Garmin M3 gps until question

[sillywilly]

so I bought the M3. I should have it in a few days. From the pictures below you can see that the little flip on the back has to be open to enable the GPS. How and I supposed to walk around with this thing for 4-5 hours and keep that flip open? If I get a case for it and clip it to the bag I suppose it could work but if that bag ever fell over, that flip could snap off or get damaged. Any ideas? I ONLY walk so mounting it to the wheel as a member said a few months ago isn't an option. I can't put it in my pocket because the flip has to stay open.

Thanks

[Kilroy]

You can get a fitted protective case and attach it to your bag. They even have waterproof ones for boating in case it rains.

http://www.otterbox.com/products/pda_cases/1900/

What is the battery life on the M3 while using GPS?

[sillywilly]

I called them 3 times to make sure about this because it didn't sound right. He said because its a Lithum ion battery the time was 5 hours with GPS. The M5 has the option of changing the battery if you have a spare. I was going to do that but the guy assured me it would last 5 hours with GPS. Worst case, I give it to my girlfriend and get myself the m5 with a spare battery.

What would happen if you turned the antena off between green and next tee box? Would you lose any information? Save on battery life? You have the 3600 with intelligolf, correct?

[Kilroy]

It takes a bit of time for the GPS to lock into the satellites, so I wouldn't do that.

[sillywilly]

ok, well the battery is listed at 5 hours GPS time. I'll post a review when i'm done. I'm exceited to get this now

[Kilroy]

You'll love it. I feel the rangefinder is "slumming it".

[sillywilly]

I can't wait to get it. I need another option though. A $100 case for my GPS is not going to work. maybe keep it in the pocket and take it out for the shot to get a good yardage reading? How accurate are these things anyway?

[Kilroy]

The more satellites the unit sees the better. Mine will triangulate up to 12 satellites at a time. If it sees 4 or less it's less accurate than with more than 8 so it's very accurate in the open, but trees that inhibit line of sight to multiple satellites cause come funky readings. I trust it unless we are on well treed holes where the satellite count is low and the reading seems off. Pretty rare really.

[Kilroy]

Shop around for protective cases, you don't need the Otter. I just wanted to show you there are options for anything, including marine use.

[sillywilly]

lovely, the girlfriend would beat my ass if I spend $400 on a GPS unit and case and wouldn't take her vegas next month haha.. not that $300 is any better

[Kilroy]

Take her to the Casino in Hull. Mega bucks saved for golf stuff.

[divotguy]

I have a M3 and love it. The battery lasts well over 5 hours so it is not a problem. As for the carrying case, I found a small "notebook portfolio" at Staples that is a good fit with the GPS antenna in the open position. I tuck it in may bag with the GPS on.

[sillywilly]

so you pull it out of your bag everytime to get a reading, input your score or shot for shot tracking ect?

[divotguy]

I actually bungy cord it to my push cart most of the time. With the "portfolio" closed, it provides protection from the elements. When it is really raining, I put it in the bag and pull it out when needed.

[divotguy]

In case any one is interested in 25% discount at Intelligolf... Just got in my mail box.

---------------
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Best wishes,

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www.intelligolf.com

[sillywilly]

so sold my M3 to my friend and went with the M5


Is there a particular version of IG I should be getting? Eagle is the best one? Is it $60 for the software and then you never have to purchase it again?

[Kilroy]

Yup

[sillywilly]

I'm all over the map here but....

A friend just GAVE me a dell axim x51v. It does not have a build in GPS receiver so I would have to blue tooth it. Do you guys know if its more accurate with a built in gps or a blue gps receiver?

Any downsides to going bluetooth instead of built in? Both run mobile 5.

[sillywilly]

bump