GPS software available?

[Lama]

Can an existing GPS (non-golf) device work like a skycaddie

Is it possible to equip a non-golf GPS device such as a Garmin eTrex, Edge, or GPSMAP 60CSx; or the Magellan Triton series to do basic GPS based range finder yardages. The bottom line is that I have a credit at Dell that I want to use for such a device, but Dell doesn't appear to sell golf GPS devices. But they do sell these other non-golf GPS units. Is there some type of softeware or something available to make this feasible. Also for that matter, another general question, how hard is it to take a 3G iPhone or GPS Blackberry Curve and do the same. This is my first post, so please be kind.

[rthodges]

Intelligolf is a software that works with devices such as smartphones.

 

I tried it with my Treo 700p. I really found it more distracting than helpful. By the time I got the phone to pair with the gps and the gps to communicate with Intelligolf, I was unable to focus on the task at hand, playing golf.

 

I eventually just bought a Golf Guru and love it.

[haytackm]

Lama-yeah it can be done. I dont know of any after market software that would run on say a etrek to make this process work easier for the user. However this concept just requires a little leg and finger work on your part. You would simple need to mark and label specific areas on the course you intend to play on a consistent basis with your GPS unit.

 

I did this prior to purchasing the SG5. I also would go on google earth and reference the latitudes and longitudes on the imagery and input them into my GPS. Its kind of tedious, but if your not up to purchasing a skycaddie or the likes of, it works fine.

 

Mike

[PanMan_VA]

Intelligolf on a PDA works well. You will most likely need to map out the courses you play yourself.

 

I used Intelligolf until my PDA died; then I got a Skycaddie SG2.5.

[Play10s]

Lama - I sent you a PM, but here is an answer now that I'm off my mobile phone...

 

Hit ["golf gps" blackberry treo palm] on Google/Yahoo, etc.

 

For a 'closed device' like you mentioned, the ability to load up a third party SW is pretty difficult. Where as on a smart phone or open PDA, it is VERY easy. Depending on your carrier, the ability to use them will be from a snap, to impossible. I personally suggest that you void VZN if you are in the USA as they disable the GPS on these devices. You can use an external GPS receiver, but that kind of defeats the objective. I also think that the Palm OS is a dying platform, so Blackberry/RIM OS, Win Wobile and iPhone are the best 'platforms' to consider when thinking about a non dedicated GPS unit.

 

gb

[Lama]

Thanks. All good info. Seems I'm best off just redeeming my credit at Dell for the most valuable item I can sell on eBay, then just go buy a skycaddie or other golf GPS. I have a GPS Blackberry Curve, but its a company phone and I dont think I'm allowed to add any software to it. Plus I don't want to be tinkering with a device before every shot. My scores will soar.

 

Thanks,

Lama

[Lama]

Here is what I received from Garmin relating to my original post:

 

Thank you for contacting Garmin International. No, unfortunately I

believe the Golflogix units have to be programmed at the factory. You

might contact Golflogix for additional information as we only sell them

the hardware. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

 

With Best Regards,

 

Joe C

Product Support Specialist

Outdoor/Fitness Team

Garmin International