Customer Reviews

Initial GM-481 4.8-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

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I needed to purchase a replacement bracket. I cannot begin to tell you what a hassle it was to obtain this replacement part. A tremendous amount of back and forth phone calls. Ultimately Global Navigation - the manufacturer of this item sent the wrong part. I had to confirm this with them by taking photos of the item - multiple phone calls and emails. They confirmed the wrong part was sent and would send a UPS return label immediately. It took well over a week to receive the return shipping label. I was told that the correct part would be shipped once I shipped the incorrect part back to the company. Well several days went by and nothing. I emailed the customer support address I had been communicating with and no reply. I had to then make another call - on hold long periods of time. I was told that I was mistaken and that they must receive the part back before they ship the correct one. I have absolutely no confidence in this company and I will not purchase another product from them. Too obscure and sub-par in regards to support. We are going on a month now and I still do not have my part. BUYER BEWARE

I purchased an Initial GM-481 in Nov. 2007. 2 months later, I discovered some local roads that were not in the maps so I called their Tech Support. Based on my purchase date, I was told that map updates would not be available for at least a year. I called again today (12-4-08) and was told I would have to send the unit back and have the factory update the software. Further discussion revealed that what I wanted would not be available for another 2 to 3 years. I then asked why there was a USB port on the unit if updates could not be done remotely. The technician said that had been put there by mistake and not to try to use it because it could damage the unit. There are no such warnings in the owner's manual. The unit has performed reliably and has been helpful in several cases, but the Tech Support is a monstrosity. If what they are telling me is true, the issue concerning the USB port should prompt a recall of the units at no cost to the owners. On the other hand, what I am hearing from their technicians fails the smell test and I wonder if they really know what the unit does.