Best First Dive Comp under $700?

[victorzamora]

And for the record, by that logic, why make AI at all?

Because they can talk people into buying it

 

[Grender]

So you're saying divers should have to buy a crappy computer before they buy a good one because they're too dumb to watch a needle? That's....thought provoking.


Yeah, and how dare somebody buy a good computer when they could waste just as much money on a garbage one they'll toss after 50 dives?

Please tell me how an air integrated computer with a solid algorithm, solid build, and nice suite of features is crap that will be tossed after 50 dives?

 

[buddhasummer]

Not really man, I might suggest you take the open water course again. Try to imagine yourself as someone who has never breathed underwater before, ever.

You don't just become a skilled diver over night.

And for the record, by that logic, why make AI at all?

Why is it so bad for someone (like me) who is relatively new to diving, who dives 90% of the time to hunt, to value AI for its ability to give me time frame for the duration of my dive.

I plan, I know based on my gas mix that I have x amount of time at a certain depth. But I am up and down all over the reef. In Florida you may start a dive at 60 feet and end up at 80, and back up to 50 by the end.

I never take the 'dive time left' as gospel, but it is nice to have for a new diver. Which is what this thread is all about.

I agree one doesn't become a skilled diver overnight but I'm not sure having something telling what to do etc expedites things. Thinking about things is how we learn. Technology can slow the learning process and can make us lazy.

Why make AI at all? You think they are made out of altruistic concern for divers? I'd hazard it's more monetary in motivation.

I have no objection to anyone buying what ever they want if it makes them happy but suggesting an AI computer is in some way benificial to a new diver...well let's just agree to disagree. All good, enjoy your weekend. Cheers.

 

[Grender]

I don't care which brand you buy... I am only advocating AI for a first computer.

It is for the same reason that you don't put someone who is just learning how to ride a bike on a carbon fiber street racer.. A beach cruiser may suite them better at first.

If they WANT to get more hard core, they can. But face it, some people are happy riding the beach cruiser for the rest of their lives.. To each their own.

 

[buddhasummer]

And for the record, I don't care which brand you buy... I am only advocating AI for a first computer.

It is for the same reason that you don't put someone who is just learning how to ride a bike on a carbon fiber street racer.. A beach cruiser may suite them better at first.

If they WANT to get more hard core, they can.

Apples and oranges.

Learning to to ride on a beach cruiser gives you a skill through practice, a skill that can be further developed, how does AI develope any skill for a new diver except a reliance on technology?

 

[ronscuba]

These dive computer discussions are really getting silly. So now AI computers are garbage and get tossed after 50 dives ?

 

[uncfnp]

Grender. I disagree. In fact I think it's just the opposite and the new diver is exactly the one that doesn't need the AI. It's like the individual that's learning basic math, if you hand them a calculator they'll never learn. If you have them do the calculations themselves, they learn not only the math but the theory behind it. And it's not quite the same as the DC verses tables arguement. With dive computers, there is an added benefit of more accurate tracking of actual depth and improved BT. Not so with AI.

Then what happens when the transmitter fails or they have to rent a non AI computer?

Like Buddhasummer, I don't care what each diver buys but I think each diver deserves the option of an informed decision.

 

[dmoore19]

Amazing how things change over time. When I first started reading this board a computer was pure devil's spawn. If you know what the computer is telling you and you understand how to use it I see no problem with AI.

I am sure the petrel is a good computer, it isn't what I want but it is probably a great computer.

Things change.

 

[uncfnp]

BTW. Did any one noticed that two "paperweights" recently sold for 450 each?



http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cl...414-2-shearwater-predators-sale-450-each.html

 

[Grender]

Grender. I disagree. In fact I think it's just the opposite and the new diver is exactly the one that doesn't need the AI. It's like the individual that's learning basic math, if you hand them a calculator they'll never learn. If you have them do the calculations themselves, they learn not only the math but the theory behind it. And it's not quite the same as the DC verses tables arguement. With dive computers, there is an added benefit of more accurate tracking of actual depth and improved BT. Not so with AI.

Then what happens when the transmitter fails or they have to rent a non AI computer?

Like Buddhasummer, I don't care what each diver buys but I think each diver deserves the option of an informed decision.

I don't rely on a transmitter, mine is connected to the hose. If I had to use a non AI computer I would add another level of conservatism to my profile.

I can see your argument of calculator vs longhand. In practice though, especially in places like South Florida and the Keys where I dive, AI is great. My profiles are all between 30 and 90 feet; where the water is 75-85 degrees and the vis is 60 ft +. AI is a valuable tool that I use to simplify my thought process while I concentrate on whatever I am hunting. I use a back up wrist computer and I know how to do air volume calculations, but I prefer to use technology to my advantage (what a concept!!!!)