Air integrated does give the option to automatically record start & end pressures, if you get a model that logs dives. Especially useful if you also have one that can download dives to your computer, and software can then calculate your SAC rate, which can be useful to follow over time. And you can add an analog SPG to your 1'rst stage as a backup to it, just in case. The option to download dives to a computer often includes a roughly $100 add-on kit, that may or may not be included with a computer.
But yes, AI costs money. Wireless AI costs even more money. Some computers can be bought with the option to add a transmitter later, helping keep initial costs down.
If you want to see your air on the same display, but care nothing about logging it, there are console computers that include a separate SPG built into the console, of course.
ScubaToys.com has an Aeris XR1 on closeout for around $200. If you want the true AI console experience, they've got an old
Oceanic Pro Plus 2.1 with compass for around $450.
I'd watch the Black Friday deals, but here's something you might like. DiveGearExpress still has the
discontinued Hollis DG03 and it's 'priced to move' at $250. Here's the gist:
1.) Wrist unit, but decent-sized display - not a watch.
2.) You can add AI capability with a $330 transmitter, when you're ready.
3.) You can add PC download capability with a $100 kit, when you're ready.
Now, that's $680, and it's discontinued. BUT, you get the option for incremental upgrading.
But take a look at what it costs if you add stuff up front, when you buy the computer. Now, that transmitter is $250. Download kit same price, but you save $80 by getting the transmitter up front.
$600 for a wrist AI computer with transmitter and download capability. Not too shabby.
Next, I'd go to ScubaBoard's classifieds section. A wrist unit similar to the DG3, at least roughly, would be the old Oceanic VT3, and I've seen people sell them at good values.
See if Mr. Black has sold this VT4.1 for $550 yet!
Richard.
