Garmin entering the dive industry?

[insomniac]

Am I the only one that thinks this computer is cheap for what you get. I've shelled out a lot more money on a lot less when it comes to scuba. At the end of the day, this is an amazing Gen 1 product, but everyone has their biases and preferences. My liquivisions and Aeris dive computers are completely out of warranty, so I doubt they will last long enough for Garmin to come out with AI (I've had all my dive computers replaced under warranty twice (ie: 6 dive computers in 2 years), and two of them have failed again out of warranty). So my bar isn't very high; I just want a computer that lasts more than 50 dives before needing replacement and has AI.

 

[stuartv]

I'm with kelemvor on this one. Garmin definitely has some awesome products but for this money I would rather invest in a brand that has long history with diving technology and experience. If my LDS has this unit for testing I would definitely try it out but there's no way in hell I would shell out a 1k on a gen 1 dive computer.

I spent nearly that on my Seabear H3. I don't regret it at all. Would I spend that for a Gen 1 product and dive it as my ONLY computer? No way. As a backup/partner to my Shearwater? I'm okay with that.

When I bought my H3, the Perdix AI was not out or even rumored, and the H3 was alleged to have AI support built in with the AI transmitter to be released soon. Now that there is a good tech computer with AI (the Perdix), I won't buy another computer without AI. That is my only major hangup with the Descent. If it had AI, I would definitely give it real consideration if I needed another computer.

I think Garmin pretty well missed the boat on their real target demographic by leaving out AI. I think that the majority of people of the personality type to be interested in the Descent are the same people who would be most likely to want AI. And, there are too many other good computers in the same price range that do have AI for the Descent to get much market share without AI.

If the Descent doesn't sell well, I just hope Garmin takes that as motivation to get an AI version out sooner, rather than taking it as a sign they should forget about the scuba market.

Also, with trimix and Buhlmman w/GF, they really should add a CCR mode. As cool as it looks, even if it had AI, the lack of CCR support would probably sway me to buy another Perdix AI instead, just because I think CCR diving is in my not-too-distant future. I MIGHT need CCR mode. I will definitely NOT need Jumpmaster mode...

 

[stuartv]

Am I the only one that thinks this computer is cheap for what you get. I've shelled out a lot more money on a lot less when it comes to scuba. At the end of the day, this is an amazing Gen 1 product, but everyone has their biases and preferences. My liquivisions and Aeris dive computers are completely out of warranty, so I doubt they will last long enough for Garmin to come out with AI (I've had all my dive computers replaced under warranty twice (ie: 6 dive computers in 2 years), and two of them have failed again out of warranty). So my bar isn't very high; I just want a computer that lasts more than 50 dives before needing replacement and has AI.

You should (just in my opinion, of course) buy a Perdix AI when it is time to buy another computer. I would only consider a "new" and unproven computer (like the Descent) as a backup/partner to a computer that has a solid track record of reliability (like the Perdix). The Descent will remain unproven until it has been out for a while and people have built some history of diving it. If a Descent Mk2 comes out with AI, it will be even longer for that model is "proven".

 

[mdb]

I think Garmin is, most probably, in the SCUBA market for the long haul.

They took out two modest booths, they are at DEMA to learn more about the market and show
their Descent, get feedback, open some SCUBA dealerships, and move forward.

 

[Storker]

Am I the only one that thinks this computer is cheap for what you get.

I might get a lot, but if 80% of what I'm getting isn't relevant for my needs, that kinda skews the value/money ratio for me.

I still think the new Garmin is sexy as heck, but I don't think I'm the only prospective customer who has no need for a few of the features, like trimix or gas switching.

 

[drrich2]

I think Garmin pretty well missed the boat on their real target demographic by leaving out AI. I think that the majority of people of the personality type to be interested in the Descent are the same people who would be most likely to want AI.

Interesting point. But I wonder if more of these will sell to rather well off people entering the Scuba hobby who might prefer to go with a brand name they recognize? On Scuba Board, people talk about Shearwater a lot. Most people signing up for OW classes never heard of it, but they recognize Garmin.

 

[stuartv]

Interesting point. But I wonder if more of these will sell to rather well off people entering the Scuba hobby who might prefer to go with a brand name they recognize? On Scuba Board, people talk about Shearwater a lot. Most people signing up for OW classes never heard of it, but they recognize Garmin.

Those people will probably also recognize Suunto, though, which does have AI. And ScubaPro.

I'm a gadget geek myself. I would generally lump myself in with the "personality type" that would be drawn to the Garmin. I just have a feeling that a LOT of those people are going to see Garmin and then see other names they recognize and be drawn to the gadget that has AI.

 

[dmaziuk]

I guess I didn't consider that since I don't like wearing watches of any kind. If I could get a dive computer with a tablet sized screen I'd be on it like stink on.. stinky stuff.

Ratio doesn't have GPS in their watch-sized computers. Nor a colour screen -- but they do have diving-relevant programming. And of course WAI.

My Note (because I can see it without glasses) is my watch but I wouldn't want a note-sized computer myself. Might as well get a *gasp* *shudder* console.

 

[scubadada]

Am I the only one that thinks this computer is cheap for what you get. I've shelled out a lot more money on a lot less when it comes to scuba. At the end of the day, this is an amazing Gen 1 product, but everyone has their biases and preferences. My liquivisions and Aeris dive computers are completely out of warranty, so I doubt they will last long enough for Garmin to come out with AI (I've had all my dive computers replaced under warranty twice (ie: 6 dive computers in 2 years), and two of them have failed again out of warranty). So my bar isn't very high; I just want a computer that lasts more than 50 dives before needing replacement and has AI.

I dive an Oceanic VT3 that is 7 1/2 years old, nearly 1000 dives, way over 1000 hours, that works absolutely perfectly. This is what I expect from my dive computer.

 

[tridacna]

Here are a few pics from the show.