Which computer between $300-$400?

[Hatul]

The Suunto Vyper is an oldie but goodie. Not the fanciest but has all the functions you need for rec diving.

Adam

 

[hellhole]

hi guys...

great thread going on...

i am also looking to get a dive comp... not watch.. not console but a comp...

i looked around and the suunto vyper is like a oldie but goodie ( as mention above) but it does not have a compass.. if i want to spring for one that has.. .. the price goes up quite a bit..

also.. for second hand vyper... is it safe to buy one? what do i need to check? the owner has changed the batteries...

 

[drdaddy]

Between my Instructor son and I, we have 5 computers. One is simple and not nitrox, so we really have 4, let me address my three which any would be great.

My main computer is a Oceanic Veo 250, and my backups are Suunto Vytec (I do not use the transmitter) and Suunto Vyper. All of our computers allow us to change our own batteries - I would not have it any other way.

I would suggest (which is what your price range is looking at) that you get a solid computer, so I would suggest the Oceanic. Now, Oceanic has "upgraded" and I believe the upgrade for the Veo 250 is the Veo 3.0. I would get this computer. Could someone tell me/us what Oceanic is the "upgrade".

Please understand why "buy Oceanic" - it's very important. While the Suuntos that I have are great and I love them, Suunto's customer service is terrible, therefore, never buy a Suunto. Story after story around the World (and I dive the World) is when you have a problem, Suunto does not respond. Oceanic actually answers the phone and, as crazy as it sounds, will spend hours with you helping you to setup your computer and really wants to help you deal with any problems - when in doubt about warranty - they will lean towards the customer and not try to wiggle out of their responsibility. In one case, my Dive Buddy (not a tech wiz) actually sent his laptop to Oceanic and they put their dive log program in it for him!

Also, if you have a good/stable LDS, ask them if they can meet the online price (or at least get closer). If they get an attitude, well they are a lousy LDS and look for a new one. Try to buy from your Local Dive Shop - relationships mean a lot to us divers - that's why we love ScubaBoard, and share with our future divebuddies.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

i looked around and the suunto vyper is like a oldie but goodie ( as mention above) but it does not have a compass.. if i want to spring for one that has.. .. the price goes up quite a bit..

also.. for second hand vyper... is it safe to buy one? what do i need to check? the owner has changed the batteries...

@hellhole: First of all, a very good option is to purchase a separate, standalone wrist compass. The Suunto SK-7 in a Deep Sea Supply bungee wristboot is an excellent choice.

With a secondhand dive computer, I'd check to make sure it works before buying it. Sounds straightforward, eh? More specifically, you need to verify depth/time/temperature readings, the waterproof integrity of the computer, the functionality of each and every button, backlight brightness/functionality, user-changeable settings, nitrox functionality, and whether the PC-download option works. It's also good to check whether the NDLs are within a reasonable range. These checks are easiest to do when you have a reliable, properly functioning second computer at your disposal. Just strap both computers to your wrist and go for a dive.

If the seller is asking you to purchase it sight-unseen, then perhaps he might outline a return policy should the computer arrive and not work.

Before plunking down money for a secondhand computer, educate yourself on the market for comparable new computers. It might be worth it to spend $50 more to get a new computer from an authorized dealer that comes with a 1 or 2 year warranty. A dive computer warranty usually isn't transferable from the original owner to a secondhand owner.

Good luck...

 

[ianr33]

Before plunking down money for a secondhand computer, educate yourself on the market for comparable new computers. It might be worth it to spend $50 more to get a new computer from an authorized dealer that comes with a 1 or 2 year warranty. A dive computer warranty usually isn't transferable from the original owner to a secondhand owner.

That is an excellent point. Used computers will generally have zero warranty no matter how new they may be. And computers do fail sometimes.
Any idea why I know this?

 

[hellhole]

@hellhole: First of all, a very good option is to purchase a separate, standalone wrist compass. The Suunto SK-7 in a Deep Sea Supply bungee wristboot is an excellent choice.

With a secondhand dive computer, I'd check to make sure it works before buying it. Sounds straightforward, eh? More specifically, you need to verify depth/time/temperature readings, the waterproof integrity of the computer, the functionality of each and every button, backlight brightness/functionality, user-changeable settings, nitrox functionality, and whether the PC-download option works. It's also good to check whether the NDLs are within a reasonable range. These checks are easiest to do when you have a reliable, properly functioning second computer at your disposal. Just strap both computers to your wrist and go for a dive.

If the seller is asking you to purchase it sight-unseen, then perhaps he might outline a return policy should the computer arrive and not work.

Before plunking down money for a secondhand computer, educate yourself on the market for comparable new computers. It might be worth it to spend $50 more to get a new computer from an authorized dealer that comes with a 1 or 2 year warranty. A dive computer warranty usually isn't transferable from the original owner to a secondhand owner.

Good luck...

thanks... good advise...

i guess asking the seller to produce some form of authorize servicing is not too much to ask for.

I know that getting a new one may be just a couple of dollar more..... but so far what i have seen is that shops are selling newer model at lower prices... but higher then what u really budget for...

i guess have to look out for a decent deal that fits with my budget.

 

[Solido]

I have an Aladin 2G and I like it. I got it for $250. It's not as pretty as the Geo 2.0 but is less expensive and has a better Gauge mode if you plan on doing some serious diving.

 

[Searcaigh]

I have used Suunto computers for years, started off on a real basic one back in the 90s and then moved on to the Solution alpha, which I gave to my daughter and she still uses, when I bought a Vyper at the start of my NITROX course in 2004.

I plan to get a Zoop for my daughter this summer before she starts her NITROX course.

My only gripe with Suunto is that their software is not Mac compatible, if it is then I would be grateful if somebody could let me know

 

[Bubbletrubble]

My only gripe with Suunto is that their software is not Mac compatible, if it is then I would be grateful if somebody could let me know

@Searcaigh: Think outside the box. There is third party software which permits download of dive profiles from PC-downloadable Suunto computers. I've been using MacDive for years. It works great.

MacDive used to be free. Now, with the added improvements in Version 2, it costs $25. I still think that is a good value for what one gets. The developer is very open to suggestions and willing to help troubleshoot any issues/bugs. Give it a shot.

 

[Searcaigh]

Thanks Bubbletrubble, just had a look at it, seems similar to the Suunto layout and will give it a try.