Choosing New computer?

[Natureboy]

Hi everyone,
I'm going diving in Nov. and I'm on the look out for a new computer. My old one (8 yrs.) is good but it's a pain to find the batteries for it and also isn't the easiest to change them. It also isn't made any more and the company that did make it is out of business. So I've decided to up grade to a more current computer. The ones that I'm looking at are: Sherwood wisdom, Oceanic Pro Plus 2, and the Aeris Atmos AI. I've read a few reviews on them and also some posting here on the board, but found that they all seem to be comparable. I'd like some input on what experiences people have had with them. Also any plus or minuses you may have had in using them. I have a few months so hopefully you're comments will help in my decision. Thanks for your help.

Some of you have asked what features I'm looking for, well here they are:

AIR INTERGRATED (CONSOLE)
NITROX CAPABILITY
WATER ACTIVATION
BACKLIGHT
AUDIBLE ALARM
DATE, TIME AND TEMP
USER REPLACEABLE BATTERIES

not so important but nice
PC INTERFACE

Thanks again for your input. Already it has been helpful I was leaning toward the Areis atmos AI but I've read several that have said that they have had problems with the PC download (not so important to me) also one that said that it blanked out totally (very important). So I'm thinking that one over.

 

[The Kraken]

Love the Oceanic DataMax Pro Plus 2.
I dive the older Pro Plus and my wife dives the Plus 2.
I'm an older diver and really appreciate the larger numbers that the Oceanic presents on the gauge.

 

[Wildcard]

Not one of your listed choices but I have been very happy with my Vyper. You can use it as a no brainer, don't even have to rember to turn it on, or use it's more advanced features.

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

I would personally stay away from Aeris they seem to be in shop morwe than used for diving , I would go oceanic or suunto

 

[frankdr]

Hi everyone,
I'm going diving in Nov. and I'm on the look out for a new computer. ... I have a few months so hopefully you're comments will help in my decision. Thanks for your help.

What kind of features are important / not important for you? Let us know and we can probably make some better recommendations. I've got two different computers. Depending on the type of dive, one is somewhat better than the other, but I usually use them both as a primary / backup (one is a console, the other is a wrist mount)

Some things I thought about are - nitrox / wrist or console / air integrated / pc download / size / cost etc.

Here's some thoughts on the ones I have

Cressi Archimedes
likes - always on - large dispaly - can change the battery myself - 30 second profile log - easy to program - nice package with spg and compass in one unit - backlight works well at night - got a great deal on sale

dislikes - software and interface are expensive and doesn't work with XP - not air integrated

Dive-Rite Nitec C
likes - nice size - wrist mount - a little larger than a regular watch - titantium case and recessed crystal make it virtually indestructable (I tried) and very light- easy menu navigation - also got it cheap. I think this model is discontinued

dislikes - no backlight - no dive profile / pc download - have to send to shop for new battery.

 

[Tobagoman]

I dive with the Sherwood Logic, it's an older model predating the wisdom and only logs a dozen dives. It is simple to use and is Nitrox capable. Has a great backlight and a user changeable battery. It isn't PC downloadable and must be manually turned on before each us (stays on for 24 hours). Other than that it has been a great computer for the price and has not given me any problems.

 

[jkennedy]

My UWATEC by Scuba Pro is awesome..........check it out.

 

[damsel]

A buddy of mine's had A LOT of trouble with her Aeris computers. There's a bug in the current software that lets you download your dive profiles to your computer, and she wound up sending hers back and getting a brand new replacement three times - each replacement had the same problem. Finally they developed a software patch - well and good - but then her computer somehow got stuck in dive mode - it wound up racking up something like thirtytwo HOURS of deco time, and she wasn't even in the water. So she sent THAT one back, got a replacement, and that one crapped out in the middle of an absolutely gorgeous wall dive. Fresh from the factory, and the screen just blanked out. I'd be wary of going with the Atmos.

A lot of people love Oceanics to death, but I've heard from some quarters that at present their quality isn't so good. I don't have any firsthand knowledge, but I've heard several stories of their computers flooding mid-dive, for what it's worth.

Have you considered a Suunto? They do tend to be a bit conservative, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I have the Mosquito, and I love it to bits.

 

[djac5700]

OTOH - I have an Aeris Atmos AI and love it. No problems whatsoever. I like the display on the Aeris vs. the wisdom, but did not look at the Oceanic. Otherwise, they are pretty much the same (Pelagic) computer.

I did just buy the download cable, so I will be using tonight for the first time to view my Florida Keys dives from the weekend. I have read about problems, but will find out for myself tonight.

If you are sure you want to go with the Pelagics vs. the Suunto and are not too worried about the downloading, I would pick the one with the layout you like most.

And go with an authorized dealer!

 

[sleepyhead]

Hi
I think you would be safer off getting Vyper which incoporates every feature u will need now and later. They based their calculations on the new RGBM. it's better.. Or you could get the scubapro quattro v3 qab ... which is only available in japan.. which looks exactly like a seiko kinetic wrist watch..it's very cool..