I bought it because:
For all of the reasons I posted prior to this.
I, too, hate the battery swaps with the Oceanic.
I can source 3.6V batteries locally, and the specific battery/model #/manufacturer is listed within the owners manual. I didn't have to find out what the appropriate battery is by reading some post on ScubaBoard (which was a thread started because people were having problems).
I didn't need to pay extra money for a download cable (unit is bluetooth). Yes, I'm sure I paid for the bluetooth in the total cost, but I don't care (keep reading and you will see why).
Shearwater customer service is outstanding. I was getting a low battery warning on the maiden dive despite the unit showing adequate voltage. One email to the company and they were right on it (investigating). Within a week or so, they discovered it was due to diving in very cold conditions. So, they reworked the firmware and immediately emailed out the update, which I sent from my laptop to the Predator via bluetooth.
I am thankful that Shearwater has the drive to constantly improve their products. The last upgrade (they've had 2 since I purchased the unit) went a step further by by making additional interface upgrades (many of which were suggested by current Shearwater owners).
I truly appreciate a company that actually listens to me. I identified a problem, they kept me updated on a timely basis, and
corrected the issue THE FIRST TIME, AND AT NO COST TO ME (As they should. After all, the problem was generated within-house. Not due to something I did). Shearwater took the time to explain why the problem was happening, and what they did to correct it.
The Predator is good to go for deco (Ha! I made a rhyme!
). I can use multiple gasses.
The price point of the Predator is quite good considering what you are getting in return. Just compare the price to units with similar features and you should come to the same conclusion.
Frankly, I'm tired of screwing around with something as important as a computer, or any piece of diving equipment for that matter. Nothing like shelling out something like 5K for a vacation dive trip to have it cut short by some piece of dive equipment.
I'll spend the extra money, even if it means that I have to wait a bit to get something that won't disappoint me (or tick me off). Add up the cost of a couple Veo250's (2@$450ea), and you've just about bought yourself a Predator.
Not once did I hear anyone at Shearwater say "Well, we have thousands of satisfied customers worldwide." This may be true, but in essence calls those who are having problems "idiots".