Computer rec for Older Eyes

[MVillanueva]

My name is Michael; this post is my first here. I have read many threads so far, and at this point I have diminshing returns.

I want a computer, preferably wrist mount so i can go wireless at some point in the future. I have been in a pool twice all the way to 14 feet.

I have looked at my dials on the gauges, and I find I cannot read squat. I do use reading glasses. I do not expect a computer to display its information in 72 font, but I do need one that is visibly presented in a manner that is intuitive and visually accessible. Secondly, as I run on macs, I would like one that has software that will run on VPC in a stable manner.

However, if I had to choose between readability and wrist mount, I would take readability. If I had to choose between compatible software and readability, I would take readability.

Computer suggestions based on my needs?

Secondly, my daughter is learning along with me. She is 12. Aside from the debate about teaching children to dive (I know more now than I wnat to know), I am curious as to how other parents have managed the computer issue in diving with their kids or other family members. Does she need a computer as well? If so, does it need to be the same type as mine? I ask this question because I have read that some computers are conservative and others are not.

Thank-you

Michael

 

[ABQdiver]

However, if I had to choose between readability and wrist mount, I would take readability. If I had to choose between compatible software and readability, I would take readability.

Computer suggestions based on my needs?

Secondly, my daughter is learning along with me. She is 12. Aside from the debate about teaching children to dive (I know more now than I wnat to know), I am curious as to how other parents have managed the computer issue in diving with their kids or other family members. Does she need a computer as well? If so, does it need to be the same type as mine? I ask this question because I have read that some computers are conservative and others are not.

Thank-you

Michael

Hey Michael,

I use both a Vyper by Suunto and a Smart Pro by Uwatec. I like both computers very much. The Smart Pro is a recent addition and does some pretty cool things and is quite easy to use and read (at least for me) underwater and above. I recommend buying your computer at the LDS you are certifying with since then there is no problem with warranties and service.
The Aeris is pretty good and the Wisdom by Sherwood is suppose to have a very large display, but I believe that model is air integrated. Personally I like the wrist mounted MUCH better than a console, but YMMV.
My daughter has her own computer, just like every diver (if your using) should have. You must not "share" a computer and if she does not use one then you both must effectively use the dive tables.

BTW, welcome to the Scuba Board

 

[Sideband]

IMO, best case is she has the same computer you do.
Edit: Read, the same kind of computer you do.
Different brands use different formulas and tables. Best is to be on the same set.

As for your problem reading guages and such, it was talked about in another thread a while back. There is a small magnifying glass type deal that you can attach to the inside of your mask. It is small and won't effect the rest of your view. I'll see if I can find the name of it, or someone else that knows will post it I'm sure.

http://www.joediveramerica.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FM99

I don't think this is the same one but it does the same thing.

Joe

Edit#2
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=DiveOptx
I think this is the one that was talked about in the other thread.

 

[Web Monkey]

The self-stick lens is from Neoptix - http://www.neoptx.com/ and works very well. The only down-side is that it tends to wash out if you get a lot of water in your mask. If you can figure out what kind of correction you need, you should be able to have an optician make a small lens and permanently bond it to the bottom edge of one side of your mask (the side you keep the computer on).

If you go with Neoptix, buy it somewhere that will let you try it first, since the water changes the amount of correction you need, and you'll probably guess wrong the first time.

As for computers, if you decide to get them, everybody needs their own. It calculates nitrogen loads, remaining bottom time, etc. based on what's happening with the user, which may or may not be the same for the other person. This is especially true of things like ascent rates.

If you get computers, make sure you get two of the same kind. You want to be able to look at yours or your daughter's and know exactly what it's saying. This is much easier if it's the same model that you usually dive with.

I know you probably don't want to hear my personal opinion, but it's free and I'll leave it here anyway. I was twelve once. At the time I also had a bunch of 12 year old friends. Although most of us were very bright and eventually went into various fields that require considerable brain power, when it came to self-preservation and a concept of mortality, we were all as dumb as a box of rocks.

I wouldn't take a 12 year old diving even if she had the apparent maturity of Sandra Day O'Connor. Scuba is exciting and wonderful, but the laws of physics are unforgiving. I'd wait a few years.

Terry

 

[scubatoys]

I'd say the biggest display is the Aeris - same in wrist or console. With a 19 inch monitor - that picture is about life sized...

As far as you both needing a computer - there are some liability issues for dive operators concerning that one. It is true that at depth, even 2 buddies diving together with identical computers, can be several minutes or more apart on their computers due to slight variations in depth through out the dive. For these reasons - most operators must take the view that if each person does not have a computer, they must ascend when the table limits are met. So this will limit bottom time on some dives. And this will depend where you are... Cayman - each diver must have their own... Cozumel... They don't much care...

 

[The Kraken]

Get a SeaVision "Gauge Reader" mask. It makes your arms significantly longer !!!!