If you were to buy a computer today for under $450, what would you choose???

[donooo]

Just bought it. Cochran Commander , LARGE numbers and just the facts.

don O

 

[Daryl Morse]

Here's another option to consider. I chose the Mares M1 rgbm [stuff deleted...] The down side is that you have to have powerful thumbs to activate the two buttons that select options.

I borrowed a Dacor Darwin (similar to the Mares) from the LDS last weekend to try out and my thumbs are still sore from those stupid buttons. I've heard this problem is endemic to these computers. I wouldn't consider either one of these computers for that reason.

 

[peter_dorset]

Well, I just bought a pair of Apeks Quantums (Dive Rite Nitek Duo), so I guess that's my vote. Dived them at the weekend, and they're perfect for me. Easy to read, easy to operate, two gas mixes for when I use Nitrox or do deco.

Cost £165 each plus shipping.

J.

Have you been able to find a protective lense for them. I also have a pair for me and my wife and the computers are easy to use and great value.

Just think one day I will break the glass!

 

[scubatoys]

Have you been able to find a protective lense for them. I also have a pair for me and my wife and the computers are easy to use and great value.

Just think one day I will break the glass!

The same computer from TUSA comes with a lens protector... And you can get replacement ones for 12 bucks...

 

[6Gill]

Under $450? I'd choose the Suunto Mosquito.

 

[diverkim]

I'm kind of ticked off about Aladdin (now Scubapro) computers since they put a heavy price gouge on battery replacement. Therefore, I am surprised to see people recommend thsi computer. I'm in the market for a new computer for this reason. I can't afford to pay C$200 every three years for a battery change.

 

[Corigan]

I'm kind of ticked off about Aladdin (now Scubapro) computers since they put a heavy price gouge on battery replacement. Therefore, I am surprised to see people recommend thsi computer. I'm in the market for a new computer for this reason. I can't afford to pay C$200 every three years for a battery change.

My new Uwatec Air Z Nitrox comes with free lifetime battery changes. Really isn't an issue on the newer uwatec's as long as you buy them from an authorized dealer.

Matt

 

[diverkim]

My new Uwatec Air Z O2 comes with free lifetime battery changes.
Really isn't an issue on the newer uwatec's as long as you buy them from an authorized dealer.

Matt

No, but it sure isn't a good way to generate customer loyalty among the older ustomers. Neither is it good word-of-mouth advertising. The lesson is that if SP takes over a competitor that the old competitor's customers be damned.

 

[babar]

I had the same decision to make and got the tusa IQ-700. I like it a lot. It's easy to read, easy to program, 2 gas mixes. I just got great deal on the new tusa 800, i'm gonna dive them both and use the 700 in gauge mode.

babar

 

[RSdiver]

Suunto Mosquito,
bought one from www.Divetank.net and after a bit of inquiry found they do not sell grey market products (my fear) and the warranty is from Fitzwright Co. Ltd in B.C. Canada, so there are no warranty issues (like leisurepro.com).

I have used an Oceanic DataMax for nearly 10 years but recently bought a Suunto Mosquito becuase I broke my standard wristwatch and this was agood excuse to buy a backup Dive Computer/wristwatch.

CONCERN: DEEP DIVE PENALTY
I had a concern about Suunto as I had heard they are conservative on deep dives. I went on two shallow dives this weekend with 52 and 47 ft max depth where the Suunto tracked my Oceanic very closely. I'll go on a deeper dive this coming week and know more. I've also used the Dive manager software on my computer and the "simulator" feature is great!

www.divetank.net offers a 60 day money back guarantee, and today I found out they have a D9 unit just released which I could qualify to exchange for credit towards that model. Since I buy dive computers about once every 10 years or so I don't mind spending the extra, even if it blows the $450 budget set in this discussion