look at it this way, older models w/ the DVD based had to pay for an updated disc... it'll go the same way for the HD based systems.

 

No .... won't look at it that way. I believe updates were free inside warranty period and DVDs and the time to burn is approximately $0. I want a version that atleast has '08 in it if I own and '08 vehicle.

 

I previously owned a 2002 Toyota w/ Nav. The cost to upgrade the Toyota/Lexus navigation system was $400. There's a thriving 'secondary market' for nav updates. Check out eBay or other online auction sites to see for yourself. I'd be interested in seeing of you could bit torrent the file since it appears to require an activation code to install. Typical GPS only receives information from satellites, but it sure would suck if the manufacturer could somehow detect your GPS running a ripped version of their software. They wouldn't have much trouble tracking you down.

 

In my opinion, they should at least do the first update for free.

 

The Lexus nav runs off DVDs still correct? If we were required to use DVDs still then I could see paying ~$200 for the DVDs but it's a simple upgrade in firmware, to hell with any fees! If any of you SFL folk gets yours done, let me know how that goes. I'll most likely contact my original dealer if IOCC or IOPB gives me any problems with the upgrade.

 

Since Zenrin does the programming and footwork for map/software updates, I believe they are absolutely entitled to money for providing the updates to us.

However, I feel that the dealerships should subsidize the first update due to us having the 06-07 version on an 08 vehicle.

 

Except we are not Zenrin customers. We are Infiniti customers. As far as I'm concerned it is an Infiniti navigation system. As a customer it is not my concern where the maps come from Infiniti should update them for free as the updates come in as long as I'm under warranty.

If TomTom and Garmin can offer free update downloads for their inexpensive nav units then Infiniti should do the same for their $2000+ nav units.

 

my dealership said i would have to pay $120 for them to install it....and i still have to buy the update.

 

This blows. Zenrin is full of sh**. I'd rather have full voice recog features that the early models have.

 

Nav updates have NEVER been free from Infiniti with the G35 and other models, so don't expect them to start anytime soon.

 

"Garmin to BlackBerry owners: a hundred bucks and you'll never get lost again. "

This news bytes for Infiniti Nav owners. If you have a Blackberry, you can pay $99 and ur done for the life of your specific Blackberry. That includes all the updates you can handle. One time payment, no more monthly fees.

 

I had a M35X for 3 years - I can tell you any update for the nav. system will cost you around $190.00. Its' best to just deal with it as updates never seem to have anything close to up to date info. My sub division has existed for five years and is not on the latest G37 software. What should be free is a voice activation update that gets me back to where my M was 3 years ago - this one sucks!

 

I agree with this^^^^

the next time i get my oil changed i'm going to argue this. and i'll call infiniti while i wait for my oil change if they don't do it. we'll see what happens

 

hmm i wonder if we could share the update if one person bought it?

not sure how the system is updated

 

1. You shouldn't think of a DVD based upgrade and a flash based upgrade as two different things that would have different values. They are both just a type of media for updating the data, and the data is what you are paying for.

2. You shouldn't compare hand held portable units to built in car units. There is tons of competition in the hand held market right now so updates are cheap or free. Manufactures of built in units have a absolute monopoly on you for as long as you own the car and updates for these types of devices traditionally cost $150+. I don't see this changing any time soon, and I wouldn't be surprised to find out if the built in manufactures subsidise part of the cost of the head unit to the automaker knowning full well they will make money back on software. (same concept as current gen game consoles)

3. While I fully expect to pay $150+ to upgrade the map data to the Headunit manufacturer, I DO NOT expect to pay a hefty install/service charge to Infiniti to have them install it. They chose this headunit manufacturer to put in their car and knew software updates would probably require work to be done by them.