Newby on a mission - what computer?

[suziq239]

I just got OW certifed and am going to be doing alot of diving. I plan to get nitrox and advanced OW in 3 weeks. I am holding off on purchasing bcd and regs because of bulky travel and I want to test drive many before I make the investment. But you can't do that with a computer. Since my first big purchase will be a computer I know that i want a wrist mount that can accomodate my ambitions but will be easy enough for me to work with for now.
I originally chose the nemo but was recently told it was ultra conservative and the functions weren't really logical.
The suunto mosquito was a close second.

Another thing that i need to consider is that i would like to be able to log my dives on my computer. So which ones include this software/hardware? how much am I looking at spending extra for this?
What does everyone suggest?

 

[suziq239]

oh yeah - one more thing - if i go big (I'm a go big or go home type of gal) with an air intergrated wrist computer - will it still work like the others without the transmitter being installed ?(that is until i commit to purchasing my regs :05: )

 

[Jason Ooi]

welcome to scuba board
You can consider Sunto vyper and mosquito reliable with nitrox ready

 

[DiegoDiver]

oh yeah - one more thing - if i go big (I'm a go big or go home type of gal) with an air intergrated wrist computer - will it still work like the others without the transmitter being installed ?(that is until i commit to purchasing my regs :05: )

You just described the Suunto Vytec. Definitely worth the purchase. Air Integrated....Use it or not, it's up to you. I use it and still use a backup spg. Best of both worlds. Has air, nitrox, and gauge modes (gauge in case you go tech and are using it for a bottom timer). You can attach it to your PC and download all you dive info on the computer...just have to buy the download kit separately. A little pricey...but like you said, go big or go home. The D9 is too small....The vytec is the same thing without the compass...I don't trust the digital compass. I bought mine from leisurepro for $899 with the transmitter. Got their warranty due to suunto not providing one.

 

[BrianV]

For the record, most AI watches work as regular computers when you're not diving with the transmitted hooked up to an HP port.

 

[xiSkiGuy]

I like my UWATEC SmartTEC AI wrist computer quite a bit.

Whatever you get, do yourself the favor of learning a little bit about deco theory and how dive computers arrive at the results they give you. You'll be a lot safer than just trusting what the computer says.

 

[diverryan]

What type of diving do you see yourself doing down the road? You sound like diving has taken a real shine to you so do you see yourself eventually getting into the technical field? If so, the vytec might be a way to go from Suunto. Other computers with similar features are the nitek 3 or 7 by Dive Rite or the inclusive VR3. With the VR3, you can update the software as you go giving you more features (for example, you can stay with nitrox I believe, then upgrade the computer's software to monitor other things such as a rebreather, trimix, etc. as you progress in diving). However, this puppy is a big pricy so be prepared. I hope this helps. If you have any questions on Dive Rite computers, let me know.

 

[Bwanar]

OK....the VR3 is just mean to get a beginner hooked on, never mind the size for a female! Heck I leave my weights at home when I use mine.
I would recommend you get at least a EANx computor, to begin with. I have found the Cochran commanders a good one. They are easy to read and operate, can do multi gas's, fairly reasonable and not terribly conservative. I have used one for close to 10yrs. and still use it for my recreational diving (over the Best...VR3) as does my son. It is not integrated, but I don't find this a problem and like the reliability of an SPG.
It seems to be good enough for the Navy. It also has a good computor sharing program to download and log/check dives and was one of if not the first to be used by DAN for their studies. They even have models now that are Helium upgradable for future use if you so desire. Good Luck.

 

[NWBoiler]

Take a look at the Atmos 2..... I really like mine and it seems to be a favorite amongst the folks up here in the NW

 

[suziq239]

Thanks everyone. Your imput is great. However by the time I am looking at rebreathers there is going to be some awesome new tech out there that i will just have to have.

these are my top considerations

mares nemo, suunto mosquito or stinger

atom 1, vytec, D9

what here is the best value for the money?