Here is some information that I believe to be accurate since these questions keep getting asked over and over:
1. Garmin is supposedly using the first fix satellite date to gauge whether or not you're eligible for a free upgrade to the 2009 maps. This means if you bought a GPS last year, but didn't register it in hopes of getting the new maps, you are likely SOL. This applies to those with preloaded maps since it looks like you have to connect your GPS to their website to receive the update. (From my personal experience with the C320 unit which uses a SD card, I was able to request a 2009 update disc to be sent to me. Then I registered my GPS with the unused unlock code at that time and was able to get a free unlock code for the 2009 maps. At no point did I ever have to connect my GPS to their server.)
2. The unlock codes for the 2009 maps are specific for each GPS and serial number. Unlike previous releases, you cannot load the maps onto a SD card and share them between units. The 2009 maps will ONLY work on the unit it was unlocked for even if you have identical units which differ only in serial numbers. (This is different from the 2008 and prior maps)
3. Garmin has no policy for one free map update for everyone. The update only applies to people who purchased a GPS AFTER the new maps were released.
4. If the battery in your GPS dies, contact Garmin. Even though your GPS is out of warranty, there is a good chance Garmin will fix it for free.
Feel free to correct anything that you believe I've written in error.