Garmin Co. and my Bricked Nuvi 550

This week, I wanted to install Garmin MapSource to my laptop, so I could use it on my trip if necessary.  I installed, and it didn't pull the maps from my Garmin Nuvi 550.  I've had that GPS for a couple years and I love it.  It doesn't cost the price of a Zumo but is still waterproof.  I plugged it up and it sort of man-handled me through a firmware update.

The firmware update bricked my GPS!  I was pretty irate and wondering what I would do.  I need this GPS.  Everyone knows how I suck at directions (for the most part) and don't deal well with maps.  I called Garmin.  It went something like this...

Me:  Your update bricked my unit.
Rep:  Sorry.  If you want to send it in, we can fix it for $99.
Me: No, you don't get it.  Your firmware update bricked the GPS.  It's not my fault.
Rep: Sorry sir, it's out of warranty.
Me: I know, but your company did this.  They should fix it at no charge.
Rep:  That would require supervisor authorization.
Me:  Good call.  Let me speak to your supervisor.

The supervisor was a uniquely helpful individual named Mootz.  Yeah, like who can make THAT up?  Anyway, he apologized for the 'misunderstanding'.  I told him I was going on a trip asap, and needed the unit.  He offered to ship me a refurb, send me an email with a UPS label prepaid, and gave me his direct number to call the next day (yes, he shipped the refurb next day air) so I could set up the new unit properly.  It all went like clockwork.  He did take my credit card info in case I decided not to send back the bricked GPS.  I dropped it off at the UPS Store same day of the call/emailed label.

Two notes:

1. They are replacing the awesome MapSource software with BaseCamp.  It has a bit of a learning curve but I promised Mootz to give it a try in the future.  FYI, it's a free download!
2. They no longer carry the Nuvi 550, but have a $400 Zumo 220, which is similar but has bluetooth.