Other popular units are running into problems when the hardware continues to work just fine, but software or repair support is discontinued. One example is the Lowrance Airmap 300, a circa-1998-vintage handheld GPS that has been “orphaned” by its manufacturer. A rebate program offers a cash incentive to owners to turn in their units and upgrade to the next generation, but not all owners are happy with that solution. However, technology might prove to be the cure to help prevent such troubles in the future. The Airmap 300 updates were achieved by ordering a new memory card from Lowrance, but newer hardware can be updated via downloads over the Internet. Still, the manufacturer has to be willing to invest in the continued support to write the updates, and if the computer-industry model prevails, owners may find themselves with little choice but to upgrade hardware to keep up with software. The Lowrance rebate program offers Airmap 300 owners a $100 rebate on the purchase of a new Airmap 500 (street price $500), $175 on an Airmap 1000 (street price $800), or $225 on an Airmap 2000C (street price $1,000). The Airmap 300 originally sold for $799.
…As Software Struggles To Keep Up
Key Takeaways:
- Older hardware, such as the Lowrance Airmap 300, is becoming obsolete due to manufacturers discontinuing software updates and repair support, even if the units are still functional.
- Lowrance is offering a rebate program for Airmap 300 owners to upgrade to newer models, providing a cash incentive to trade in their older, unsupported units.
- While newer devices can be updated via the Internet, continued software support depends on the manufacturer's investment, implying a future where users may be compelled to upgrade hardware to keep pace with software advancements.
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