Garmin Descent MK2

[ATJ]

I heard this from a guy in Germany:
"I visited the Garmin booth at the InterDive2019 (Friedrichshafen, Germany) in September and they told me the MK2 would be released in March 2020 in two versions. One with AI and one without. The guy mentioned that the watch would look pretty much the same as MK1, but the screen would be a little bit larger and the bezel smaller."

And from someone else:
"Garmin Express works by sending the product number to the update servers and the servers answer with the latest applicable firmware update, device name and a short description. If you monitor what Garmin Express sends to the server, you can imitate the request but with a different product number and see what happens."
"The Descent Mk2i popped up on Garmin's update servers. Product number 006-B3258-00 which puts it in the MARQ range (3246 - 3251), so probably Sony GPS, new 3rd gen pulse+SpO2 sensor, Garmin Pay, music."

 

[ATJ]

... oh and since I am dreaming maybe it can use a standard USB charger

Why wouldn't it? The Mk1 does as has every other Garmin product I've owned.

 

[The Chairman]

The direct feedback from Garmin at DEMA as reported by @Johnoly was that neither AI nor the MKII were on the development schedule and they’re still evaluating the MK I.

I was told the opposite "off the record", so to speak.

 

[Peter Bomberg]

Why wouldn't it? The Mk1 does as has every other Garmin product I've owned.

True, I was thinking about the watch interface not the wall plug side, but I honestly taking 1 more cable with me is a very minor inconvenience, and the only other wet contact I have is for an aqualung i770R dive computer.

Not sure if there is a moisture compatible usb-c port but that would be the dream or wireless.

 

[Michael Jastrzebski]

The direct feedback from Garmin at DEMA as reported by @Johnoly was that neither AI nor the MKII were on the development schedule

This is what I would expect, this isn't really a 'hardcore' dive computer, diving here is just one of the features/sports, if you look at the manual, how many pages are devoted to diving - very few, some of the terminology isn't even explained, compare this with in-depth Teric's manual. I use Garmin's equipment in aviation, they are the best in GA avionics, superb gear for top $$$ but for scuba - not their forte. This product is aimed at a slightly different customer, the one that values GPS function over anything else.

 

[ATJ]

True, I was thinking about the watch interface not the wall plug side, but I honestly taking 1 more cable with me is a very minor inconvenience, and the only other wet contact I have is for an aqualung i770R dive computer.

Not sure if there is a moisture compatible usb-c port but that would be the dream or wireless.

Moisture compatible USB-C sounds risky. I guess the ideal would be a cradle that takes USB-C (or other connector). That way you can just take the cradle and share cables, however, whenever I travel, I'm charging multiple devices at the same time and they all need their own cable anyway.

 

[ls1dreams]

With the Teric out, is there really any reason to go Garmin? Shearwater is such an establish and trusted name in dive computers I don't see why anyone would go with a Garmin for the same price.

 

[axluba]

With the Teric out, is there really any reason to go Garmin? Shearwater is such an establish and trusted name in dive computers I don't see why anyone would go with a Garmin for the same price.

If you want a smart watch...

 

[KenGordon]

With the Teric out, is there really any reason to go Garmin? Shearwater is such an establish and trusted name in dive computers I don't see why anyone would go with a Garmin for the same price.

The Garmin is significantly (20%) cheaper in the U.K, has better battery life, and all those outdoor features. The outdoors bit makes it quite attractive to me, but it still a lot of money for a rather chunky thing though. More than the price of a week’s diving.

 

[Peter Bomberg]

With the Teric out, is there really any reason to go Garmin? Shearwater is such an establish and trusted name in dive computers I don't see why anyone would go with a Garmin for the same price.

I have a dive computer, a nice chronograph, a running watch and for a short trip this works 3 watches 2 chargers = weight and space but when I am going on a 3 month trip that involves a fair amount of economy flights and small rental cars (ie limited weight and space) I am looking for ways to save both. The Teric is a fantastic dive computer and having dove using Shearwater gear I have nothing bad to say about it, but it really does't help me saving weight or space, the Garmin Decent on the other hand would as I would take only 1 watch with me, the only reason I have not bought one already is that it's missing AI.

I am not sure I will switch to bluetooth audio but likely will as that means I leave my MP3 player behind and thus save another 50+grams (yes I seem to be hunting grams but I have shaved 5+Kg off the dive gear so far) and trust me that is a lot when trying to pack for 2-3 climate zones on a 3 month trip.

Now that I have finished this long reply it's really not about the dive computer, if it was I agree the Teric wins every time. It's about combining multiple devices into one and there the Descent wins ever time, but they are aimed at different consumers. I was buying a pure dive computer I would just stick to my Petrel or upgrade to a Perdix AI.