Computer for beginner - good idea, bad idea?

[voodoo0ne]

Hi,

Do you think that is a good idea for a beginner to get a dive computer? I have done my CMAS * and am working towards my **. I have done 5 dives and need another 30 at various depths.

I read in some magazines that a computer is a good idea because it hard to judge acent rates and stuff. But some argue that it is better to learn without a computer first.

What do people think?

I am thinking of getting an Aladin Sport Plus, is this a good computer for a beginner to get???

Thanks

 

[chiara]

I started with LIFRAS (which is the Belgian branch of CMAS) back in September 1999.

When buying my own equipment, I took advantage of an offer and also bought an Aladin Pro computer (updated to Aladin Pro Ultra when I took Nitrox), I wasn't certified yet.

But I waited until I was about to do my 20th dive before using it, I simply didn't feel ready before, and it seemed as good a moment as any to start using it (it was also my first dive in the sea).

Now I'm with PADI and I see many people with a computer from the very start, I'm not sure it's a good thing, and always wonder if they know how to read their tables.

Some of them probably have no clue.

I'd say if you have a good offer buy it, but keep it in the closet until you have some more experience.

 

[chiara]

Forgot something: if you are already working on your 2*, you might consider Nitrox in the future; why don't you invest some extra $'s and buy a Nitrox-capable?

Aladin Pro Ultra and Smart Pro both have this capacity, which of course you can forget for the time being, but you won't have to change the computer if and when you'll need Nitrox.

 

[voodoo0ne]

Thanks for the advice.
Money is a bit tight at the moment so the Aladin Sport Plus would have been the most I could afford (because I'm buying a full set of everything!)

But what about the Uwatec Digital guage? It has depth/dive time/ acent rate warning - seems to be everything I need. It's cheap and it will make me learn my tables?

 

[NJdiver85]

Definately get a computer. Although you could get away with a bottom timer, a computer will allow you to extend your bottom time on multi-level dives (air supply permitting). Also, a nitrox computer is usually only a little more money than an air only computer so it is a wise investment as you would be unlikely to outgrow it. If money is tight, try ebay for some great deals on computers. Good luck and let us know how things go.

 

[Ranz]

When I did my OW, I was taught how to use the dive tables and a computer, I feel that I can use both, and feel comfortable with or without a computer.
Ranz

 

[caymaniac]

If you are going to buy a inexpensive computer it is a great idea, because once you get diving a bit more you'll may notice that you do need redundancy. I have used two computers for the last 4 years, I check one against the other. I used to have only one, but then after battery problems - malfunctions, its always good to have a back up. The tables don't allow for much bottom time. Almost all my dives are over an hour, get a computer! :boom: even if it is a cheap one, then latter use it for a back up.

Dive Safe
Caymaniac

 

[TexasMike]

In my personal opinion, every recreational diver should take advantage of a dive computer. Mostly due to the fact that we are having (and desire to have) too much fun looking at the undersea flora and fauna to keep track of all of the various bits of data that a good computer keeps up with.

Also, only with a computer can you get a more precise estimate of your nitrogen uptake during dives and offgas during surface intervals.

But I also encourage thorough understanding of how to use tables. One should have a good grasp on what the tables are representing and how to use them in proper dive planning.

I also encourage new divers to investigate getting computers that are nitrox capable. Most are these days. And even if you don't become nitrox certified right away, you most likely will soon enough. And then you're trusty computer is ready to handle that without requiring replacement.

 

[MikeS]

The reason that tables exist is that most people are not trained and/or willing to do the math required to calculate nitrogen loading and off gassing. Tables are a tool to simplify making the calculations. A dive computer is just another tool, albeit faster and more accurate, that serves the same function.

Tables will soon go the way of the dinosaurs. You don’t need tables to learn the principles and practices of nitrogen loading. The only reason they’re still around is that they are the lowest common denominator. Once computers become less expensive than a separate SPG, depth gauge, and bottom timer, and therefore become the “standard” rental equipment tables will start to disappear.

A great parallel, I’m afraid I’m dating myself here, is trigonometry tables. We learned trigonometry using the tables in the back of book. Today, I doubt they the tables are even in the books anymore. Why, because calculators with Trig functions are now available and inexpensive.

I think that air integrated computers make diving inherently safer when used properly, by reducing the chances of human error and by updating information during the dive. But as is also the case with tables, or any other tool, you need to take the time to learn how to use them properly. Anyone that goes into the water with a computer not fully understanding how it works is a Darwinism in practice.

Mike