Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Etrex, City Navigator and unlimited updates

Does anyone understand how unlimited updates work with Garmin's NuMaps?

I have an Etrex Vista HCx and I want to add the City Navigator N. America. Do I buy the "download" City Navigator and THEN buy the lifetime updates? Also I have to get a blank MicroSD card, as well?

I think that if I buy the MicroSD, this can't be updated?

Thanks for any help.

If you plan on creating routes on your PC and downloading to the device, then you'll need the DVD version

It will update map products installed on the device - Not memory cards.
The memory cards can be used on multiple devices - the software only 1!

Until I checked, after reading your post, I only thought it applied to Nuvi/Zumo units.

"nüMaps Lifetime updates are available for the City Navigator® NT street maps on your compatible Garmin device. "

Looks like I would have to get the City Navigator and nuMaps Lifetime if I wanted to keep my Etrex up to date with just the North American map!! Retail 100 and 119.99. I got the unit for $215!! Yikes. I can't justify putting over $400 into an Etrex.

http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/cache/offonce/us/maps/numaps-lifetime

I guess I will keep labeling waypoints for where to make city street turns when I use it road biking.

Retail 100 and 119.99. I got the unit for $215!! Yikes. I can't justify putting over $400 into an Etrex.

I originally thought the same but when you consider that you'd need probably a couple hundred paper maps at ~$5 each to replace the software, the software seems cheap.
As for regular updates, you have to ask how long will you keep the device - 3 years? 10 years? If you'll have it 10 years, then maybe an update every 5 years makes sense. I live in an area where roads don't change that much, so updates don't seem to add much value.

I live in the LA area, so streets don't change too much. It might be worth it just to get the microSD version so that I can have a detailed street map that is transferable.

I wanted the lifetime updates so that I can find places to eat or shop when I am in an unfamiliar neighborhood or out of state. Businesses change pretty frequently.
I do have basic internet on my cell phone so I guess I can use that to find addresses. Then plug the address into the Garmin.
Hmm I might have just convinced myself to get a memory card!!! I am heading to the Big Island of Hawaii in June and it would be cool to have my GPS in the car.