Best computer under $400

[TyTy]

TyTy

You might want to investigate the TUSA IQ-700. For the number of features, plus ability to 'grow' on if you should pursue Nitrox and more advanced training later, I don't see anything else on the market at < $400 that offers as much. I acquired one a few months ago and have been very happy with it - the only thing I changed was the wrist strap to the equivalent NiTek Duo cinch strap.

I have something to agree on with St. Somewhere - you should check Scubatoys. The TUSA IQ-700's 'list price' at Scubatoys is $389, $11 less than the 'list price' for the NiTek Duo at Scubatoys, and I'll bet if you call them, you could wind up with a lot of features for the buck. The TUSA also has a 2 year warranty versus 1 year warranty on the NiTek Duo.

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/Scuba_Nitrox_Computers.asp?PAGE=3

If that isn't what you're looking for, you can check their sale currently on Aeris models, since that's one brand you listed a preference for. They currently show the Atmos1 at $163.90, and Atmos2 at $289, with a $50 adder for the download cable for either model.

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/salesPage.asp

I started with an Oceanic Data Plus in 1999, but as my diving interests grew, the Oceanic Data Plus couldn't grow with them. My current setup is something I don't expect to outgrow any time soon (next 10 years, after that, who knows what my interests will be or what technology will change, but my personal interest in further training level of diving complexity is pretty well plateaued at ANDI TSD-3).

Hmmm, I hadent seen that Aeris Atmos 2. I was leaning towards the Oceanic Veo 250 but Ill have to take a good look at the Atmos 2 and compare them.

Wow, this board is SO helpful, thank you for all the opinions and answers, I really really really appreciate it!!!!

 

[matt t.]

Suunto Vyper from LP. Will also work well with more advanced (bottom timer for tech dives). Cheap, user replaceable batteries and probably the best re-sale of all of the computers mentioned. BTW, the level of concervatism (?) is adjustable....

Matt

 

[StSomewhere]

Suunto Vyper from LP. ...snip... BTW, the level of concervatism (?) is adjustable....

But only to make it *more* conservative.

You'd have to go with the Vytec to be able to be able set the RGBM to be less conservative, and that's only for mistakes like fast ascent rates, short SIs and reverse profiles. At $540 (without the AI transmitter) from LP, that's probably out of his price range anyway.

 

[TyTy]

But only to make it *more* conservative.

You'd have to go with the Vytec to be able to be able set the RGBM to be less conservative, and that's only for mistakes like fast ascent rates, short SIs and reverse profiles. At $540 (without the AI transmitter) from LP, that's probably out of his price range anyway.

Well, I at first settled on a Oceanic Veo 250 because after looking at comparison charts seemed to have everything I needed but then after this post started looking at the Aeris Atmos 2 and compared it to the Oceanic Veo 250. They are basically the exact same computers, same algorithm, same features, etc... So seeing as how www.scubatoys.com had the Aeris Atmos 2 on sale for $289 I got that verus the $400+ Veo 250. Another positive is that the Veo 250 is NOT made to go in a wrist version so with a lot of the generic wrist holders you have to put it in facing up your forearm, seems like that would be wierd to read like that vs facing towards the inside of your wrist.

So I ordered 2 of the Atmos 2 for my girlfriend and I.

Thank you for the help everyone! I cant say enough how helpful ya'll are.

 

[Derek S]

So I ordered 2 of the Atmos 2 for my girlfriend and I.

I have an Atmos 2 that I got from Larry @ ScubaToys and I can't complain. It really is a nice dive computer.

You'll be very happy with them.

 

[616fun]

Well, I at first settled on a Oceanic Veo 250 because after looking at comparison charts seemed to have everything I needed but then after this post started looking at the Aeris Atmos 2 and compared it to the Oceanic Veo 250. They are basically the exact same computers, same algorithm, same features, etc... So seeing as how www.scubatoys.com had the Aeris Atmos 2 on sale for $289 I got that verus the $400+ Veo 250. Another positive is that the Veo 250 is NOT made to go in a wrist version so with a lot of the generic wrist holders you have to put it in facing up your forearm, seems like that would be wierd to read like that vs facing towards the inside of your wrist.

So I ordered 2 of the Atmos 2 for my girlfriend and I.

Thank you for the help everyone! I cant say enough how helpful ya'll are.

Did you call ScubaToys and ask for Larry. If you tell him your a ScubaBoard member, a lot of times he'll make the deal even better (more $$ off, free shipping, etc). Just a thought.

 

[hex92]

You should be happy with the Aeris2. I have one and I bought one for my g/f too.

 

[J75]

Tyty,

I picked up a consol and a wrist mount Oceanic Veo 200 from Leisure pro last year for about $225 each. I believe the 200 has been discontinued since. I just checked LeisurePro and they still carry the Veo 100 for $175, and have the VersaPro Nitrox for $275. I have used my 200s in about 50 dives, and up to 150fsw and have had no problems. They've got user replaceable batteries, are backlit and are Nitrox compatible.

J75

 

[pickens_46929]

You are right...

This is for my GF and I, first time divers.

I am looking at Oceanic's simply because Suunto, Oceanic and Aeris seem to be the most popular. Oceanic stood out because I would rather have a liberal computer and dive safer on it than be limited to a conservative Suunto.

The models that seem to be in my price range on Oceanic are:

Veo 250
Veo 200
Veo 180

These three run the same Algorithm and have the same basic features. I assume they are all equally relaible so I think I will go for the 180 to save some mula, possibly it will have less bells and whistles and thus be a little more simple to use.

MSRP on the Veo 180 is $350 in a wrist pod which is right in my price range.

I have an Oceanic Versa Pro which can be had for $279 or there abouts on the net. Works great can get the download cable for an add'l $80. Does nitrox and is easy to read.

One thing I've looked alot at is the newer RGBM model computers which promotes slower ascents and deeper initial stops.

If you're only looking for air the Veo's look pretty decent. You might be able to get the Versa Pro's cheaper now since the Veo's look like they are replacing the Versa models.

Only thing I wish for on the Versa Pro was RGBM and now that I into tech diving, gas switching.


Dave

 

[Island Hoppa]

hey
i think for the money it is extremely hard to beat the aeris atmos 2. i have the computer and it is the easiest thing to use. plus i use it with nitrox and it also has the pc interface. if your on a budget and want a unbeatable comuter the atmos 2 is by far the best. i think better than suunto. you get more for your money with the aeris when compared to the suunto models at the same price. it is also better than the oceanic models. my friend uses the versa pro which is practically the same computer but it doesnt have the 3 minute safety stop countdown. he is mad that he purchased the oceanic and wishes that he had gone with the atmos 2. i bought my wrist model for 275 from larry at scubatoys.com. unbeatable service. good luck with your decision.