Used GPS Data Base Issues

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Be very careful about buying older GPS units, particularly handheld devices, if your intent is to use them for other than simply determining Lat/Long. Many of your older units simply do not contain the memory capability to acgemodate the newer memory-intensive aviation/marine data bases. Most of the older units do not have any capability for that memorycapacity to be expanded. Additionally, some of the manufacturers have gone out of business and the ability to obtain data base memory upgrades and revisions probably is no longer available.
I would strongly regemend contacting your local aviation/marine electronics specialist prior to purchasing any used long range navigation system to determine its upgradability and suitability for your intended useage. I would also contact the manufacturer (Google) to find out how long they are planning to continue supporting that particular model. Remember that, in most cases, the manufacturer does not provide the data base information. It is provided by a third party such as Jeppesen, etc. Check with the manufacturer to ensure that the data base information will continue to be available through your intended useage period. CAVEAT EMPTOR!!!