Looking for advice on computer choice

[Shinsen]

OK, I'm the market for a used computer. I want AI, but can't afford wireless. Plus I don't think a transmitter will fit on my first stage (TUSA R-200) anyway. That means a console unit, so I guess I'll want QD and a compass on it too.
These are the units I've been looking at in no particular order - well, I like the design of the Atmos, but I think I can get the best deal on a Mares Puck Air.

Please let me know your thoughts - good or bad
These are links to the units on Leisure Pro, but budget calls for used.

Sherwood Wisdom 2 - Not a lot of these on the used market. it looks like there are a couple different versions out there:
Sherwood CG7125 2008 Wisdom 2 Dive Computer with Compass and Quick Disconnect
Sherwood CG9125 Wisdom 2 Dive Computer with Compass and Quick Disconnect

Suunto Cobra
Suunto "Cobra" Air/Nitrox, Air Integrated Computer Console with Compass & Quick Disconnect

Aeris Atmos AI
Aeris Atmos AI Air Integrated Computer Console, With Compass & Quick Disconnect

Mares Puck Air
Mares Puck Air Computer Console With Compass


Oceanic Pro Plus 2 (not 2.1)
Oceanic Pro Plus 2, Air/Nitrox, Air Integrated Computer

Or even an older Oceanic DataMax Pro Plus
http://cgi.ebay.com/OCEANIC-PRO-PLU...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ceffce34b

 

[Starcruiser]

I owned a cobra for 5 years and loved it so much that when it died, I upgraded to a cobra 3. Both with quick disconnect, and downloads are a breeze. A bit overpriced on the download cable, but Suunto is pretty reliable.

 

[LowVizWiz]

I have a used Cobra with about 150 dives that I no longer use. Has a compass, but no QD. PM me if you're interested. The QD can be purchased if you really have your mind set on it.

There are a few sources for the download cable that are quite a bit cheaper than the original Suunto cable, but work just as well. Custom Idea would be my first choice.

 

[Hatul]

From the photo the Mares looks like it only has one button. If so I would avoid it. How can you navigate the menus with one button.

Adam

 

[LowVizWiz]

How can you navigate the menus with one button.

Adam

Carefully?

 

[crls]

All these computers are good enough for recreational diving.
One button computers' are suitable too; you just do all the function with one button in serial sequence. The advantaged is that is less prompt to flood.

 

[Hatul]

Carefully?

My answer to how to navigate the menus with one button: with difficulty.

 

[fnfalman]

I own the Wisdom 2 for close to 3-years now. Supposedly there are some minor improvements between the Model #9125 over the Model #7125 (my computer), but I don't know what these improvements are. Anyway, I love this computer because it's so easy to use. One button activates it and another button for lighting up the display at night. Big, easy-to-read numbers. Easy to navigate menu. Supposedly even the downloading is easy. I don't download mine, but my buddy with the same computer does and he hadn't complained about the downloading procedure in the two years that he owned it.

 

[carrielsal]

Suuntos are great computers. You also want to consider the algorithm used by the computer. Suuntos run a modified Buhlmann algorithm which is fairly conservative.
I know you said that you are on a budget constraint, but think about the type of diving you might do in the future and get a computer that will be able to accomodate that. IMHO this is more important than a transmitter.
If you think you may want AI in the future, buy a computer that has AI capability. You can always buy the transmitter in the future.
Also, look at see if the battery is user replaceable. If not, you may be sending your computer in every year back to the dealer to get it replaced.
I have a Suunto Viper Air. When I used the transmitter, I never had a problem. It has several features that stood out when I made this purchase last year - large, easy to read face, backlight, gauge mode, will handle one gas switch, and I could put it in a bungee mount. I am not fond of wrist straps. They do come open under the water.
No matter where you buy your computer, if it fails it has to be sent back to the manufacturer.
Consider talking to your LDS and see if they can offer competitive price. If you buy your computer online and it has a problem, you will be out a computer while it's gone. The LCD on my Viper went out 2 weeks ago, just before I was leaving on vacation. My LDS gave me a rental to use.

 

[Jax]

Indian Valley Scuba had a good write-up on computers, if you want to consider the technical side of it.

http://www.indianvalleyscuba.com/newsletters/10-06-30%20June%2030%202010.pdf