Quick Disconnect and Computer Program?

[PepsiTwist]

I have a quick question.

What is the benefit of the quick disconnect and the computer program? I am looking into the Cobra3 because that is what I was trained on and I really liked it. It has two options to buy it.

1) Standard ($895)
2) With Quick Disconnect and Computer Program ($1,075)

So is the quick disconnect and computer program worth the extra $180?

I'm not so sure I need the computer program anyway because I always fill out my logbook afterward with the info.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[reefduffer]

The quick disconnect allows you to remove the computer from your reg set without tools.
This is useful for:
- Travel. I keep my computer (Cobra classic) in my personal bag (== laptop bag). It's never checked, even on tiny airplanes. My reg set is in my roller carry-on, but that has to be checked on small aircraft.
- Computer upload. Nice not to have to drag the whole reg set into my home office to upload my dives.
- Other miscellaneous stuff - changing/checking settings, using the simulation mode, etc.

I think the quick disconnect is well worth the incremental cost, unless you're enough of a gear tech that taking your HP hose off your 1st stage reg with a wrench is a casual thing you do without any concern.

As for the computer interface, the ability to upload my dive history adds considerably to my enjoyment of my diving, letting me view the profiles, see where I maybe ascended a little too fast with hope of correcting this over time, easily and accurately compute my air consumption rate etc. If I had to, I'd pay Suunto's price for the capability.

Both the QD and the computer interface can be added after the initial computer purchase if you're on a budget. For the QD, that will probably add a little to the total cost, so I'd recommend getting it initially.

My understanding is that the only actual cost involved for the computer interace is the cable; the PC software (Suunto Dive Manager) is a free download from the Suunto website. See Suunto - Suunto Dive Manager

The cable can be purchased later if you want to save the money upfront. You can also look for it used here on SB, or craigslist or eBay. Also, there are some clone cables available, see for example USB cable interface SUUNTO Cobra Vyper Vytec Gekko D3 - eBay (item 290487085495 end time Oct-19-10 11:07:04 PDT)
These are cheaper than the Suunto name brand and they seem to work fine. I have one (different eBay seller several years ago) and it's worked without problems with my Cobra, and my wife's Cobra.

Just one thought on deferring the cable purchase: The Cobra only has a finite history memory. Eventually with enough dives, the older ones get overwritten by the newer ones, and if you haven't uploaded them, are lost forever.

 

[PepsiTwist]

Thank you soo much that is exactly what I was wondering!! It looks like the extra $180 is worth it, rather than dealing with it at a later date! Thanks for the quick response!

 

[Downing]

Ditto. I have the QD on my Cobra2 and really appreciate being able to pop my computer on and off the hose hassle-free for the reasons stated above. Just make sure the unit's reasonably dry when you disconnect so you don't accidentally trap any moisture under the rubber stoppers.

Absolutely worth it in my book.

 

[ibj40]

Ditto. I have the QD on my Cobra2 and really appreciate being able to pop my computer on and off the hose hassle-free for the reasons stated above. Just make sure the unit's reasonably dry when you disconnect so you don't accidentally trap any moisture under the rubber stoppers.

Absolutely worth it in my book.

I just took my regs in for routine service, and my Cobra2 with the QD is safely here with me at home.

 

[Starcruiser]

Another vote for the QD. I love being able to take my gear in for service and not worry about my cobra 3 getting banged around in the shop. ditto for downloading the dives, and traveling.

 

[PepsiTwist]

awesome! thanks for all the input!

 

[Scared Silly]

As folks have said both are worth it but may not be worth $180 when the USB cable can be found for cheaper by a third party. A good negotiating point when buying.

 

[TSandM]

My GOODNESS, that's an expensive computer, especially for a console model. The Suunto Vytec, which is a wrist model, is available through Amazon WITH transmitter for $750, and if you add an SPG and hose for insurance, you're still at only about $850. And you have the Suunto interface, which is what you're used to, with a computer you won't outgrow.

Or, in the same general price range, you could look at the Uemis, with its gorgeous OLED display.

Just some other thoughts -- that's really a pricey computer you're looking at, in my opinion, for what it offers.

 

[DiveNav]

As already mentioned the QD is worth to have..... but, the prices you indicated are the official MSRP prices :shocked2:

Who is buying cars - or dive computers - at MSRP these days?

Also, make sure you get from the dealer the Cobra 3 Activation Code so you can take the online class.