Questions about computers, from a newbie...please add your suggestions!

[stisso]

1) My hubby and I love our diveshop, but we've decided to look elsewhere for dive computers, as we're positive we can get better deals if we look around. A friend of ours said that Ebay was a good place to look for cheaper prices. Any other suggestions?

2) We don't know if we want wrist mounted or not, but I'm leaning towards no...any advice on choosing which type?

3) Finally, can anyone suggest a good brand for a starter computer? I think I want one with a compass, since I don't have one of those yet, and it seems like a good place for it (this would be if we don't get the wrist mounted ones, see #2). I think getting one with Nitrox is our plan, too, as evenutally we'll be diving with it.


Thanks in advance, everyone!

 

[dimitrik]

1) My hubby and I love our diveshop, but we've decided to look elsewhere for dive computers, as we're positive we can get better deals if we look around. A friend of ours said that Ebay was a good place to look for cheaper prices. Any other suggestions?

2) We don't know if we want wrist mounted or not, but I'm leaning towards no...any advice on choosing which type?

3) Finally, can anyone suggest a good brand for a starter computer? I think I want one with a compass, since I don't have one of those yet, and it seems like a good place for it (this would be if we don't get the wrist mounted ones, see #2). I think getting one with Nitrox is our plan, too, as evenutally we'll be diving with it.


Thanks in advance, everyone!

Give Larry at Scubatoys a call. He has excellent pricing which is sometimes even better than Ebay. You will also get the manufactures warranty along with it.

www.scubatoys.com

 

[dirthead]

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[dlndavid]

I like the Atmos 2, it has the gauge, the compass and a knife.
http://www.diveaeris.com/p_computers_atmos2.html

 

[H2Andy]

hey stisso, welcome aboard


1. i wouldn't buy a used computer (that's just me). Scubatoys.com has good
prices. Leisurepro.com has good prices too.

2. i prefer wrist mounted, as that enables me to get rid of the bulky console.
your setup will be a compass and computer on wrists, and a pressure gaguge
on the left of your BC

3. i would strongly reccommend the Aeris Atmos 2 (i use it). it's cheap, excellent,
and can handle nitrox. the battery lasts for ever (no, i mean, for ever...) and
it's cheap at Radio Shack

 

[Wayward Son]

I personally would not buy a computer without a factory warranty. That means buy it from an authorized dealer. Many online sales are not authorized dealers, and if it has a problem you will only be able to go back to that seller. Maybe they'll fix it, maybe not, and if not, you're stuck.

Larry at Scubatoys is an authorized dealer. One of his lines is Oceanic, and Oceanic has some nice consoles/compass built in. Give him a call & talk over what your diving is like & see what he suggests.

 

[Bugsy700]

I am in the same boat as stisso. I am looking into purchasing a comp and have no clue what brands are good/bad. Here is what I do know.

1) Want Nitrox compatability (that way dont have to get a new one in a year or two when I begin using it)

2) Want a wrist mount (I like the idea of having it easily available and it would allow me to just clip my pressure/depth gauge)

3) would like but dont need computer compatability

4) try to get all of the above for under $300-$400

 

[GreenDiverDown]

I think that if you "love" your dive shop, then you should reconsider buying your computer from them. Have them show you something in your price range. Surely, they have a variety of units.

Though these things may not be important to you, a purchase from your LDS will probably include teaching you how to use it and answering any questions you might have as they come up down the road. Also, most shops will more than gladly lend you a unit if yours should unexpectedly die just before...or on...a trip.

To answer your question more directly I would say check out Scuba Toys or look at the gear classifieds on this forum or on http://www.thedecostop.com/forums/

And as to which units that I would recommend: Oceanic Versa Pro (I see Scuba Toys has a screamin' deal on these) or a Suunto Vyper. These are both very nice and easy to use wrist mounts that offer a guage mode.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

1) I would not buy a used computer. Things like warranty are nice. I suggest www.scubatoys.com, he's a real LDS who is an authorized dealer, unlike places like LP.

2) I went with a wrist mount. Before my current computer I had SPG, computer, and compass in a console, and I am much happier with a wrist mounted computer and compass, with just an SPG on the hose. The gauges are easy to see, and can be used with multiple regs without moving hoses around.

3) The only computer with a built-in compass is the Suunto D9, which is most likely much more than you want or need to spend. As for a normal compass, I suggest the Suunto SK7 in a DSS boot, it's pretty much the best compass you can get, and the DSS boot is low profile, much lower than the stock or other aftermarket boots. See it here: http://deepseasupply.com/page19.html

As for a computer brand, how about Tusa or Aeris. Specifically, the Tusa IQ700, or the Aeris Atmos 2. If you're a fan of slim computers with big displays, a good bet is the Tusa IQ800, this is what I use, and it's an awesome computer; it's very thin but has the biggest numbers on one of the biggest screens I've ever seen. And it has a neat vibrating alarm feature that is a lot nicer than the whole ocean hearing your alarms go off all the time.

 

[Spoon]

i bought a diverite nitek duo computer even before i started diving. its soo user friendly and is a no brainer to use., its simple and very reasonable. $300 good for air and nitrox.