Help me find a new Wrist Mount Computer

[Nasser]

Anyone who tells you that the computer you have will not be outdated in 5 to 10 years probably has excessive amounts of Nitrogen in their system. It only took a couple of hardware and firmware updates on the Petrel within the last two years and all of a sudden the For Sale classifieds on SB where filled with original Petrels for sale so that folks could pick up a new Petrel 2 with a digital compass and Smart Ready Bluetooth functionality - and that's with the same manufacturer and model. No telling what major improvements in PDC technology are in the distant horizon.

Granted that a lot of deco theory and algorithm programming has remained fairly constant in the past few years and major breakthroughs in deco theory and computer technology have yet to really show themselves, but there are constant improvements in screen technology, battery life, size and durability, design aesthetics etc..

So don't worry too much about the future and how long your computer will last - get what you need now and find something that suits your diving style, has a user interface that you're comfortable with, and fits your budget.

FWIW I dive with a Petrel and it is one kick-ass dive computer. For now, I couldn't be happier.

 

[Aotus]

Some people will always be on the lookout for the next new thing. That does not mean the petrel 1, or even the predator is outdated. They're still top notch.

 

[JohnnyC]

Some people will always be on the lookout for the next new thing. That does not mean the petrel 1, or even the predator is outdated. They're still top notch.

This. I had a Petrel. I bought a Predator for a backup. I actually prefer the Predator so I use it as my primary computer and the Petrel is running backup. I have no need to upgrade to the Petrel 2, and I won't until either of the others dies (which honestly I can't imagine happening anytime soon).

I'm running a 6 year old computer as a primary and my backup is at least 3 years old. There's nothing on the market right now that leaves me with any desire to "upgrade" over what I've already got.

 

[waterpirate]

Yes to the VCR, no to the rotary phone. I dive a Cochran. Why? I am so comfortable with the puter that I can predict what it is going to say. Tech divers are creatures of habit, we have to be. Have there been developments in deco theory since the Cochran was born? Yes, but no significant impact on the dives I do on a regular basis.

I am prolly going to buy a petrel this year, for the screen display alone. For the same reason I am trading my oms puck timer for my nitek in gauge mode next weekend. bigger screen display for my aging peepers.
YMMV
Eric

 

[Aqua-Andy]

The op has not come back yet with the all important question about what type of diving he does. I know everyone loves there Sheerwaters and some may even claim they will cure cancer. I believe computers of this level are a waste of money for the vast majority of divers out there. For the NDL diver what info do you really need, depth, time, no deco time remaining, Temperature and gauge mode for planned deco dives, that is about it. This Oceanic Veo 180 Air/Nitrox Wrist Dive Computer should suffice for most divers out there. The reality of it is the high end computers may have fancy screens and tons of bells and whistles but are way over kill for most of the people that purchase them. I dive to see the environment I am in not to play with a computer.

 

[waterpirate]

I blow my coin on trips, not the latest gear. As I said earlier, my peepers just need a little help now, and shearwater is going to light up my info.
YMMV
Eric

 

[scottwilson1]

I like my Aeris over all but wouldn't trust the transmitter at all - wish i bought a Petral

 

[geoff w]

+1 for the Petrel. My wife gave me one for Christmas and it's as great as everyone says. Easy to use, intuitive and solid. I'm just a recreational diver and probably only using 5% of it's capabilities, but it's so much nicer to use than my old Suunto Vyper, which I use for a backup

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Petrel.

/thread

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I like my Aeris over all but wouldn't trust the transmitter at all - wish i bought a Petral

I have the Aeris 300 CS as well. I had one of the first. Had it sent back a couple times. Third time is the charm and now the transmitter (and everything works great). The only minus is the battery life (I use rechargeables) and the lack of warning for low battery life. The OLED screen is nice. The hoseless transmitter is something I will never do without again (this is my first wrist computer). Would I buy it again? Honestly, probably not.