Is there a dive computer FAQ?

[chimchim]

I would like to buy a dive computer but am new to them... I can't seem to find a dive computer faq anywhere (good faq's that is). Is there?

I'm a casual diver with just OW c-card and I'm lucky if I go diving 1 a year. However, I'm looking into doing a live aboard, so I'd like to get a dive computer. After that, I'll probably still be doing the once a year thing if I'm lucky.

So, I don't want something too expensive, just something that does the job. I'm thinking I probably don't even need one that integrates air.

Also, as far as battery goes, since I won't be using it much, I'd rather not have to get one that isn't user replaceable. Do they make Li-ion rechargeable ones? That would be best since it's going to be sitting doing nothing for 364 days of the year.

 

[Jay_SMART_Diver]

Check out the Computer reviews from Rodales Computer Reviews They have several articles with notes and comparisons. Hope this helps.

 

[hdtran]

I would like to buy a dive computer but am new to them... I can't seem to find a dive computer faq anywhere (good faq's that is). Is there?

I'm a casual diver with just OW c-card and I'm lucky if I go diving 1 a year. However, I'm looking into doing a live aboard, so I'd like to get a dive computer. After that, I'll probably still be doing the once a year thing if I'm lucky.

So, I don't want something too expensive, just something that does the job. I'm thinking I probably don't even need one that integrates air.

Also, as far as battery goes, since I won't be using it much, I'd rather not have to get one that isn't user replaceable. Do they make Li-ion rechargeable ones? That would be best since it's going to be sitting doing nothing for 364 days of the year.

Here's an obligatory plug for scubatoys.com :dazzler1:

I too am an occassional diver, but I consider the computer an almost essential tool. After conversations w/ Larry @ scubatoys, I went with the Aeris Atmos 1 (I don't do Nitrox & have no intention of doing it for the next several years, and the price was right). It tracks nitrogen, records (for logging) dive time & max depth, & activates in water. And the display is easy to read (no squinting needed).

As a novice diver, I also found it very useful for monitoring ascent speeds in really OW (no ascent line on a drift dive; instructions from the DM were "signal me at 1000 psi, then, at 700 psi, start your ascent. The boat will see you & pick you up.")

 

[WarmWaterDiver]

Here's a link to a UK dive magazine that also performs equipment reviews. My opinion is the UK reviewers pull fewer punches than the US reviewers, but both are sources of info.

http://www.divernet.com/index.shtml

The 'Equipment' link is on the left side of the page.