Computers - do beginners need them?

[House]

I'm due to do my open water certification dives in Hawaii, having already done a referral course in the UK.

I've been attracted to diving by a couple of friends who have been active divers for a couple of years now. Once certified, I am hoping to go diving at least 3-4 times a year.

Does someone at my stage need a computer, or should I start off with the tables? Is it better to learn about decompression times manually, or to get as much experience of diving with a computer as possible, using the tables as backup and for planning?

I have looked at the Suunto Mosquito, partly because it doubles as a watch (I don't have a waterproof watch and would have to buy one if I end up using the RDP table). I have also heard good things about Suunto (and am quite happy to use a "conservative" computer!).

 

[dkerr]

It is very important (IMO) to have a good understanding of the tables before you get a computer. Many on this board do not like them no matter how much experience you have. I use one regularly (and it is a suunto which like you said are conservative). Diving only 3-4 times a year it does not make sense to buy a computer. Money would be much better spent on your regs, bcd, exposure protection, or my favorite extra dive trip! Save your money untill you become more active (which doing cert dives in Hawii is most likely going to prompt). Good luck on your certification!

 

[Genesis]

I bought a computer almost immediately, but I dive a couple of times a week!

Make sure you have a good watch (timing device) with a one-way bezel (so you know how long you've been down at a glance) and a set of tables.

Once you've been diving for a while and can determine that you're going to do it more often, that would be the time to consider a computer.

BTW, if you're looking for a dual-purpose watch/computer, you don't want the mosquito - you want the stinger. The latter is quite a bit more expensive though, but it is very nearly watch-size - the mosquito is plastic-cased, much larger, and way too expensive (IMHO) to use as a wristwatch given its construction.

 

[The Chairman]

You should do your check-out dives using tables... whether you are carrying a computer or not! Personally, I like the longer dives I get from using a computer. It takes far less effort to use than a table... though I do teach (and thus use) tables for my students to dive with.

If you can afford the cash outlay, then go for it! Don't listen to those who say "it'll rot your brain"... your brain will do just fine, and you will get to enjoy more ocean, longer, and without having to constantly "figure" your tables. I use a Suunto Cobra (air integrated) and just love the "metric butt tonne" of data you get from it. It downloads nicely into my PC as well... but what is right for me (or anyone else) may not be right for you. Research it out and see how you feel about it a little later on.

 

[nickjb]

If you are planning on doing a number week long diving trips then a computer is a good idea. It'll track your nitrogen for the entire trip and give you longer dive times. Suunto is a good option, I like my Stinger.

Maybe you should wait until after your OW course just in case, but if you are hooked then go for it.

 

[JDostal]

I love a computer. Some say it rots your brain...I say, I'm a computer geek by trade and choice, and computers are fun toys for me.

My computer lets me dive longer - using tables....your times are so short as it is very hard to credit yourself for multi-level stuff.

I know someone is going to jump in here and say something to the effect that you can do everything in your head...and you should be able to, and you're a horrible diver if you can't, and blah, blah, blah.

Bottom line, for 95% of the recreational divers in the world, a computer is great. I personally have a SmartCOM and also enjoy the metric butt tonne of data that comes out of it.

Just to keep in practice, I do try and run the tables on the dives that I make in my log book. I'm a geek, naturally curious and like to know how things are done - but that's just me. However, most of the time I find I end up in the black or off the charts on the padi rdp, so I don't do it as much anymore.

As your math teacher used to say...calculators are good, but be sure to know what is going on behind them. At least learn how to use the tables...it's good knowledge and kinda fun.

 

[Welshman]

Learn the tables and always use them for planning your dives but by all means get a computer. A Mosquito is a good choice especially as you say it doubles as a watch. I bought one a few months ago and am very pleased. Shop around over the net for the best deal.

Regards

 

[jeffsterinsf]

Have to agree, the Mosquito is a fine "sports watch" that happens to include a depth gauge, bottom timer, and nitrox-capable dive computer. Then again, nothing substitutes for common sense. I'd run with the tables for planning until you can do them in your sleep and get a good sense for typical dive profiles that you do. Enjoy diving with the computer and having it tell you what you should already know. (Allowing for the fact that you aren't doing a flat-profile bounce dive.) That way you have confidence that the computer is telling you something reasonable at all times.

Oh, always keep the clear protector on the Mosquito, being plastic, the "crystal" scratches easily. You don't look as cool in the bar, but then again, a big, black plastic watch isn't going to win any fashion awards... Can't speak for the high-end, metal-cased versions that Suunto sells, I couldn't justify going from US$300 to $500 for the case. The Mosquito is destined to become my BC-resident backup computer if/when I upgrade to the yet-to-be-developed Vytec replacement (no, I don't know what it will do, but in a couple of years, I trust there will be something valuable I "need.")

 

[Soggy]

I bought a computer right away. I believe having a computer as a beginner adds a great degree of safety. I learned the 30ft/min rule, but how many people actually know what that means? With a computer, I can look down and have a flashing percentage that tells me if I'm ascending too fast. This allows me to get a "feel" for what 30 ft/min is like, so someday, if my computer breaks, I have some idea of how slow to ascend.

I usually do the tables also if I have a specific dive plan that is going to be an obviously single level dive (such as off of a boat). This keeps my dive table chops in shape and also gives me an idea as to how long I can stay at depth in the event of a computer failure. I also do the tables after EVERY dive to keep in shape and just for curiosity's sake.

However, most of the dives I do are shore dives. The tables are all but useless for this, as I will spend 20 minutes swimming straight out, get to a bottom of 45-50 feet and turn around. My bottom time will be 45 minutes or so, but I was only in the 40-50 ft range for a few minutes. My computer knows this and gives me tons more time at depth. This is really more important for the second dive, which the tables will frequently not allow me to do.

So, yeah...get a computer if you can afford it. It'll make your dives much more enjoyable and safer.

As for a watch...my only requirements are:
1)water resistant to 50m
2)BIG digital numbers...I hate reading analog watches on the surface...ya think I'm going to be able to read it quickly when I'm narced!?
3)indiglo-type backlight
4)velcro strap
5)UNDER $20

The last one is the most important. I have 20 dives on one $20 watch...it is attached to my BC and never comes off. It hasn't failed me yet. It will at some point and then I will buy a new $20 watch, rather than have a $300 watch fail and have to buy another $300 watch.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Twice in this thread my standard admonishment on the subject of computers has been alluded to...

By detractors of course...

But never the less...


The message is not only getting out, it is provoking angst amongst the brain rotted computer sotted hordes of evil doers....

Ooops - lapsed into Bushspeak there for a moment....

The brain rotted computer sotted folks who have surrendered control of their dive plan to a device whose algorithm was ultimately tweaked to satisfy the legal department of the respective manufacturer...

They have exchanged that true freedom, which necessarily includes thinking, for an illusory freedom that hides their aversion to mental activity under a gossamer veil.

That said... my contention that computers rot your brain still stands.

Think. Use your tables, timer & depth gauge. Pay attention to your depth and time as the dive progresses. Learn to be aware. Learn to think. Use your mind.