Holg
I would disagree with regards to the algorithm... RGBM is uber conservative, the same used by Suunto and in the past my Suunto was screaming at me when my buddies computers were not. The highly modified Bühlmann algorithm used by Uemis is bang up to date and unique. it also allows for additional conservatism should you want it.
I would strongly suggest paying the extra £90 and getting the transmitter. It doesn't really matter whether or not you want your gas info on your wrist, The Uemis calculates the the effects of skin cooling, workload, micro bubble formation and tissue saturation based on SAC rate and gas mix and then constantly modifies the algorithm to match, right through the dive!!!!
I was originally erring towards a VR3 until I saw the Uemis dispay, that and the fact that the VR3 isn't AI. The tv screen set up just like the Mares isn't that easy to read at a glance during a dive.
Bought mine from
Scuba Diving Superstore (formerly SDS Watersports) - Number 1, Scuba diving retailer in the UK, based in South Yorkshire. £899 with transmitter.
The Uemis to me is everything a dive computer should be and with future planned upgrades everything I will need it to be for the forseeable future. The only thing it is lacking is a digital compass but then I always carry a Suunto SK-7 and don't really want important dive info disappearing so I can use it, I'd rather have compass and computer doing their seperate jobs.
The only thing I will say is, if possible, try to see the Uemis working side by side with a Mares, I guarantee, one look at that screen and the info and how it is presented and you will walk out with an AI Uemis!!!
Good luck
PS If you are anywhere near the North East UK, you are quite welcome to come and have a play with mine!! ooeer missus!!
PS apart from the initial power up (knowing the slide combination to use) the interface on the Uemis is childs play, I managed to set the whole thing up without refering to the manual once. Very intuitive, no messy menus to navigate and the menus and button sequences are very logical and where you would expect/anticipate they should be, absolutely no nasty surprises or dead ends to get stuck in!