Newbie computer question:

[bp_968]

I am looking at getting a computer when I finish my OW class here in a month (everyone says it allows more downtime and is safer). Anyway, the problem is cost. I'll need to get 2 (one for myself and one for the wife) unless you guys suggest using one between us (sounds like a bad plan). I've seen the Veo 100 and aeris atmos 1 as low as 165$ each (new). Would this be a good choice? I plan on learning nitrox within a year or two but I would rather spend the 200-300$ savings (remember I have to buy two) for buying us BCs. Is there a good nitrox computer under 200$? Any other suggestions?

Ben

 

[MrConclusion]

Under $200 is a stretch, but you might find one for closer to $200 than $300. Alternately, you could look for a used computer.

Leisure Pro has the Veo 180 air/nitrox for $230, that would definitely be cheaper than buying and air computer now, and then needing an air/nitrox computer later.

Also, I searched "oceanic dive computer" and "nitrox dive computer" on Ebay and got a lot of hits. Some looked like they would sell for under $100. If you don't need the newest and latest, this might be an option.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

Don't share a computer. <---(that's a PERIOD at the end there)

I suggest the Atmos 2, it'll take you as far as you can go. Recreation air and nitrox, and tech diving in gauge mode. Also it's quite cheap and durable. Keep in mind that most likely you will do nitrox at some point in the future, and if you have to replace your computer you will have spent more money that if you get the nitrox one to begin with. I didn't, and paid for it.

 

[Damselfish]

Correct, sharing a computer is a bad idea. Your profiles will never really be the same.

I don't know that a computer is safer, but it certainly is convienient and allows more time than doing a multilevel dive with a square table. If you are planning on doing Nitrox in a year or so (or even if you didn't think you were) I don't think it makes sense to buy an air computer at this point, unless maybe you get a good deal used. Especially if you are diving locally, I'd say use tables and save until you can get what you really want (not just the absolute cheapest unless it happens to be what you really want!) I don't know if you can get a new Nitrox computer under $200, but you should be able to get something in the $200s.

That said, if you are planning a tropical trip soon with lots of diving, it would be very nice to have a computer, in that case maybe I'd go ahead and get the air computer if that's really the only choice. (But if you can go on a trip...) You could use it as a backup computer eventually, though an air computer backup to a Nitrox computer is much less than ideal.

If you have to decide between getting a BC and a computer, I would in most cases opt for the BC first.

 

[Wayward Son]

"unless you guys suggest using one between us"

I think most newbies at least wonder, even if they don't ask. But, no, don't share.

FWIW, a dive computer is one item i simply wouldn't buy from an unauthorized dealer. If you have problems, you have to have service, period.

Leisurepro is an unauthorized dealer for many brands. There have been no shortage of people reporting problems with gear where LP simply left them hanging.

Try Larry at www. scubatoys.com, he's an authorized dealer for what he sells.

 

[RICHinNC]

Def dont share....and personally...Iwouldnt buy one from Ebay.

Scubatoys is having a deal on the Oceanic Versa Pro and if you are a member of the board you get an additional 10% off if you call to make your order. Maybe you can work an even better deal for buying two at one time (call and talk to larry). The sale price I think is $247 with the % off.

And more importantly....ST is an authorized Oceanic dealer so you get full manufacturer warrantee. I just registered the one I bought from ST with Oceanic and even talked to them on the phone about something in the manual that was confusing to me. Got great service.

rich

 

[KOMPRESSOR]

My choice would definitely be this one:

Suunto Vyper. -And fitted on your arm, not in a console.

More info on it here: www.suunto.com/vyper

It has all you need, really. Nothing less, and not much more.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

And it costs $349 from LP.....

 

[KOMPRESSOR]

And it costs $349 from LP.....

Hey, that's cheaper than here! -And they are made in Finland!!!

I would spend that little extra money on this computer. I've tried it out, and it's really well made.

 

[Damselfish]

I have a Suunto Gekko and a Vyper. The Vyper only has a few things the Gekko does not, none of which I use anyway. (backlight, download capability, something else I'm forgetting at the moment.) The Gekko is a pretty good choice if you don't need those extra features and is less expensive.