Update maps for nuvi 610 sat nav for free - Garmin Nuvi 610 GPS Receiver

Garmin stopped providing FREE map updates for this device in 2008 - in fact they don't even provide software updates anymore.

However, for the same price as Garmin charge for their latest map update, you can buy a brand new device (not Garmin though) with wider-ranging & updated maps.

OK... so a cheap GPS device might not have Bluetooth, but the Garmin nuvi 610 fails to work with a lot of the newer phones on the market today (e.g. Nokia N95, etc.), in that the phonebook and SMS interfaces do not work.

The biggest problem with the 610 is that you cannot 'hack' the OS. Therefore, you cannot simply load new mapping software such as iGo8, which is far superior guidance software to the 610's standard software. Also, you can’t download amusing voices or anything fun like that.

Also, the 610 has many software bugs. On occasion, the security start-up screen will automatically by-pass and take you straight to the main screen – a serious flaw. Also, the currency converter cannot accept new currency rates, rendering it useless.

Regarding the traffic report system... well, don't bother I say. Unless its major pre-planned roadworks, it never lets you know when there's a jam up ahead. You are better of tuning your car radio to a local station to get traffic reports.

All-in-all, the Garmin nuvi 610 was an ill-fated, buggy, incompatible, and expensive option. I only use mine as a backup device if I'm out for a ride on my motorcycle and get lost on the back-roads.