Computers: Watch vs Console?

[msg]

I had an Aladin wrist mount, but somewhere somehow it is AWOL. I purchased an Aeris Atmos II, in the console, because I figure I won't lose the entire regulator. It is a matter of preference. I liked the wrist mount, but the console isn't bad either. It does make downloads a little more cumbersome, but I'll deal with it.

 

[Hatul]

I dive with a wrist Vyper and an old Prodigy as backup on my console.

My preference would be to go with console as long as you have a good quick disconnect. You're going to have a compass and a pressure gauge anyway, so you might as well have everything in one place to view. And it's one thing less to put on and snag on BC straps.

Adam

 

[Rupert Vidion]

** Go with what feels comfortable and is easier to use for you. As always try before you buy if you can.

** Do you regularly dive using borrowed/rented gear? It is difficult to take a consol mounted computer with you if you don't take your regs.


** It is worth investing in the same brand/model of computer as your regular buddy(ies). That way (assuming you follow the same profile) you will have similar NSLs/Deco requirements. So neither of you gets left sitting on Deco on your own or has to cut their dive short because the other guys computer is beeping.

My personal preference is for a bungy mounted Suunto Vyper. Because a) I hate large consoles, b) I often dive rented or borrowed gear on my travels.

This may or may not bother you:

If you dive with a certain type of diver they will decry you for having a computer on your wrist, if you dive with another sort they will shun you for having a computer on your consol. This is not always blind prejudice, sometimes the local diving conditions favour one configuration over the other. Ask your LDS, see what's favoured in your area and why.


Rupert

Remember: No matter how great something is, if it's a pain to use you won't and features you pay for but never use are money wasted.

 

[surfsidedav]

Also keep in mind if you want to be able to download your dives onto your home computer. The Gekko doesn't have this feature.

 

[sunkmail]

Also keep in mind if you want to be able to download your dives onto your home computer. The Gekko doesn't have this feature.

There is a patch for this ... I think I saw it on a thread here on SB, but too lazy to do the search myself

 

[FritzCat66]

My preference would be to go with console as long as you have a good quick disconnect. You're going to have a compass and a pressure gauge anyway, so you might as well have everything in one place to view.

This echoes my logic for a console. But yes, I should have mentioned that in my earlier post: if you go with a console, spend the extra $$$ for the manufacturer's quick-disconnect. Otherwise you have to haul your entire regset over to your desktop/laptop just to download your dives! Also makes it easier to pack your computer separately for travel. Obviously not a concern for wristmount.

Another tip: regardless of console or wristmount, the computer manufacturer will have a thick plastic screen protector available for your computer that is worthwhile getting. It takes the inevitable scratches instead of your computer face, and can easily be replaced.

>*< Fritz

 

[WVMike]

I have a Vyper wrist mount. I wear the Vyper on one wrist and my compass on the other. Dive with my hands in front and get monitor my gauges easily and often. Can watch depth and direction without having to struggle with console. I use the DSS mount on my SK7 compass, but still have factory mount on Vyper.

 

[la_diver]

Have only used the wrist mount, actually I mount mine on my forearm. I have Aeris xr-2, has larger readouts.

 

[frogman159]

For what its worth, my wife started with a console, we just sold it and got her a wrist unit.

 

[diveandclimb]

I dived using rentals which included Gekko consoles for a couple of years and hated having the huge bulk of an SPG and the computer and a compass all stuck to my BC and, even though it was on a retractor, I was always worried it was going to get smashed into something. Now I have a Dive Rite bungied compass on my right forearm, a N2ition in a DSS bungie mount on my left forearm, and an SPG clipped off to my BC. This helps keep down the chest clutter and I can look at my computer with one motion instead of feeling around for the console than fighting the retractor to look at it then letting it go and having it snap back onto my chest. As an aside, should you get a wrist mount choose one you can get a DSS mount for and buy the mount. You won't regret it.