Differences between Oceanic Atom and Atom 2.0/VT3?

[jibjab]

Hey, I'm in the market for my first dive computer, I've got about 20 dives in and am starting to get ready for a new season, last season was my first and basically used a wrist watch/timer and regular ol spg/compass/depth guage and tables. I definitely want a wrist mounted computer, its so much easier just glancing at your wrist to see info than having to grab a console, and I'd like to get an air integrated wireless computer so that everything I need is in one place. The console would be my backup. So from reading several threads and doing some online price checking it seems like the Oceanic (and Aeris) computers are the best priced full featured computers. My questions are:

1. Is there a list somewhere with ALL of the differences and upgrades between the Atom 1 and Atom 2?

2. Exactly what is displayed on the default screens of the Atom 1, Atom 2, and larger VT3 while underwater?

3. I am 28 and I will use this strictly as a dive computer, not as a watch. Has anyone around my age (or younger) had trouble viewing the Atom? Has anyone purchased the larger VT3 or older VT Pro and regretted not buying the smaller Atom/Epic lines?

4. Is there any difference in alarm volume between any of the models?

5. On ebay there are a couple of sellers selling like new/mint demo Atom 2.0 complete sets (with transmitters) for $600-650 which is considerably less than the $900 most retailers charge. They claim to offer full warranties, I know there are some retailers and Oceanic reps on this site.. is there any reason -not- to buy these heavily discounted items?

Thanks!

 

[rakkis]

1. http://www.oceanicworldwide.com/pdf/2007_catalog.pdf pages 44-47

3. I'm 26 and love the Atom 2.0. No problem for my eyes

5. Easy way to find out who is an authorized dealer. Check the Oceanic website. If they're not there, they are lying. They may be offering the same KIND of warranty, but it is their own... not from Oceanic, so YMMV.

 

[jibjab]

what does the display show when you're diving? air time remaining? ndc time? pressure? dive time? depth? etc..

 

[rakkis]

Look at the manual available on the oceanic website. i dont remember the details

 

[jibjab]

found it in the catalogue

 

[fq1234]

So, anyone know the key differences between the atom and atom 2?

Thanks

 

[scubatoys]

The main difference is that the Atom 2 has the air pressure on the main screen. With the Atom 1, you had to hit the button to see how much air was in the tank. Also the Atom 2 has a "buddy" feature, so if your buddy is using an Atom 2, or any of the oceanic transmitter computers, you can check how much air he has.

And as far as pricing and authorized dealers... If anyone is showing it below the MAP price - then they are most likely not an authorized dealer - as doing so can have your dealership taken away. And computers are probably the one item you definitely want to make sure you have a warranty. Any shop can fix a reg... not too many can swap chips on a circuit board.)

And a MAP price is just that - a Minimum Advertised Price. That does not stop a customer for calling up and seeing if we can work a better deal - and still get full warranty.

 

[fq1234]

The main difference is that the Atom 2 has the air pressure on the main screen. With the Atom 1, you had to hit the button to see how much air was in the tank. Also the Atom 2 has a "buddy" feature, so if your buddy is using an Atom 2, or any of the oceanic transmitter computers, you can check how much air he has.

And as far as pricing and authorized dealers... If anyone is showing it below the MAP price - then they are most likely not an authorized dealer - as doing so can have your dealership taken away. And computers are probably the one item you definitely want to make sure you have a warranty. Any shop can fix a reg... not too many can swap chips on a circuit board.)

And a MAP price is just that - a Minimum Advertised Price. That does not stop a customer for calling up and seeing if we can work a better deal - and still get full warranty.

Thanks for the good info!

 

[AUTiger]

The Atom 2.0 also has a free diving mode that I like to use when I snorkel. It lets me know how deep I go.

I like having the tank pressure on the main screen, but I've had a 1.0 and a 2.0 and didn't mind changing screens with my earlier computer. Admittedly, having the taking pressure on the main screen is good when I have my camera and don't want to do a two handed operation to check pressure.

David

 

[philmayer]

And as far as pricing and authorized dealers... If anyone is showing it below the MAP price - then they are most likely not an authorized dealer - as doing so can have your dealership taken away. And computers are probably the one item you definitely want to make sure you have a warranty. Any shop can fix a reg... not too many can swap chips on a circuit board.)

I want to reiterate how important it is to buy from an authorized dealer. I have the Atom 2.0 and ProPlus 2, both purchased from my LDS, who is an authorized Oceanic dealer.

Back in January I had an accident with a dive ladder. My ProPlus 2 took the brunt of the force, but I still broke 3 ribs. Both buttons were ripped off the front of the PP2, but other than that the computer still worked fine -- I went ahead and made my dive to 101 feet without ever noticing anything was wrong with the PP2.

When I got home, I took my PP2 to my LDS and asked them to ship it back to Oceanic for repair.

Oceanic shipped back a refurbished PP2 less than a week later and didn't charge me for the repair.

I already owned a LOT of Oceanic gear and had talked several others into Oceanic gear. But their service guaranteed I'll tell even more people and but more Oceanic gear.