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Golf GPS units are great resources for players who want a course management system for their rounds. Golf GPS units help players by providing distances to places on the course specific to the green they are playing. Golf GPS units vary in accuracy, size and number of courses that the unit can hold at once. If you are shopping for a golf GPS unit based on size, here are some popular choices.
Pocket-size Units
The iGolf neo Pocket-size Golf GPS unit is a pocket-size, lightweight GPS unit with a built-in SiRF Star III GPS receiver. The iGolf neo Pocket-size Golf GPS unit gives the distance to the front, center and back of the green when you are on the course. You can also see your club strength with the iGolf neo Pocket-size Golf GPS unit by using the shot distance feature, which calculates your average distance on each hit. The iGolf neo Pocket-size Golf GPS unit is waterproof, can hold up to 10 courses at a time and offers accuracy within 3 yards. Membership to iGolf.com required to download course maps. With batteries, the iGolf neo Pocket-size Golf GPS unit weighs 2.5 ounces and measures 0.75 inches thin. This unit is only compatible with Windows. Average price in 2009: $140.
Compact units (under 10 ounces)
The GolfLogix GPS by Garmin features a 1.25 by 2.25 inch LCD screen with a large number display for easy-to-read visibility. The unit is shockproof, waterproof and visible even in direct sunlight. This unit is one of the most durable golf GPS units on the market. The GolfLogix GPS can calculate and display the distances to the front, center and back of every green. It will also recognize what course you are playing on automatically. You are able to download up to 20 golf course maps at one time on the unit. A plan membership is not required to download courses. The GolfLogix GPS features fast satellite acquisition time and acute accuracy as a result of its 12-channel GPS receiver. With batteries, the GolfLogix GPS weighs only 5.3 ounces and measures 1.2 inches thin. This is is compatible with both Windows and Macs. Average price in 2009: $230.
The SkyCaddie SG5 GPS unit features a color LCD screen with automatic backlighting. The SkyCaddie SG5 includes IntelliGreen technology, so golfers can measure shape and full depth of the green from any approach or angle whether on or off the fairway. The SkyCaddie SG5 is waterproof, can hold up to 10 courses at a time and offers accuracy within 2.5 yards. A membership to the SkyPlayer Club is required at an additional cost in order to download course maps. With batteries, the SkyCaddie SG5 GPS unit weighs only 5.5 ounces and measures 1 inch thin. This unit is only compatible with Windows. Average price in 2009: $355.
Full-size units (over 10 ounces)
The Golf Buddy Pro GPS Range Finder is a true GPS unit that features automatic course and hole recognition. It comes preloaded with all courses in North America and gives exact distances to greens, bunkers, hazards, lakes and more. The Golf Buddy Pro GPS Range Finder is waterproof, can hold up to 20,000 courses at a time and offers accuracy within 3 yards. The Golf Buddy Pro GPS Range Finder weighs 12.8 ounces and measures 1.5 inches thin. This unit is only compatible with Windows. Average price in 2009: $350.
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