Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This device basically does one thing, and does it well:displays distance to the green.One of the four buttons, labeled FCB, cycles through the distance to Front, Center, and Back of the green, so it is possible to determine depth of the green as the difference between front and back.The other three buttons are on/off, next hole, and previous hole.There's no touchscreen, scorekeeping, weather reporting, etc.
This is my evaluation, based on limited (several rounds) experience:
Pros
+ Simple and effective
+ Accurate (within a couple yards of on-course markers and center of green)
+ Good battery life (at least 4 rounds per charge)
+ Includes AC/USB adapter (computer not required to charge the device)
+ Large LCD display; numbers easily seen at a glace
+ No issues with software, setup, course selection, downloading
+ Good value, considering base price and $10 annual data fee
Neutral
o Plastic belt clip - I wonder how long until it breaks
o Overall size is not small, though effective use of front surface space with the LCD and buttons.
o Ten (10) course capacity is reasonable
Cons
- A bit thick: almost 1" at widest point on the belt clip.
- USB/charging port is not protected.What will happen when it gets wet?
- It only goes in the belt clip in one direction.If worn on the belt, you look at the numbers and controls upside down.Or, if clipped upside down, there is the risk is falls off the belt or out of the clip.
[end of review 10/17/09]
Click Here to see more reviews about: IZZO Swami 1500 Golf GPS Unit
Product Description:
Golf is a game of precision, so why depend on ballpark guesses when estimating the distance to the green? Enter the Izzo Swami 1500, a fully featured golf GPS unit that offers everything you need to approach the pin with confidence. Powered by the latest SIRFStar III chip and equipped with Insta-Lok technology, the Swami instantly calculates the distance to the front, center, and back of the green on more than 12,000 courses across the U.S., turning your golf game from piffling to precise. The Swami is easier to use and more accurate than a laser rangefinder. That's because the Swami measures distances without requiring a direct line of sight to the target, while a laser rangefinder can only measure to the flagstick or other defined objects within its sight. Plus, a rangefinder's accuracy is highly dependent on how far you are from the target, whereas the Swami's GPS technology is accurate to within a few feet. Most importantly, the Swami simply helps you play better golf. When you know the exact distance to the flag and the borders of the green, you can pick the right club for the distance and do it faster. No more wasting time searching for yardstick markers or sprinkler heads. Just upload the course from the online Swami Map Manager (subscription required) before your round, stand under an open sky, and the Swami's Insta-Lok technology does the rest, locking in the correct yardage to a target with minimal lag time. Even when riding in a cart, the yardage changes instantly.
The Swami stores up to 10 courses at a time and automatically recognizes the course you're playing upon powering up. The Swami is also a breeze to use, with intuitive buttons and a large display that allows you to quickly cycle from hole to hole. And even though the Swami is precise and user-friendly, it costs about half as much as most other golf GPS systems. That's because Izzo streamlined the latest technology while maintaining only the most vital features in an effort to make the Swami more affordable. The navigator is built using the same state-of-the-art technology as the highest-end GPS units, but without the costly bells and whistles that most golfers don't really need or use.
The Swami is perfectly legal to use in many handicaps and tournaments, as both the USGA and the R&A have allowed the use of distance measuring devices when the local governing committee permits it. Users should always check with the local golf pro if the event is a USGA-sanctioned tournament before using the Swami on the course. Other features include an easy-to-use PC connection for downloads and charging; a rechargeable lithium battery that runs for a minimum of 12 hours per charge; a water-resistant housing; and OS compatibility with Windows 2000, XP, and Vista. The Swami 1500, which measures 3.75 by 1 by 2 inches (W x H x D), carries a 90-day warranty.
Key Details:
Insta-Lok technology provides accurate distance information to the front, center, and back of the green
Large, easy-to-read display
4 simple-to-use buttons
12,000 courses available
Stores up to 10 courses at a time
Automatic course recognition on power up
SIRFstar III technology
Simple, easy PC connection for downloads and charging
Rechargeable lithium battery included
Runs for a minimum of 12 hours without recharging
Measures 3.75 by 1 by 2 inches (W x H x D)
The compact Swami 1500 includes a belt clip, USB cable, quick-start instructions
What's in the Box?
Swami 1500, belt clip, USB cable, quick-start guide.
Note: An initial $9.99 activation fee is required to download course maps. With this fee you will receive unlimited course downloads for one full year from the time of your activation. After one year, you are not required to reactivate. If you choose not to reactivate, courses loaded on your Swami will remain on the unit; however, you will not receive course updates or be able to download new courses to your unit unless the activation fee is renewed.
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