First Computer Insight Wanted

[scubamon]

Hey ScubaBoard,

First, I want you to know I will be visiting a few different LDS to get their insights on this topic. But, I want to tap into the knowledge of this community as well, before I make any purchases. So, thanks in advance for all your insights, here are my questions:

I will be taking a six day dive trip in April, to include multiple boat dives and some shore diving as well, so I want a computer to maximize my dive time. As a new diver and a gear renter, am I best to look for a console or a wrist computer. I want air integration, so I am wondering which is easier to use with rental equipment.

I would like a computer that is simple to use and also capable of growing with me as I expand my dive skills. I have a budget of about $800. Any recommendations for good computers?

I am wondering if it is reasonable to expect a LDS to provide me with some basic instruction in setting up and using any computer I buy in their shop. What do you think?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice.

SCUBAmon

 

[oly5050user]

Hey ScubaBoard,

First, I want you to know I will be visiting a few different LDS to get their insights on this topic. But, I want to tap into the knowledge of this community as well, before I make any purchases. So, thanks in advance for all your insights, here are my questions:

I will be taking a six day dive trip in April, to include multiple boat dives and some shore diving as well, so I want a computer to maximize my dive time. As a new diver and a gear renter, am I best to look for a console or a wrist computer. I want air integration, so I am wondering which is easier to use with rental equipment.

I would like a computer that is simple to use and also capable of growing with me as I expand my dive skills. I have a budget of about $800. Any recommendations for good computers?

I am wondering if it is reasonable to expect a LDS to provide me with some basic instruction in setting up and using any computer I buy in their shop. What do you think?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice.

SCUBAmon

if you are renting regulators then get a wrist computer..you can get one at a LDS for way under the $800. you have budgeted.Why not get a regulator and a computer ??You can get one for close to what you have budgeted...

 

[Tortuga68]

Wrist for travel/using rental regs

You can get a decent nitrox-compatible computer for <$300

There are about a million threads here discussing which one is best

I want air integration

Why?

 

[Akimbo]

Air integration is worthwhile a convenience. Wrist mounted displays are more convenient than a console. Wireless transmitters for wrist mounted air integration are inherently less reliable, higher maintenance, and more expensive than a pressure sensors mounted on the end of a hose. Sometimes regulator mounted wireless pressure transducers can get in the way of orienting the first stage and cylinders. Life is a compromise.

 

[Karl_T]

My first was a Gekko. Simple to use, easy to read, user changeable batteries. Then being the gadget freak I am I bought a D6, and now wear both whilst diving. I've found that whilst when making the purchase I was thinking the Gekko would be the backup, in practice during a dive I still use the Gekko more and the D6 just to download the log from because the Gekko is 'simple to use & easy to read'. Can't over state that.

Yes the D6 has deep stops and other features but to be honest 90% of it is way OTT for the average recreational diver*. Go simple and spend the change on a nice set of regs.

Can't see the point in buying air integrated. You either then have to mount it in a console, which gets depth and time off your wrist, or you go wireless and will be unbolting it or bolting it into first stages which will slowly kill the thread, or you'll lose it. Wouldn't go that route til I had my own regs. Actually I have my own regs and I'm still not tempted. I think I'd need to run out of other kit to buy before making that last purchase.

* As a diver who's only going to be topping 50 dives on his next holiday in Egypt this month it's way over the top, but what can I say. I like gadgets. I didn't need it.

Karl_T

 

[DiveNav]

start your research HERE.
More than 100 dive computers in the database and lots of videos showing various dive computers in action.

Alberto (aka eDiver)

 

[c5diver]

I to wanted an air intergrated computer. My first was a nemo air, good computer worked well and replaced with a wrist mount uwatec luna in oct. i like the less clutter and hate retractors. while the luna is far outside the $800 price range i went that way with the hope that trimix is in its future.(not holding my breath) wrist computer is the way to go with rental but like was mentioned hold off on AI until you get your own regs. but shop wise you can get wrist computers without the transmitter for AI that you can add to it later say when you get your own regs. these are the cost of the transmitter cheaper (300-400 dollars) so you may want a full featured computer later with some features to come later. the only real up side to AI is tank pressure is on your wrist and some will calc RBT with stops. some people are unhappy with the hoseless function because of signal loss issues i have seen people put transmitters on a 6inch hp hose for this reason. i have found mine reliable so far.

 

[Doc Harry]

A computer is a non-essential item. Spend your money on essentials such as regulators, mask, wetsuit, etc. If you need a computer for this trip, rent one. Or buy a very inexpensive non-integrated Nitrox-capable computer that will help you to become familiarized with computers. You can upgrade your computer later when you really understand what you need and don't need. I won't even go into all of the various algorithms available.

A computer is like a GPS module for a car. Some people feel that you can't drive without a GPS module, and it's pointless to buy a car without the most expensive GPS module available.

Others will point out that we drove perfectly well for many decades before GPS was invented.

Remember, the most expensive GPS module out there won't do you any good if you don't have 4 tires for your car.

 

[baystr]

there are also many very reasonable computers that offer gas switching capabilities, I would not ignore that option, so far:
wrist mount
nitrox capable
gas switching

and buy a nice set of regs for the difference, you wont be sorry

 

[CT Sean]

I will be taking a six day dive trip in April, to include multiple boat dives and some shore diving as well, so I want a computer to maximize my dive time. As a new diver and a gear renter, am I best to look for a console or a wrist computer. I want air integration, so I am wondering which is easier to use with rental equipment.

Both a console and an AI (air integrated) wrist pc means you'll be attaching something to the rental reg 1st stage. You'll want to make sure the rental shop allows this. I'm partial to wrist PCs (found that out the hard way) but you definitely want to get the one YOU prefer (you'll regret it if you don't).

I would like a computer that is simple to use and also capable of growing with me as I expand my dive skills. I have a budget of about $800. Any recommendations for good computers?

While a good 80% (maybe more) of the dive PCs on the market fit this budget, only a couple of them are wrist mount AI's, so it'll be easy to narrow your choices down. You can use the online sales sites as well as the divecomputertraining site listed above to help compare the features. Manufacturers' websites will tell you what shops in your area carry their brands.
The PC I own doesn't fit your criteria so I won't bother mentioning it (I don;t have or want AI)

I am wondering if it is reasonable to expect a LDS to provide me with some basic instruction in setting up and using any computer I buy in their shop. What do you think?

That will vary greatly among dive shops, however I DON'T think it is reasonable to assume the entire staff of any dive shop would be fully knowledgeable in the function of all equipment they sell. Obviously the only thing you can do is walk into the ones in your area and ask.