Computers: Watch vs Console?

[azspecter]

Hey guys-
I'm looking to get my first computer. I've been looking at the Gecko or the Viper by Suunto. I'm trying to decide if I should go with a console unit, or a watch unit. What's the pros/cons of each?

 

[Chug]

I just got a wrist mounted Gekko. For me, I plan to travel and the wrist mount and a simple SPG seem to cut down on space and weight over many of the bulky consoles I've seen. I went for the wrist mount because I didn't want to have to grab the the console when I am under. I prefer a quick glance at my wrist. I also don't want to have to have the console around when I am retrieving the information and updating my log book. I also got a bungy wrist mount boot from DSS.

Chug

 

[azspecter]

What's a bungy wrist mount from DSS?

 

[mikeyjoe]

I, too, prefer a wrist mount for my computer for the same reasons.

The big benefit of a console computer is the ability for it to be air integrated - I don't know of any wrist mount computers that are, but I could be wrong on that. The techies on SB no doubt will know more on this......

Cheers,

Michael

 

[FritzCat66]

Bungie wrist mounts are similar to watch mounts but instead of using a strap & buckle (like a watchband), they have a couple of bungie loops. Some divers like them because they're quicker to don/doff.

Personally, I prefer the consoles because once I setup my BC, tank, and regs, I don't like having to put anything else on - I want it all to be there when I don my BC. I also like the big display.

Of course, I also use an air-integrated console (Sherwood Wisdom), which is hosed, so it can't be wrist-mounted. You could do a hoseless air-integrated and wristmount, however.

I am considering getting a plain Uwatec-style digital bottom timer to act as backup for my Sherwood, however, which would be wristmount.

Up to you. Wristmounts are convenient, but larger consoles often mean a less-cramped, easier display.

>*< Fritz

 

[mikemill]

I, too, prefer a wrist mount for my computer for the same reasons.

The big benefit of a console computer is the ability for it to be air integrated - I don't know of any wrist mount computers that are, but I could be wrong on that. The techies on SB no doubt will know more on this......

Cheers,

Michael

There are plenty of AI wrist mount computers. The uwatec smart z is an example of that.

I like the wrist mount also but I'm also liking my console mount now that I have it on a retractor and routed across my chest. Makes it real easy to grab it and take a glance at it.

My reason for switching from wrist to console was a solely geek and financial reason. I was having a hard time getting the IR to work on the smart z so I went with a new computer that used a USB solution instead of IR and then the one in the price range I wanted was a console.

 

[mkutyna]

There are wireless air integrated wrist mounted computers. They're usually very expensive.

I used to like the idea of a console until I and my wife started using one. When I saw how beat up it got I converted her console to a wrist mount. As Chug said, the single glance at the wrist is nice as well.

 

[azspecter]

huh. Yeah, that's a great point. I DO want it to have a USB connection, and be able to download my logs (since I'm TERRIBLE of keeping logs!) I, too, would prefer a cheaper solution, so maybe the console is the way to go? Like you said- keep it on a retractor and it's easy. Hmmm...

 

[djanni]

I've used both. Started with the wrist mounted Oceanic VTPro w/transmitter and now use the Oceanic ProPlus2, a console.

Switched to the console for the large readout. If I didn't need the large readout I would still be using the wrist mount.

The ProPlus is mounted on a retractor. Stays neatly out of the way and it's almost indistructable. It'll take a lot of wear and tare. It's 5 or 6 years old and has never failed.

Both are air integrated.

 

[Twistedarts]

try this thread for more answers.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/242269-computer-wrist-console.html