I hardly ever use it and it is a discontinued model, but I was just wondering if there was a way...
It's a Garmin Nuvi 1450.

Go to their website and see if it is still supported. Did you ever register it?

Hmmmm.... Our personal GPS is a Nuvi 1450, and the answer is "yes." The 1450 has a slot for an external micro-SD card, and I highly recommend that you load any new map files on the external micro-SD card, which leaves the old map file(s) intact. There is a configuration option that allows you to select which of the installed map sets to use, and you can switch back and forth as often as you wish. . For example, on our GPS I left the original North America map set in internal flash memory and installed 2013 map sets for North America and Europe on the micro-SD card. I loaded the European map set for our trip to Austria last fall, and I just left it in place since there's still plenty of free space on the micro-SD card. (As best I recall, I think the 1450 has only 2 GB of internal flash storage ... so one large map set at a time is about all it will accommodate.)

One caution: Even though it's possible, don't enable multiple map sets (e.g. both North America and Europe) at the same time unless you really need them; doing so will really slow everything down, especially database searches. Even more important, don't enable two different North American map sets at the same time.

With a little sleuthing you can find detailed instructions on the Internet for installing extra map sets on your 1450. There are several web sites providing support for open-source maps, and the same instructions work just as well with official Garmin maps.

While the Nuvi 1450 may have been discontinued, there are plenty of repair parts available if needed. The screen of our 1450 got cracked during the trip to Europe last fall, and I was able to find an exact replacement on eBay for a reasonable price. I also replaced the original battery pack while I had the case open. The special tools needed to open the case without damage are usually bundled with such replacement kits, or they can be purchased separately for only a couple of dollars.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 10-15-2013).]

Mobilism.org, maybe they cover the Garmin.
I updated an old Dell PDA.

Edit, they have them for the Garmin!

[This message has been edited by partfiero (edited 10-14-2013).]

Upgrade the voices too-some of them are really funny.

I have 3 GPS units. One has free updates for life. The other two dont. One is prob 10 years old and I still occasionally use it. The only real thing they dont show is new roads or changes. I generally only stay on main roads and they rarely change. I 71 and I 70 havent moved for 50 years. I use mine differently from others...dont set it to give me directions to a specific place. I use it to follow myself and see whats supposed to be ahead, or to get back to a main road when I get lost.

Some of the updates are free, and some are not. I have an older TomTom, and it still occasionally gets a free software update. But as always, YMMV.

You should be able to connect your GPS unit to your computer with a USB cable, and download software that lets you program the GPS unit. The software should tell you what updates are available, and whether or not they cost money.

If it's the 1450 LM(T), you get maps free for the "life of the product" meaning until the size of the map no longer fits the unit. With an SD card slot, that should be "never". I have a Garmin 760 (for my bike). I bought it used and was able to update the maps for free.

I am inheriting a garmin too in just about a month or so... I was wondering if it was possible to update it free. Good topic.

You have to read carefully. When GPSs say they have free updates, make sure it specifically says MAP updates. I bought one once that was 'supposed' to have free updates. Turned out the fine print said 'software updates' and NOT maps. Maps were $150 a shot. Doing the math it was cheaper to buy new GPS every year.

If your Garmin does not have free maps updates, you can buy the lifetime maps/traffic options from Garmin from them directly - up to you to decide if this option is worth it vs buying a new one that already comes with the lifetime map (and/or traffic) updates. I have an older model (Nuvi 765) and they still offer the free maps/traffic updates for it.

As others said, if space becomes an issue you can use a SD card for the newer larger maps.

...of course there are "other" ways of getting free maps...

edit - I should add that the lifetime buy in is only for the map that was preloaded onto your Garmin. For example, mine is a European unit, so I can only buy the lifetime option for maps of Europe, I have to buy NA updates (or use other options ).

[This message has been edited by Mickey_Moose (edited 10-16-2013).]

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: You have to read carefully. When GPSs say they have free updates, make sure it specifically says MAP updates. I bought one once that was 'supposed' to have free updates. Turned out the fine print said 'software updates' and NOT maps. Maps were $150 a shot. Doing the math it was cheaper to buy new GPS every year.

You should have bought a Garmin, Roger. Garmins are either free updates (specifically maps) or they're not. No fine print to read. New maps are well under $100.

One of them is a Nuvi. Another one is an offbrand that also is a video/ or back up monitor and has 7" screen. The one I use with free map updates is a TomTom. My first GPS was a Garmin and it sucked. I generally dont ever buy anything again from a manufacturer if I have a bad experience with them.

As for paying anything for map updates, why, you can easily find new GPSs for less than $75...that will come with an up to date map. You can even recoup part of that by selling the old one. Nothing wrong with buying used ones that are outdated a bit...like I said, roads seldom move.

[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 10-17-2013).]

I have the TomTom Via with "free updates" sure if you have a fast internet connection that can download the 3 gig file. Me I am screwed on that end.

AND I bought it brand new and the maps were already a year out.... other wise a great unit.