need help picking a computer

[dscotte]

I am a fiarly new diver (adv cert last month) and am now looking for a computer. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a comp so I have a list of "Value" computers. Pleas make a selection and explain why you picked that item. Also if there is somthing you would rather have for around the same price let me know. I don't need anything fancy, just the basic stuff.

Thank you

 

[RICHinNC]

I use the G. Resource. Easy to read...nice big numbers....good layout. The only draw back I see is the back light isnt all that bright...but hasnt been a problem so far.

I would recommend a wrist mount whichever you end up with. I started off with a console mount and after two dive switched to a wrist mount and am very glad I did.

I will assume you know the diff between a G. Resource and React is one can do nitrox and the other cant......think out into the future....ever going to do nitrox? If so, buy a nitrox capable one up front and save money in the long run.

And, Genesis was very good when I had a problem with my Resource.

 

[Diversauras]

I have a couple of the Uwatec computers and love them.

 

[double125's]

I highly recomend the m1 buy mares. I paid $235 at leiserpro for it. It is nitrox capable, user programable without a pc interface, does not give excess info, relatively conservative, good backlight and user replaceable batteries. it stores in its memory 40 hours of dives at 20 second intervals for downloading to a personal computer if you buy the interface. It keeps a permanent memory of total dives and total bottom time. Only downside is the stiff buttons which will loosen up after time. I am highly satisfied with mine and would recomend it to anyone.

 

[dscotte]

For the people that voted "Other" can you pleas explain what you would rather have and why. Just telling me you would rather have somthing else dosn't really help me much. Thanks

 

[DutchDown]

Based on the easy-to-read screen and conservative algorithim. Pretty inexpensive, too. In the end, those are the reasons I chose it over the Vyper.

 

[annie]

I use a Genesis resource and am happy with it so far . . .
I must be one of the few people who prefer their computer in a console. I just like to check my air as well as my computer and it's all in the one place there.

 

[MonkSeal]

dscotte once bubbled...
For the people that voted "Other" can you pleas explain what you would rather have and why. Just telling me you would rather have somthing else dosn't really help me much. Thanks

Many of us voted "Other" probably because you omitted eg. Suunto, Uwatec, Mares etc. You'll find several similar threads in this forum dealing with same subject and you can read reviews.

 

[leadweight]

Quite a few of the computers in the poll are low end and air only. Get something that can do nitrox, it will eventually come in handy.

Consider:
Suunto Vyper
Uwatec Aladin Pro Ultra
Mares M1
Aeris Atmos II
Oceanic Versa Pro

In no particular order or preference.

 

[Charlie99]

annie once bubbled...
I use a Genesis resource and am happy with it so far . . .
I must be one of the few people who prefer their computer in a console. I just like to check my air as well as my computer and it's all in the one place there.

No Annie, there are lots of us that prefer a console for exactly that reason: air, depth, dive time, NDL all in one spot. I laugh at the guys that make a big deal about the relatively small drag of console, yet think nothing of taking a huge cannister light on a reef dive.

I generally have my hands streamlined back behind me touching the bottom of my tank. The console is clipped where I can glance down and see it without getting out of streamlined position.

As for the thread topic --- I am a real fan of a bargraph that shows overall tissue loading, as do the Oceanics and the related computers such as Genesis. The tissue loading bargraph tracks and displays your N2 loading, and doesn't give you a false sense of security by going way back into the green as soon as you ascend a bit, as does the NDL bargraphs or "consumed bottom time" bargraphs of other computers.

Charlie