Newbie computer question/poll

[iamsharkbait]

After doing a lot of research on which computer to buy, I have come to a question that I need your opinion on to help me on my way. For an average diver, (occasional lake diving and an annual trip to the Caribbean for a few dives and some R&R) I think almost all the dive computers(wrist mount) would be suffice. From the Aires Atmos1 to the Suunto D9 will do fine. Some just offer all the bells and whistles and others are stripped down. I do agree that buying once is the best idea so spend a couple more bucks, but I dont see, for me , how I would ever need those that will do it all. As for algorithms, I think, correct me if I am wrong, but the difference between a liberal(ie Oceanic) and a conservative (ie Suunto) would be important for those doing multiple (3+) or deep divers, but to the average novice as myself, does it really matter. You shouldnt get locked out on any computer doing 2 dives at 60 feet, which is my profile. Am I making sense? So the question is for my type and everyones for that matter, what I am finding is most important is the ease of use. Which wrist mount computer, not an mega expensive one, is the most practical and functional for average Joe and why? One button versus three, large numbers versus small, backlighting, screen display, ect.

 

[KrisB]

Well, first off, three buttons is going to probably be easier to use than one... the one button units usually have sequences of holding and quick presses to do different things.

I find the Suunto line extremely intuitive. So now it comes down to two questions:
1. do you want air integrated?
2. do you want to be able to download the profiles to your PC?

If you answered "No" to both questions, the Gekko is the one for you. If you answered "No" to question 1, but "Yes" to question two, the Vyper is it. If you answered yes to both questions, then the Vytec is your ideal computer.

Does that help?

 

[rpodos]

Very intelligent approach. Looking forward to seeing the answers!

 

[Tamas]

I might as well offer my suggestion to you as well. I am a big fan of Oceanic computers, I like the liberal aspect of their algorithm.

For a non AI I would suggest the Veo 180 it will do all the basics, has Nitrox mode in case you want to venture that way and it even has the PC download feature.

If you want to go the AI route, then I would suggest VT PRO, again it has all the features of Nitrox, PC download, 2 buttons, and of course the AI. For a really good comparison on the Oceanic brands, look at this PDF

Oceanics are also, slightly less expensive then the Suunto models.

 

[Bobby]

You have a very sensible approach towards a pc purchase decision. From your statement you are correct in that most any pc will do the job. First I would recommend large displays over small. Two reasons, first if you are only diving on occasion then it will be easier to see and know what you are looking at. Second is that as you age it will still be easy to see and know what you are looking at.

Now the important thing to consider is what types of diving may interest you in the future. Nitrox is something that I would make sure you have in the pc regardless of what you think now. As far as alogrithms at this point you do not need to worry too much about it, all on the market will work for you regardless if they are conservative or not. Oceanics I like because of my type of diving and they never lock out, they go to gauge mode when you violate them. I do a lot of decompression diving and it is one less thing I have to worry about with my dive planning. Sunnto's are good for keeping your profile conservative if that is what you are looking for. So there is some variation. If you think you may want to do more advanced dives in the future then you might want to take that into consideration.

Any of the pc's I would recommend to get more buttons versus less as was stated earlier. They are easier to set up and adjust as you dive them. Air integrated from what I see will not give you the value for your money IMHO. In saying this I have an air intergrated pc that I have used from recreational diving to trimix and cave dives but I must say that it is not the best choice for most divers.

Personal choice is the Ocianic two button hockey puck. Reason is that it gives a standard Navy table and lets me choose how I want to make the dive with less or more conservative profiles to my liking. Now the main thing is that I run tables and put a lot of planning into my dives weather multiple recreational dives or more aggresive deeper/longer dives. It gives me flexibility to do the dives how I want to do them. This may not be the best choice for the type of dives you want to do. Good luck and have fun diving.

Bobby

 

[iamsharkbait]

Thank you everyone for your time and thoughts.

 

[rpodos]

Bobby F wrote a great post.

I'd chime in that wireless is sorta unnecessary, and expensive. It's *great* to minimize hoses, but my first choice (not tek) would be going with a BCD-integrated octy like the Scubapro Air2.

I will indeed switch up to wireless at some point, which will be great (one free-swinging hose!), but not yet.