First computer advice sought

[johnsonju]

We are older (65+ ) divers enjoying recreational diving in our retirement and have decided we'd like to buy our own dive computers rather than rent (mixed results to date!). We think that simplicity, reliability, and large type face are probably most important for us, as well as reasonable cost (under $400). We may take a nitrox course, but currently dive on air. We'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

JAJ

 

[greylion]

Oceanic VEO 3.0 Air/Nitrox Wrist Dive Computer

Powered by Oceanic's Exclusive Dual Algorithm - Your choice between Pelagic DSAT (Spencer/Powell data basis) or Pelagic Z+ (Buhlmann ZHL-16C data basis)

3 Operating Modes: NORM (Air and Nitrox), GAUGE (with run timer) and FREE (tracks calculations to allow switching between NORM and Free)

3 Operating Buttons with "Step Back" interface allows forward and backward navigation through menus and settings

Switch between up to 2 nitrox mixes to 100% O2 with no restriction (Gas 1 may beup to 100%, and may be less or greater than Gas 2)

Stop times <3 minutes - displays minutes & seconds
Deep Stop with Countdown Timer Maybe turned on or off. 2 minute countdown at half your max depth, for dives greater than 80 ft / 25m

Single button access to "Last Dive" display (max depth & bottom time)

Data Retention - maintains calculations indefinitely when the battery is changed

Audible Alarm with flashing LED light

SmartGlo Backlighting senses ambient light, enabling the backlight only in low light conditions, conserving battery life

24 dive on-unit log book

History Mode includes total number of dives, max depth, total dive hours, and lowest temp

Optional PC Interface with OceanLog Download and Settings Upload

Firmware Auto-Update: download and install the latest firmware these may be operational improvements or even new features.

Oceanic VEO 3.0 Air/Nitrox Wrist Dive Computer

 

[Jim Lapenta]

He said under 400. Just as good will get the job done and at less cost since there is no need for 2 nitrox mixes and 3 buttons can be a pain for new computer users. Hell sometimes 1 or 2 is bad enough:
Aeris XR1 NX Wrist Computer
Cressi-Sub Archimede II Wrist Computer
My choice:
Oceanic "Veo 180" Air/Nitrox Wrist Dive Computer

others as well:
Tusa DC Hunter Wrist Dive Computer (IQ-700)
The TUSA has big numbers.

Uwatec Aladin Prime Wrist Dive Computer

And if you don't care about nitrox this is the shizzle of a deal:
Aeris XR1 Wrist Computer reviews and discounts, Aeris

 

[paddler3d]

Check out the Dive Rite Duo.

It is a simply computer that can handle two gasses. DSS makes a nice boot for it so you can bungee mount it.

It has user replaceable batteries.

It is the same as one of the Tusa listed above . It is actually made by Seiko.

They're going for around $295.

NiTek Duo Dive Computer by Dive Rite - Dive Gear Express

You should get an actual manufacture warranty on the Duo vs. the Tusa on LP.

 

[Diver0001]

I'd recommend the Suunto Gekko for you. Easy to use, easy to read and affordable without being "cheap".

R..

 

[Mopar]

I like my Aeris. Look at this computer. Link below it is below $200.00.

Demo Aeris XR 1 NX Wrist Dive Computer reviews and discounts, Aeris

 

[idocsteve]

Oceanic VT Pro Air Integrated (hoseless) wrist or retractor mountable computer.

A quick look at Ebay shows one sold recently for about $250.

It's the best single piece of dive gear I have ever owned.

OCEANIC VT PRO HOSELESS COMPUTER - eBay (item 220538772755 end time Jan-17-10 21:49:10 PST)

Here's one that's got 3 days left on the auction

Click HERE

It's listed without cables, software, or instructions. The cables and software are only needed if you plan to interface the computer with a personal computer for additional data..I've never used that feature and those parts are available separately.

Manuals are available for download from Oceanic's site.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I'd recommend the Suunto Gekko for you. Easy to use, easy to read and affordable without being "cheap".

I'll make the same recommendation as Diver0001 on this. The Gekko is a relatively inexpensive ($250 at Leisurepro), legible, simple, nitrox-capable computer. It has a user-replaceable battery which can go several years in-between replacement. It can be mounted in a console or on the wrist (I prefer wristmount). In addition, it offers the unadvertised feature of download of your dive profiles to a PC/Mac using the appropriate download cable.

The Gekko lacks a push-button backlight feature, but it makes up for it with a very nice phosphorescent display that is easily charged with a dive light. Shine a light on it for a few seconds and the screen will glow for a minute or two -- very nice for doing blue water ascents at night. This has the added benefit of not depleting the battery at all. My dive buddy has a Gekko that sees 50 - 70 dives per year with about a third of those dives being at night. With this usage, the battery needs to be replaced every 4 years. The battery is a cheap, lithium watch-type CR2450 battery and there is a YouTube video which shows how easy it is to replace the battery.

A glaring omission in the Gekko's feature-set is a "gauge" mode. This would be a useful feature for someone who might some day want to run it as a no-frills bottom timer.

You should be able to find several computers with the features you desire being produced by reputable manufacturers. Suunto is not the be-all-end-all of dive computer manufacturers by any stretch.

Hope this helps...

 

[DiveGear4Less]

Take a look at the Sherwood Profile and Insight computers. We have both and for less than $400 each. They are simple to use, nitrox capable, and versatile (can be used in a console or on the wrist).

 

[Captain Bil]

Check out the Dive Rite Duo.

It is a simply computer that can handle two gasses. DSS makes a nice boot for it so you can bungee mount it.

It has user replaceable batteries.

It is the same as one of the Tusa listed above . It is actually made by Seiko.

They're going for around $295.

NiTek Duo Dive Computer by Dive Rite - Dive Gear Express

You should get an actual manufacture warranty on the Duo vs. the Tusa on LP.

Ditto. I have 2 and they are reliable and easy to use and see. Besides DGE, you can get them from Edd at caveadventurers.com/