from what I’ve learned dive computers are becoming almost a necessity.
Not a necessity but a commodity.
If you carry a single tank only, and your maximum depth will be 60 feet, average 30 feet, then your risk of decompression sickness is minimal. Really really small.
Just control your ascent speed (to not burst a lung) and stop for a while at depths of X, Y and Z - and you will be fine. If you do 30 such dives in a row, then yes, you will need a dive computer. But for one dive per week, dive tables are cheap and golden. You would need a depth gauge, though. I am sure you can count seconds in your head.
I want to get a dive computer as one of my first pieces of equipment.
Not a bad choice. Please choose one that allows you to upload dive data to your computer. Nitrox and gauge modes are recommended, too.
Sounds expensive.
Will it make sense to spend the $1500 for the MK2i to make it a complete package?
For what reason?
You could get a Shearwater tec computer for less. Or a Divecomputer.eu.
Is the air integration the way to go?
Do you want a computer to monitor a resourse that determines your life and death?
Or would you like to do that yourself?
Now think.
Am I crazy considering such an extreme purchase?
Yes you are, that is an irrational idea. There are many things that you could use the money on to improve your security.
Glad to be apart of this forum and appreciate all of the help in my new adventure.
We were new divers once. Many questions. It is our turn to help now, though.