One can download free maps for their Garmin GPS system on the OpenStreetMap website. You will need a USB connector or a memory card in order to download the maps.
By visiting the official website for Garmin GPS, one can download the software to their PC to update their GPS with the current Garmin maps and updates. Its free and compatible with Window and MAC computers.
Garmin Maps are a product from the Garmin company. They are not the gps devices themselves, but rather, they are downloadable new maps from the Garmin Company for use if you own a Garmin GPS device. http://www.garmin.com/us/maps/
THE GARMIN NUVI 250 HAS PRELOADED MAPS. NO DOWNLOADING REQUIRED.
Garmin mapping refers to the map updates you can download for your GPS software. You can get these maps and more at http://www.garmin.com/unlock/update.jsp.
Amazon.com offers free two day shipping for a Garmin GPS. Bestbuy.com has free shipping for a Garmin GPS also. Rei.com and altrec.com have free shipping for a Garmin GPS as well.
The Garmin navigation system that comes with the most maps would be the Garmin Nuvi 2455LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS. It has the most maps of all the GPS systems.
You don't have to pay for the service; the GPS picks up maps and terrain information from sattelites. http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/ontheroad/
To use Google Maps on a Garmin GPS, you cannot directly upload the maps, as Garmin devices use their own mapping software. However, you can plan a route using Google Maps on your computer or smartphone, then export it as a GPX file. Finally, transfer the GPX file to your Garmin device using a USB cable or through Garmin's software like BaseCamp. This allows you to navigate the route created in Google Maps on your Garmin GPS.
You can find the Garmin Geko GPS at any major retailer including: Wal-mart, Target, Best Buy, and Circuit City. You can purchase an upgraded version on the maps directly from the Garmin website.
One can only buy Garmin maps directly from Garmin itself. One can buy Garmin GPS's at major retailers such as Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, but maps and updates have to be purchased online through Garmin.
Some Garmin GPS products allow for a person to use Google Maps online to search and have the information, including travel directions, sent by Bluetooth or USB to the Garmin GPS device.
Garmin GPS is better in my opinion, as the features are better and the maps are far more accurate than the Magellan GPS. Don't get me wrong, it's very good but I recommend Garmin.