Best Computer for the money

[micahking]

As you can see from my profile, I am relatively new to diving. I would like to purchase a dive computer but I don't know which one I should buy. What is the best dive computer (preferably air integrated) for around $500.

 

[Boneisland Photo]

Dive Rite NiTek Duo: Because it has a user replaceable battery, and a gauge-only mode. It can be found for around $400.00 brand new. You may even find them used for MUCH less. I picked up a used one for $100.00 cash the other day.

 

[don Francisco]

You probably don't need to spend nearly so much, especially if you're willing to do without air integration.

For a great reliable computer, and great value consider the Suunto Gekko. It has all the features people actually use (including Nitrox which you might want later on) and not much fluff. It should cost you about half your budget, leaving you dough for actual diving.

As you consider other options, take some time to list those features you really plan on using and buy the simplest computer that meets all the requirements. Unnecessary features only make a unit more complicated and creates clutter on the screens.

 

[scubadada]

I've not been an active participant on ScubaBoard for very long but I've already grown weary of "I don't know much, I've not taken the time to do my own research, what computer should I buy?" Divers should take responsibility for determining their general needs and then do appropriate background work to determine computers that meet those needs. The forum should be a source of more detailed or experiencial information. There is a tremendous amount of information available. Sorry but this seems incredibly slothful and irresponsible on a repetitive basis. I'm just an old curmugeon.

Good diving, Craig

 

[Dive&Ski]

I've not been an active participant on ScubaBoard for very long but I've already grown weary of "I don't know much, I've not taken the time to do my own research, what computer should I buy?" Divers should take responsibility for determining their general needs and then do appropriate background work to determine computers that meet those needs. The forum should be a source of more detailed or experiencial information. There is a tremendous amount of information available. Sorry but this seems incredibly slothful and irresponsible on a repetitive basis. I'm just an old curmugeon.

Good diving, Craig

While you are correct that there is a lot of information available on this site, if you had a minute to type a rude response, you also had a minute to type a informative response....or no response at all. Just sayin'...

 

[divedeepnj]

I'm glad that scubadada was never a new diver! Don't worry, we're not all JO's micah! If you don't need air integration, check out some of the wrist mounts out there. My fav's are the Dive Rite Nitek Duo, Tusa DC Hunter, and the Cressi Sub Archimede which is really cheap right now on LP. You should also talk to some local divers, see what they use and why.

 

[scubadada]

I'm sorry, I believe my point was missed. The same basic questions are asked repetitively. There is a plethora of information already available on the forum if one is willing to take a quick look. No offense to anyone, but a search of recent posts may serve as a great starting point in informaion gathering. As an example, a response I made to a question similar to this thread posted just 1 week ago:

Hi iilovepiink,

Pelagic Pressure Systems computers (Oceanic, Aeris, Genesis) and Cochran computers are consistently among the more liberal. Seiko computers (Dive Rite, Cressi, Zeagle, Tusa and Apeks outside the US all make computers identical to DR Nitik Duo and/or Plus) and Suunto computers are consistently among the more conservative. Uwatec is generally intermediate. There are many variables present in the various decompression algorithms you may want to learn more about. The choice comes down to personal preference. The various decompression algorithms all appear to be safe when applied correctly. I'm unaware of any data to suggest there are safety differences between them.

For the last decade I have dived an Oceanic Pro Plus then a Pro Plus 2 (AI with hose). I like the computers very much. I have a compass attached that I am very familar with using. That being said, I will likely switch to a hoseless AI when (if) my PP2 ever gives up.

I dive with a Dive Rite Nitek Duo as a backup. This is a very good computer. I really like the average depth displayed in the log, very convenient for SAC calculation. I use the computer download, works flawlessly, and I send my dive profiles directly to DAN Project Dive Exploration. I do not use the 2 gas switching yet but plan to move on to accelerated decompression in the near future. I use the available bungee mount rather than the traditional wrist strap and like it very much. There is a pretty significant price spread for this computer depending on brand as listed in the 1st paragraph. I find the DR Nitek Plus quite small and am glad I have the larger model, this is also a personal choice.

Seems like either the PPS or Seiko computers you mention in your initial post would serve you well. The Oceanic Geo now comes in yellow, blue, and green, but, alas, not piink. Best of luck in your computer purchase.

Good diving, Craig

 

[don Francisco]

I'm sorry, I believe my point was missed. The same basic questions are asked repetitively.

Absolutely right, folks tend to repeat the same questions on a sort of regualr basis, newbies especially; which computer, trim problems, ear problems, etc.

They could search the index and save us the trouble of answering, but it really doesn't matter, since no one is under any obligation anyway. Answer what you will, ignore the rest. Why waste time lecturing newbies, who might be as unfamiliar with the Scubaboard index capability as they are with diving?

If you think about it, probably every conceivable question has been asked and answered by now, so if everyone searched first, there would be no new posts, Scubaboard would become Scubalibrary, and NetDoc would be out of a job.

 

[Boneisland Photo]

I have to admit, I get a little annoyed by the "search the archives" response given by people on a regular basis. Everything in this industry is constantly changing. New computers are introduced, prices fall, some units are recalled etc... So if someone simply does an archive search they may get outdated information. Also, the more time passes, the more members here have an opportunity to use and form opinions on a particular product. They may decide that a computer that they LOVED 6 months ago(and posted their love for on the board) has failed on them a few times and/or that they may have received poor service from the manufacturer and now they HATE it. Opinions are fluid, and they change.

Also, why is it SO HARD to answer a simple question when it appears so EASY to type out a rude response? Like others have said, either answer the question or move on. These posters aren't calling you at home or at the office are they? Also, some people who choose to ask a question may have already checked the archives and now they just want to be part of the discussion or get some fresh points of view.

It amazes me that some people will post (not talking about you here Scubadada) so much off topic nonsense on a post or create ridiculous threads and then, almost in the same breath, will jump on someone for not using the search tool before 'wasting their time'.

I once had a legit question about which regulator to choose as a back up and a wanted a DIR (I'm not DIR for the record) opinion. I value ALL opinions and feel that some of the DIR folks really spend a lot of time researching and staying on top of equipment. I got a few rude responses from people who thought it was a waste of their time and a moderator in the DIR forum shut the thread down ALL BECAUSE one of the two regulators that I was CONSIDERING was not DIR. This, despite the fact that ONLY 2 THREADS DOWN there was a thread about "GUE clothing for dogs" that had a ton of responses. They had time to be rude and time to discuss, at length, when and if GUE should makes some t-shirts for their cocker spaniels but no time to answer a question about which regulator I should choose.

 

[scubadada]

Good points Boneisland photo. It takes a fair amount of time to draft a thoughful response to a question. I am not likely to spend the time to answer the same or similar questions on numerous occasions over a short period of time. A combined approach of searching recent similar threads and then posting a well thought out question would probably be the best method of obtaining the maximum amount of useful information.

ScubaBoard also makes me frustrated or angry at times, this is sometimes reflected in my posts. Overall, I enjoy participating, the benefit is far greater than the cost.

Good diving, Craig