I see the actual thrust of my last post went clear over your head...no matter.
No, there's a cheaper way to get sufficient functionality for the basic functions of a rec dive computer. And if the money is an issue, either generally or because paying the few hundred dollars more would really cause you to dive less, then it's not worth it. But I don't care if you're doing single tank rec dives or taking a CCR to 200m+, there's no better dive computer for either application. The U/I, ease of use, battery options, screen, and Shearwater service/support blow away any other rec computer for rec diving.
The tech capabilities are mere icing on the cake (and add to the resale value, should one get out of diving...try to get the same % of your money back from any other dive computer in a secondary market sale, I dare you).