With that little amount of diving you have planned get a wrist computer and a BCD. The BCD so you know that it fits you and the weight integration and the computer so you will know your diving status.
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IMHO : If you don't have plan to go to techno, it can be simple computer, supported Nitrox, about $200 each.
lets rev this up a bit more and see who else chimes in..... okay, since you are already discussing that it is possibly costly:
Look for some tenderly used gear, like from someone who just knew they will love diving.......
Or see if the LDS is doing their periodic upgrade (they have to in order to sell the newest line to the new divers).... serviced, and perhaps some form of warranty/guarantee...
This whole "you just can't trust the rental equipment" is a half truth bunch of crap. Did the stuff you certified in kill you? Was it unsafe? Could you rent it from the very same shop?
Hmmmmmm.......
Yes, there are places you don't want to rent from, but likely you should be able to identify those......