First Computer Insight Wanted

[Straegen]

Some good advice above for sure. I would suggest simply picking out a good solid entry level Nitrox/EAN dive computer. I personally like the Mares Puck for its ease of use in that category.

You have plenty of time to grow into a more capable unit and by the time you get there dive computers will be cheaper, easier and with features available on the highest end computers today. Aside from the tech computers there simply isn't much the sub $300 computers cannot do for a beginner to intermediate rec diver.

 

[fire_diver]

If you don't own your own regs, stay away from air integration of any kind. Most dive shops don't like customers taking apart thier rental regs or adding things to them.

If you do own your own regs, then get whatever you want. I don't like air integration because it's not needed, and adds nothing to make my dives easier or safer. As has already been stated, the wireless transmitters still have problems underwater, the hose models are just a super-expensive version of the standard gear.

 

[baystr]

I love air integration, but not necessary for your first computer............you will be another one at some point when you know which direction your diving is going, and your first computer will probably become a back up. Do get one with user changeable battery, and always keep spare battery while traveling, cuz thats when they fail..........while your on a liveaboard...........always!

Wrist mount AI computers run from $800 on up, non AI can be under $300, hell you could by a set of B2's used for the difference!

 

[scubamon]

Thanks, everyone! This is all very helpful, I am visiting a few LDS the next few days and I feel much better prepared. So, I have one new question, with regards to buying a regulator. If I am renting a BCD and bringing my own regs, what do I need to buy with regards to an octo or ?? Thank you!

 

[DeltaWardog]

It Depends(tm)

Do you like having a regulator as your 2nd air source, or are you ok with using the alternate air source attached to whatever BC you happen to rent?

If you go with a 2nd reg attached to your octo, you might have a fun time finding a place to stuff it in various BC's you might rent. They don't all have an octo pocket so you might need a snap for it that you can put on the BC somewhere.

Other than that, just make sure whatever 1st stage you buy has enough ports for whatever doo-dads you want to hook up later (such as a spare port for an AI computer transmitter).

 

[Skarn]

Or buy a very inexpensive non-integrated Nitrox-capable computer that will help you to become familiarized with computers.

I agree with this 100%!

I have the Oceanic Veo 1.0. I got it for only $150 from Leisure Pro. It does nitrox and is perfectly capable for any diving I do.

Skarn

 

[DiverKKC]

Personally, I wouldn't worry about air-integration at this point. I would also consider purchasing your regulator and other essentials before your computer; just my opinion.

If renting, I would go with a wrist computer. Attaching your console or AI to rental gear might be frowned upon and not worth the hassle. There are obviously tons to choose from. A few things I would keep in mind when buying a new computer;

-has user changeable batteries
-is nitrox compatible
-has displays/graphs large enough to be seen easily
-has all vital info readily obtainable on first screen (no scrolling)
-has an thorough owner's manual that is easily understandable

Some computers have a more conservative algorithm than others. Personally, i like mine a little less conservative, but that is strictly personal preference. I have used the Oceanic Veo 250 for many years and love it. It has all the features I need, an owner's manual that makes understanding all the features very clear, the display is large enough to see easily at depth and the layout just makes sense. I bought mine lightly used from a Mass. dive shop on ebay and got mine for less than $300 (retail, I believe, is close to $600).

Keep searching the forum here, you'll find info on just about every model out there.

Happy diving!

Kev