A: A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is a small handheld computer. These devices were originally used as digital personal organizers, capable of storing notes, meeting times, phone numbers, etc. However, in more recent years, the PDA has evolved in terms of its technical abilities – approaching the near-functionality of a full-size computer.
Typical PDA’s have a price range of about $200 to $800 (models less than $200 will affect the speed of LAPGOLF).
PDA’s typically function on one of two operating systems:
Pocket PC (a version of Microsoft Windows that runs on devices made by HP/Compaq, Toshiba, and others).
Palm OS (this software is used on devices made by Palm and Handspring). LAPGOLF will work with both systems.
Q: How do I carry my PDA when I’m not entering data?
A: Try to get a holster that can be attached to your golf bag, your belt, or your cart; or simply put it in your pocket. There are also various PDA mounting devices, such as cup-holder mounts that can be found in local computer stores or over the Internet.
Q: Which PDA should I buy?
A: Your decision will come down to price. In general, lower priced models work well; however more expensive devices will come with better screen displays and longer-lasting internal batteries.
A: We recommend that you purchase a PDA with at least 16 megs of RAM in order to have faster response times on the course. A PDA with only 8 megs of RAM, while slower, should still provide a remarkable response time though.
Q: What is the upgrade policy for LAPGOLF?
A: Free upgrades will be offered to all customers who purchase LAPGOLF within 30 days of a new release.
Q: Can I use the distance calculator during a round?
A: Yes, but contact your local golf authority/club to see if a distance calculator is accepted.
Installation
Q: Can I install LAPGOLF on my PDA from my Macintosh computer?
A: Yes.
Purchase
Q: Is it safe to use my credit card to purchase the product online?
A: Yes! LAPGOLF is a secure site that uses the latest security measures and encryption technology. This keeps your information safe and secure.
Q: Is there a service fee for using LAPGOLF?
A: No. You pay once for the software and then it’s yours forever.
LAPGOLF Abilities
Q: How will LAPGOLF improve my game?
A: LAPGOLF can improve your game by highlighting statistical trends in terms of how you play.
The program will also tell you the best club you can use for each shot. This is one of the best ways the program can help improve your game – especially since using the wrong club can add on an extra 10-12 strokes per round.
Q: Can LAPGOLF suggest what club to use?
A: Yes, LAPGOLF knows exactly what club you should use at all times. It knows this by measuring your hit statistics with each given club you play.
Q: Should I wait several games before I can find out about the average distance of all my clubs?
A: LAPGOLF records all your strokes and calculates the average automatically. That being said, the more shots you input into LAPGOLF, the more precise the averages become. Technically, after you’ve made a mere two shots, you can use the program to determine average distance, however it’s advisable to input a few games into LAPGOLF to ensure it gives you better averages and suggestions from the get-go.
Also, please note that the user can choose to remove shots from the statistical count if he or she desires.
Q: Will LAPGOLF adjust if I improve my distances?
A: LAPGOLF constantly adjusts whether you improve your distances or not (although we’re certain you will!). This adjustment is constantly taking place as LAPGOLF calculates the average distances based on the last 50 strokes you took.
Q: Where is the User's Guide?
A: The instruction manual is available for download on this website. Click here for the User's Guide Palm version or PC version.
Q: Can a round be changed on the Palm device?
A: Yes, changes/corrections can be made on the Palm device at any time. Whether you’ve made an error or missed a shot, you can correct the problem with only a few pushes of a button.
Q: Are there any sides / wagering games available with LAPGOLF?
A: No. This is not the purpose of LAPGOLF. The program is a virtual caddy that assists you with game improvement, not betting.
Q: Will I lose my rounds and course information if for some reason I shut down my PDA?
A: No. LAPGOLF is programmed to automatically backup your game in case of user error.
Q: A golf caddy can suggest clubs depending on weather conditions and course conditions. Can LAPGOLF do the same?
A: If you record the weather and course conditions on a regular basis, then the answer is yes. The more information you collect, the more precise the advice.
Palm OS
Q: What are LAPGOLF’s hardware/software requirements?
A: LAPGOLF works on nearly all PDA’s on the market. A minimum requirement for the program is Palm OS (version 3.5 or higher).
Q: How much memory on the Palm device is required to run LAPGOLF?
A: Very little. Without the addition of players, a course, or round information, the LAPGOLF Palm Pilot will use a mere 120KB's of memory. Even when the numbers are increased to 10 players, 10 courses, and 5 full rounds, LAPGOLF will still only use 130KB's of memory.
We also test all releases of LAPGOLF on all Palm Pilot devices – including the original Pilot 5000 – which only comes with a mere 512KB of memory.
Due to the constraints on the Palm Pilot used during our test design, we implemented a “selective synchronization service.” This was done purposely so all your round history and course information can be removed as needed from the Palm Pilot and input onto your home PC. This is done by way of a “hotsync.”
