Best dive computers for a new diver?

[Belzelbub]

Does the user adjust GF (H/L) directly or do they dial in a number corresponding to a conservatism factor (or %) where the GF to conservatism factor is set by SW?

Could be both. To set conservatism, you go to that section of the menu and find where it says Conservatism. You then hit edit. You can select from Low, Medium, and High presets, or choose custom. The GFs assigned to those presets show up in the menu when scroll through the options. If you choose custom, you then can set the GFLo and GFHi.

BTW, this is a totally different sub menu from where you select the gas mix. Both are clearly labeled, so if users are changing GFs thinking it’s gas, then they clearly aren’t reading.

 

[Pressurehead]

if you get to a point that helium is needed rebreather is a better route and you will need a petrel with the rebreather and use the perdix as a back up.

If you ever arrive at this point, you are not one of the poor so money is not an issue.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

I recommend a Ratio iX3M computer. It's a more advanced and a more reliable computer.
Get a iX3m 2 Pro. It air integrated, has a built in compass, and is a 3 gas computer (Nitrox, air & gauge). The best thing about Ratio computers is when you want to up grade to Trimix or CCR you don't have to sell your computer and buy a brand new one. You just have to buy the up grade program for your existing computer.

Ratio Computers - Ratio Computers

Discover the innovative world of Ratio Computers and shop everything iX3M, iDive, Wireless Transmitter, plus explore accessories, and expert device support.

www.ratio-computers.eu

 

[tursiops]

I recommend a Ratio iX3M computer. It's a more advanced and a more reliable computer.
Get a iX3m 2 Pro. It air integrated, has a built in compass, and is a 3 gas computer (Nitrox, air & gauge). The best thing about Ratio computers is when you want to up grade to Trimix or CCR you don't have to sell your computer and buy a brand new one. You just have to buy the up grade program for your existing computer.

Ratio Computers - Ratio Computers

Discover the innovative world of Ratio Computers and shop everything iX3M, iDive, Wireless Transmitter, plus explore accessories, and expert device support.

www.ratio-computers.eu

Compare service availability and quality, transmitters, and resale value before choosing between computers.

 

[L13]

I recommend a Ratio iX3M computer. It's a more advanced and a more reliable computer.

Evidence for "more advanced" and "more reliable"? The latter will be even harder to prove given that the Ratio is so new that reliability data will be limited.

The main advantage I see for the Ratio's over the Shearwater's are GPS and Gas analysis.
The main disadvantages appear to be a less intuitive user interface. see:

Ratio Dive Computers Announces New iX3M 2!! Our Best Dive Computer yet!

Does anyone have a picture of the tank pressure on the computer. I need a large display and I'm very interested in this computer. Thanks You can see the pressures on the bottom row of the image. Ratios Idive Colour is also a similar screen layout, just smaller

scubaboard.com

 

[BoltSnap]

The main disadvantages appear to be a less intuitive user interface. see

If a diver buys the full technical version and doesn't know or understand what GF L/H are, that's not an issue with the computer's interface.

 

[L13]

If a diver buys the full technical version and doesn't know or understand what GF L/H are, that's not an issue with the computer's interface.

What about smaller fonts and having to re-synchronize AI every time?

I haven't personally compared menu structures, etc. but Shearwater has a reputation for doing UI better than anyone else. Maybe I should say "possibly" with regard to UI advantage/disadvantage.

 

[BoltSnap]

What about smaller fonts and having to re-synchronize AI every time?

I responded to you there.

No, you don't have to synchronize them everytime. Once synchronized, they are "mated."

 

[L13]

I responded to you there.

No, you don't have to synchronize them everytime. Once synchronized, they are "mated."

Glad to hear that! I'm seriously considering the Ratio as my next computer. The only thing holding me back is my existing investment in Garmin transmitters and the loss of AI on my Mk2i if I switch. Two transmitters on a first stage seems silly.

 

[BoltSnap]

Two transmitters on a first stage seems silly.

I have two transmitters on mine, Ratio and SP