Earlier today I received an email from a source at uPlayTech (makers of the forthcoming uPro Golf GPS System). The email confirmed much of what I’ve already covered, including the 4 business day commitment to mapping new courses.

With a steady stream of users hitting Qwowi looking for uPRO information, I think it’s safe to assume that this info will be of interest to a lot of people.  If you haven’t done so already, please take a look at what I’ve already written about the uPro:

• uPro Set To Make Your GPS Golf Rangefinder Obsolete
• uPro GPS Launches Course Finder

First, May 19th is pretty much the go live date for everything associated with the uPro system.  That’s when the uPRO will start shipping.  It’s also when the first batch of courses will be available for download.

Retail price for the uPro has been set at $399.  Pre-orders are being accepted at the uPro Web Site, as well as retail outfits across the country (including The Golf Warehouse - Golf’s #1 Online Superstore).

Those of you trying to get an early jump on course downloads have probably already figured out that downloads, and registration have been disabled until the product launches.

The most interesting new information I received from uPlay are the pricing packages for both ProMode™ and BasicMode™ course downloads. Courses will be sold on a credit system.

As you can see from the final pricing figures, it pays to buy credits in bulk.  For most of us 20 courses will be more than enough, but it’s nice to have options.

The table below shows the original pricing for BasicMode courses, however, uPlay recently changed their pricing model such that all BasicMode courses, no matter how many you download, are free.  That’s right, buy a uPro, and unless you need/want ProMode, you’ll never spend another dime.

Given how dramatically the number of courses increase from one package to the next, there’s not much sense in buying only one or two (remember, the first one’s free), especially if you play a lot of courses like I do.  You’ll get a lot more bang for your buck buying in bunches.

Just for good measure, here’s a very brief breakdown of Basic and Pro Modes.  Both modes feature Hazard View (the distance to both the front and back of hazards), and Green View, which displays distances to the front, center, and rear of the green).  With ProMode™ you also get the following:

• Video Flyover: Each hole in the Pro Mode has a video flyover that allows the user to see the layout of the hole from an aerial perspective and it gauges elevation and slope changes. From the center of the green, users can see the 100, 150 and 200 yard markers.
• Measure Mode: Scale accurate measurements are used to measure to and from any point on the golf course, even the outskirts of the rough.
• SmartView™: Users are always shown pertinent information based on their current location on the course. Three different views allow the user to plan out the perfect shot.

Granted, I haven’t actually seen the technology in the field, but, on paper at least, the video flyovers, and Measure Mode, look so cool that I don’t know why you’d bother with a BasicMode™ course.

Buy the uPRO GPS now at Amazon.com