Best computer under $400

[WarmWaterDiver]

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.

Ty Ty,

Yeah, if it hasn't shipped yet, call Larry & Joe on the phone at Scubatoys, or PM Larry from Scubaboard, or e-mail Scubatoys, with your order number, so they'll know you're a Scubaboard member. In fact, paste a link to this thread if you e-mail or PM.

And, if you didn't already, consider spending $50 of the money you saved on a PC download kit the 2 of you can share use of - Scubatoys are pretty amazing at only $50 adder for one when you buy a dive computer from them - check what the price is elsewhere for a PC download kit. I've never owned an Aeris or used their software, so I can't comment on that model specifically, but my wife & I enjoy having an electronic logbook as well as paper logs, plotting our dives in graph form . . . but we're geek Engineers, so I guess no surprise!

 

[alexferr]

Hi,

I recently buy the new uwatec Aladin Prime (Dec 2004) http://www.scubapro.com/products/comps/al_prime_wrist/al_prime_wrist.asp after long reflection.

I consider that it integrated a computer interface (IR-data), the battery can be replace by user and can be use for recreational nitrox (up to 50%). Uwatec (available in Scubapro official dealers) offers a worldwide warrenty and the price is around $350.

I am fully satisfied since I use it un California (I used to dive in France), really friendly to use.

 

[Deleria]

I want features in order of importance;
1) watch model
2) nitrox mode option
3) back light
4) imperial/ metric conversion
5) change batteries myself
6) reasonably conservative
5) thermometer
6) compass
8) warranty prefer 2 years
9) audible but not alarmist alarms
10) not so expensive I'll have to cut off my left arm to pay for it

can you help me? What info did you get TyTy?
cheers
Deleria

 

[WarmWaterDiver]

Deleria,

You should be able to follow the same links posted by anyone earlier in this thread. Or, IMO, you could just get in contact with Scubatoys and take it from there.

I'm not sure how many 'watch model' dive computers have user replaceable batteries, but I know it's less than the number of 'wrist model' computers with user replaceable batteries.

There have been two articles posted in the last year in Rodale's Scuba Diving magazine mentioned earlier in this thread - that could be a starting point, but keep in mind prices shown in those articles are 'list' prices.

 

[Deleria]

thanks!
I meant a wrist model not watch, I'll have a look at the ScubaToys then make a decision- everyone smmes to have different ideas of what's good and not...makes it harder for newies to decide what's a good one.

 

[WarmWaterDiver]

There are 'wristwatch style' full dive computers, such as the Apeks Pulse, Scubapro Xtender, Suunto Mosquito, Citizen Hyper-Aqualand and Cyber-Aqualand NX, etc., as well as 'standard' wrist computers.

But, with the criteria in the order you posted, I'd still have to say the TUSA IQ-700 would be my 'pick' for those criteria - but that's just my opinion. The folks at Scubatoys can also help guide you if you want them to.

There's some very interesting graphs on simulated dive profiles and algorithm conservatism in the two RSD articles, but don't think the prices listed as 'list' prices in those articles are set in stone - there's room for negotiation when you're ready to buy. For example, the NiTek Duo was rated both a 'Testers Choice' and a 'Best Buy', although the TUSA IQ-700 is 'listed' for $11 less than the NiTek Duo at Scubatoys, it was 'listed' at $50 more than the NiTek Duo in RSD.

Those articles also include warranty length in the tables / summaries. TUSA is one of the few brands with a 2 year warranty.

Here's the link to the 2004 article

http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/dive_computers/crunching_the_numbers/

This is all that's on their web site for the May 2005 issue, but it mentions the second article. The TUSA IQ-800 is something I'd be tempted to get if it was programmable for 2 different Nitrox mixes like the IQ-700. I'd like a 'silent alert' mode, and the numbers / faceplate should be easy on my aging eyes. Who knows, maybe that's next year's model.

http://www.scubadiving.com/site/subscriptions/current_issue_of_scuba_diving_magazine/

 

[alexferr]

Hehehe,

I have tried too "sold" the computer I choosed who is made in Switzerland, were I used to live and were I want to come back... but I remind that Uwated is not very present in north America and there is here many good brands most accessible over here...

I seek (not wildly!) Alaldin Prime Uwated (check it out this test: http://www.divernet.com/equipment/0405divertests.shtml#prime) vendors one the web without results, even it fit really to your features. I guess that your local Scubapro official vendor could get it.

The fonction I love on it: an integrated IR-data port :07: for computer/pocket PC communicating: no extra PC interface (most of the time so expensive) to buy!!

Have a good choice,

Alex

Deleria,

You should be able to follow the same links posted by anyone earlier in this thread. Or, IMO, you could just get in contact with Scubatoys and take it from there.

I'm not sure how many 'watch model' dive computers have user replaceable batteries, but I know it's less than the number of 'wrist model' computers with user replaceable batteries.

There have been two articles posted in the last year in Rodale's Scuba Diving magazine mentioned earlier in this thread - that could be a starting point, but keep in mind prices shown in those articles are 'list' prices.