Binatone U435 (NDrive) map updating

[kaiowas]

Stepdad has gone and bought a Binatone U435 (Cheap, crap satnav). According to the blurb that it comes with it includes free 'lifetime' map updates. As he and my mum dont have a PC these days he's asked me to update the maps for him. According to the paperwork 'lifetime' seems to mean "Until Binatone can't be bothered supporting it any more".

The device runs NDrive software and the update process basically seems to be "Download NPlus and check for updates". Managed to get the software installed and talking to the device but when I go to updates it only show an option for a eu24.99 paid map update for Ireland and UK and the "Get all free upgrades" button is greyed out.

Anyone got any experience with these or similar units? Do I need to do something to enable free updates? Is it a case that only some updates are free? Or have Binatone already washed their hands of this product and the free updates have expired?

 

[Surveyor]

Lifetime map updates - check the instruction manual for futher details on how to update.
Free updates - maps only (t&c's apply, please contact helpline on 01325-304473 for further instructions).

https://www.argos-support.co.uk/storage/files/1713190.pdf?direct

Additional maps and upgrades:

Please visit www.ndrive.com and download the NPlus software in order to gain
access to further content (see section 11 for more details)

This device comes preloaded with free lifetime maps. For the life of your device you
can download 4 or more map updates every year for free. You will receive all
updates to road network, addresses and points of interest.
The life is defined as the useful life of the device (Max. 3 years), which means the
period of time that Binatone continues to support your device with software updates,
services, content or accessories. A device will have reached the end of its life when
none of these are available any more.

As a 2014 model Binatone may see the U435 as already well past its "useful life".

 

[kaiowas]

Yeah, looks to be an old enough model that it could be considered end of life, but on the other hand Argos are still selling them and if you bought one new that advertises free updates you’d kind of expect to get free updates.