The SkyCaddie SG4 and SG5 are digital rangefinders manufactured by SkyGolf. The SkyCaddie is so named because it acts like a digital caddy: making golfers aware of the challenges and obstacles of the golf course being played, as well as offering information on overcome them.
Background
The SkyCaddie's developer, SkyGolf, is a privately held company specializing in positioning systems and technology products for golf courses. The SkyCaddie is notable for using the same GPS (Global Positioning System) as the U.S. military, only that it is in a handheld form.
Main Features
The SkyCaddie SG4 and SG5 compute distances to any point on a golf course. They feature SkyGolf's patented IntelliGreen technology, which provides the user with a view of each green from anywhere on the golf course. Other features include a course map library, a mark-the-ball system for knowing the distance you hit with each shot, and instant distances to up to 40 targets per hole. About the size of a cellphone, these devices are 5 inches high and 2 inches wide, with a weight of 6 oz.
Differences
The most notable difference between the SkyCaddie SG4 and SG5 is the screen display. The SG4 has a gray-scale screen while the SG5 sports a back-lit color LCD screen. Included among the SG5's enhanced features is the IntelliGreen Pro, which improves on the IntelliGreen technology by displaying elevations at the golf course.
Boxed Accessories
Included with the SkyCaddie SG4 and SG5 are a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with AC battery charger, a heavy-duty belt clip, a USB cable and a Quick Start Guide.
Price
As of June 2010, the SkyGolf Caddie SG4 is discontinued. It can be purchased, however, from Amazon.com for $150. The SG5 is still in production and costs twice as much as the SG4: $300.
Tags: golf course, IntelliGreen technology
