9-10-10, I think I've located the problem. Its the usb slot of the unit. I'll try to fully describe what I'm experiencing. When I press a flash dr fully into the unit's usb slot and hold it in the update is successful, not always though. The odd thing is that the unit will update partly and then error out, not as you would think if the usb slot was failing , an immediate error as soon as "update" is selected like what immediately displays when you insert an empty drive. When I just insert it fully and release it the update is not successful-always. I tried a brand new ScanDisk flash drive from Costco and as I inserted it I could tell that the fit was tight and it updated successfully three times, hands free, and then because of the repeated cycling in and out of the usb slot the new drive felt looser and looser and soon each update after that was not sucessful, holding it in was also not successful. I have noticed that while holding the drive in and moving it around (gently) to make sure it's fully seated I can see a distortion on the screen-this may be normal though, due to pressure on the screen from behind.
You can send any sectional or other update you wish as a test, as I'm not trying get any particular item updated. I have updated all that I need by using the techniques described above. It might be better if you send an "experienced" drive to eliminate the "newness" factor. I was thinking it might be even better if I send this unit in for evaluation and repair instead. My other plan is to purchase a new unit and shelve this unit, it would still be cheaper and better than anything out there, for my useage. Another thought is that because the iFly is so easy to use that I do use it daily, sometimes several times a day, and cycling the usb slot for updates and pulling out the power cord this much may be exceeding these components' designed usage limits and be a factor. dp
David