Once GPS loads, identifies the course and hole you're on quickly. Would be great if could present distances to hazards on the hole layout. Some complain about the digital picture, but I have issues with it. Good product.

I have been using this for 2 weeks. It has helped me make better decisions on the course. Easy to recharge.

I have been using a laser range finder for several years. Great for distance to the pin - when you can see the pin. No good for situations where there is no direct line of site to the pin. I bought the Garmin Approach Z80 since it has laser and GPS. In addition to providing distance to the front and back of the green, the GPS provides distances to all areas of interest on each hole - hazards, creeks, lakes, traps etc. from the point you are standing - and it shows it graphically on a map of the hole that is in the view finder.. THIS IS INVALUABLE. I thought I had found the ultimate device until it started running out of battery on hole #6, #7 or #8. It would not make it thru one round of golf. I contacted Amazon to send it back, but I was advised to run the most recent software upgrade via Garmin Express. Most software upgrades just provide new course information, but this latest upgrade fixed the power standby mode. The original software prevented the device from going into standby when it wasn't being used between holes, so it was on all the time - a real battery drain. With the new software upgrade on board, I completed a 4.5 hour 18 hole round yesterday and the battery level was still at 67%. Garmin says you can get at least 2 rounds of golf without recharging the battery. I think that is now true. You might get 3 rounds, but why chance it. The battery fully recharges in a few hours. You just have to remember to pull it out of your golf bag and charge it.

BATTERY UPDATE: I have now completed 5 rounds with the Z80. After each round the battery had a minimum of 60% remaining. The software update solved the battery problem. I'm updating my rating to 5 Stars.

Love the graphics and the hole layout next to the yardage. It is GREAT.

So after reading the other reviews concerning battery life i made the purchase anyway. I took the following steps. 1) Charged the unit. 2) Read the entire manual. 3) Updated the software. 4) Took it for a test drive on the driving range. Now I was ready. Used the unit for two rounds of golf and it worked great with all features active. After two rounds i still had 62% battery life remaining. This unit is awesome and would recommend it over any other on the market.