Jimbo origionally refered to upgrading to 'a nitrox/air cadillac model'. Rather than repeat this I just called it a propper computer.
For my *personal* use, a computer that
1) does nitrox
2) Can cope with 2 mixes (minimum) on a dive
3) Doesn't throw 'heeby jeebies' when I do a propper planned deco dive
4) Allows me some reasonable choice over settings, AND COMES WITH GOOD EXPLANATIONS as to WHAT you are changing and how it affects the algorithm
5) Is non air-integrated
6) Can be moved from air - nitrox mode (or change mode) during a surface interval - a lot don't let you change modes untill you are completely unsaturated (or will only let you dive nitrox of an equal or higher % mix)
7) Has a Display that I like
8) User changeable batteries
9) Has the algorithm in the public domain, and all the 'proprietory changes' to the algorithm in the public domain also.
The list goes on..... but that is what for my diving is a 'propper' computer.
Jon T
PS My prefered tables are the buehlmann, as that has a well defined algorithm from actual experiments. The PADI tables are 2nd favourite, The maths behind them is clouded in secrecy, but they have the edge in that Dr Deco did real human trials on them.