, the 3590 no longer wanted to give me turn-by-turn street name voice prompts. A short upload from the Garmin site and it was fixed again. The nuvi 500 is a smaller and more rugged unit than the 3590 and has the additional micro simcard slot which is pretty standard today. There's absolutely no reason why the card shouldn't work. Beware, though, the version that I got sent had a few glitches, where we drove roads which though completed about 2 years ago, were not yet on the card and the GPS got a bit confused. But 98% was OK. « Show Less
1047605
The 3597LMTHD is the 2013 model and no more current models have been released in this line. As far as saying is it the latest and most complete, the answer depends on what functions you want in your GPS. The only way to answer your question is for you to go to the Garmin website, look at the current models and decide which functions, screen size, etc. are important to you. The model that fits your needs is the "best" one.
2226033
Hello,I just got a 1490T. Please excuse my ignorance, but I decided on that unit for the traffic feature as I commute over 35 miles each way. Thing is, I can't find a description anywhere that tells me what I need to do to have access to just the traffic info i.e. do I need to have the GPS active even when I don't need it - I know how to get to my office, for example. I'm a bit confused......Regards,Barry
1954423
Sorry but I did not have the traffic option all I had was a wall charging and car charging cord so I am no help. My 3250 died this summer so I do not even use it anymore. I bought another Magellan GPS
432186
While the 265t comes with a free (ad supported) traffic receiver / charger (GTM 20), it isn't MSN. You will indeed need to purchase the MSN traffic receiver / charger (GDB 55). The cost is approx. 95 bucks, but includes a one-year subscription (you can buy it on Amazon). Make sure MSN supports your area (check the map on the Nuvi 265t page). Your Nuvi will come with a suction-cup mount and the FM traffic receiver / charger. What it "may not" come with is a USB cable (similar to those on a digital camera or computer peripherals -- std USB on one end and a mini USB on the other). You will need this type of cable in order to register the unit and to perform firmware updates (free) or map updates (not free, but you have a 60-day window to get a free update -- if there is one). Please check with Garmin to see if they include this cable (several basic units do not come with this). As far as the bundle is concerned, it looks like a pretty good deal (it's only about 10 bucks more than what the 265t is going for). Now the beanbag mount isn't as nice as the Garmin product (about 25 bucks, and you just snap your unit's mounting cradle onto the ball arm), but it may work okay (you'll need to use your unit's suction-cup mount to attach it to this type of beanbag mount).
193443
This really isn't a reply to your post but a question. I have been looking into getting a Garmin Nuvi 350. Does anyone know what the differences are with that one and the C550? I know there is a big difference in price and wondered if the Nuvi would be a good choice for basic GPS. I really want the voice with street names.
2064241
The 1490t does not use MSN for traffic. It uses a different service that is not being discontinued anytime soon.
1763650
Had mine for over a year the traffic feature is useful. 2 cars will show up on the screen Green=normal traffic, Yellow=traffic slowing, Red=traffic very slow or stopped and gives you a (estimate) on the delay to your destination. It has been very useful on the interstates if say there is a accident and traffic is stopped i use the detour function on the unit to jump off at next exit and take alternate way around. The ad's are no problem at all and only appear when you are stopped and the bluetooth is very helpful when you receive a cell call press 1 button on the unit and talk away.(Got one for teenage daughter while driving.) because teenagers will talk on cell anyway while driving and i figured this would be a better no hands solution. And the 285 doesn't come with the lifetime traffic and will cost $49.99yr with that unit.
1128181
I ordered mine yesterday from Amazon, (249.29) got it today with free shiping! It does have the 2009 map. It came with 4.0 and it updated to 4.2 when I installed the Garmin Communicator. Not sure what this did for it, but it still does not recognize the new parts of our freeway, and my old 660 w/updated 2009 map does recognize the freeway. I just talked to Garmin, they say try it again tomorrow. They think it my have been some type of satellite allignment problem.
6190
How about the 885 without MSN Direct, and adding the GTM 20, which gives Navtec fm traffic? That's what I'm considering doing. Might want to call Garmin to see if this option will give you what you want. If you do, would you report back?Yes. 855 is the one i mean. Sorry for the confusion.