Release Date For New Atomic Aquatics Dive Computer

[Sephiro444]

I've heard/seen nothing for a while now on the 'new' Atomic computer....I've been waiting on them too. They were said to hit the market late spring 2010, it's now mid-July and I'm not seeing any market 'buzz' anywhere. There is another thread here claiming the LCD screens for this computer are so nice/expensive to produce that the LCD manufacturers have stopped manufacturing them such that Atomic will have to redesign their computers to use a cheaper, more conventional screen.....but others are saying that Atomic DOES have a supplier for their fancy screens....and I don't know who is right, or if this issue explains the apparent delay in Atomic's release of their computer.

That's a beautifully concise summary of the public saga of Atomic's computer. It was nothing I didn't know, but it was everything I've seen about them, condensed into one paragraph.

 

[scubafanatic]

My understanding is Atomic is hoping for a September release.

We'll see.

Scuba Labs gave the Cobalt its 2011 "Testers' Choice" Award in its review of dive computers in this month's issue of Scuba Diving Magazine, which I took as a good sign that the release date is near.

Per the review, retail price is $1,200.

$ 1200, YIKES! ...sounds like Atomic didn't get the memo about the recession !

 

[formula1mb@aol.com]

Wow, that's a ridiculous price IMHO. You can get the Uemis SDA for pretty much the same price and that's with the wireless transmitter, OLED screen, and wrist style versus the atomic console style.

Or the Shearwater Predator which is well proven and very highly regarded, can be upgraded to Trimix, gorgeous OLED screen, etc.

The only reason I can see for getting the Atomic is maybe to be the first one and for the novelty factor perhaps?

 

[Downing]

Well, what do you expect from a manufacturer that sells $1,500 regs, $250 fins and $150 masks? Their titanium DIN converter alone is an eye popping $350.

Atomic consistently wins ScubaLab's "Tester's Choice" awards but never their "Best Buy" awards except for maybe the Z2x, I don't remember.

Btw, another sign of the Cobalt's impending release is Atomic is now posting its picture on their homepage.

 

[formula1mb@aol.com]

They also sell reasonably priced regulators that perform exactly the same as the $1500 full titanium model for $600-$800.

At least from my point of view, if they sold the console model for maybe $700-$800 and than later came out with an AI, wireless wrist model for $1200 that would make sense. Right now though, too many other better models for the same price. Hell you can get the Mares Icon HD for $750 now which is basically almost the same thing and very good reviews so far.

I'm sure there's a market for it and people will buy it but I hate simply paying for a name. Also, I am an Atomic fan so not bashing, just not something I would buy.

 

[Straegen]

Direct link

Atomic Aquatics Cobalt Dive Computer - Simply Brilliant

Built in compass which neither the Zurich or Mares have. AI which the mares does not have. Cheaper than the Zurich which runs around $1700 with AI and $1300 without. Battery life is much better than the Mares. Better logbook on the Atomic over the Zurich at least before the online portion is added. Last I checked Trimix was coming the Zurich but hadn't landed yet, but that may have changed.

It is actually a nice looking unit with a great design. Worth $1200... that is debatable for sure but it isn't just another rehash. As a point of reference the Mares Icon I believe shipped with a $1200 price tag as well. If it were a wrist AI unit, I would probably buy one but the console puts me off quite a bit.

 

[formula1mb@aol.com]

Mares Icon HD Air/Nitrox Wrist Computer with Compass 414119 with reviews at scuba.com

The Mares does have a compass. Mares is supposedly going to have AI in the future although it has been delayed.

Also, the Uemis has a superior OLED screen----I have to check the Atomic but it sounds like they switched to an LCD. For contrast, reading in any light, night, etc. without using a backlight OLED is way better.


It looks very good, don't get me wrong, just not $1200 good.

 

[fnfalman]

Looks very well thought out. Easy to read displays - I especially like the deco time versus gas remaining time, and the compass reading is actually legible. THREE settings for conservatism.

If they come out with a wireless AI version, I might be interested in one.

 

[scubafanatic]

The "COBALT" is now actually available for pre-order @ Scubatoys (ETA early October 2010) :

Atomic Cobalt Air intergraded Nitrox Dive computer reviews and discounts, Atomic

Scubatoys told me the wireless version will be 'out' in another year.

I went ahead and ordered one today......they will accept pre payments as low as 20% 'down'.

 

[scubafanatic]

Mares Icon HD Air/Nitrox Wrist Computer with Compass 414119 with reviews at scuba.com

The Mares does have a compass. Mares is supposedly going to have AI in the future although it has been delayed.

Also, the Uemis has a superior OLED screen----I have to check the Atomic but it sounds like they switched to an LCD. For contrast, reading in any light, night, etc. without using a backlight OLED is way better.


It looks very good, don't get me wrong, just not $1200 good.

Based on the burn times listed for the UEMIS versus COBALT, it appears the COBALT has much longer burn times before needing to be recharged, so while OLED is pretty, it's also very power hungry.