Which computer to get

[GulfCoastdiver]

I am looking to get a computer, I looked at alot and how I'm looking for so input from the divers who use'em.
Has anyone used the Dacor Darwin air? and what do you think???

 

[RICHinNC]

Many of the different models are made by the same manufacturer so it can sometimes be only a matter of what layout of the screen you like or dislike.

Then there is the different styles....by that I mean....console mount....wrist mount....hoseless.

Personally, I prefer and use two wrist mounts. The transmitter hoseless seemed to be liked on the board a lot...but then I read a LOT of complaints about lost signal and other gripes.

Console mounts are a pain to me as trying to control a console and dump air on an ascent........go wrist mount.

 

[steelemagnolia6]

I have to vote with Rich here wrist mount is the way to go. It just seems much eaiser to look at my wrist than to be fiddling with my console and my BC during ascent...

 

[scubatoys]

Now, I prefer a console over a wrist unit... And even though we sell the Darwin... there are a lot of problems with the buttons on them. They can be difficult to push - so if you wanted a Darwin, I'd say go the Mares MC1 instead. It's really the same computer in a different package - and their buttons work a lot better.

Or you could do something like the Mares Airlab which would give you a quick disconnect, air integrated computer for under $500 (with your SB discount).

Now, I'm more of a fan of the Oceanic and Aeris consoles, but that is due to the algo they use, plus their nice big numbers (which become very handy from age 40 on!)

I just prefer a console, as then all my data is in one place - and I find wrist computers are more likely to get hung up on bc straps, scratched, broken, lost, etc..

 

[Markdone]

Good start to ask here, but I'd advise a little more research. Part of this is personal - wrist vs console and you're probably the best judge of that, since each way works, and each has it's pros and cons.

The integration feature is worth considering, since now it's also thinking about your consumption rate and is giving you some more information about your dive. The integration method - console or wrist/hoseless has a lot of support on both sides - hoseless streamlines your rig, but introduces another component that can fail. Sticking it in your console makes you a console user, even if you prefer a wrist mount.

Another factor is air or nitrox. Personally, I'm a fan of nitrox, and since there are many nitrox computers available at reasonable prices, I'd advise getting one that handles nitrox as well as air.

Part of this becomes a religious issue about the "conservatism" of the off-gassing model used by the manufacturer. Given our litigious society, my opinion is the manufacturers are providing a product that is reasonably safe. However, if you have a diving style that includes repetitive diving for days on end - e.g. a liveaboard, you'll find yourself sitting out dives if you choose a more conservative computer.

Take a look at this article

http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/dive_computers/crunching_the_numbers/
and the associated graphs
http://dive.scubadiving.com/images/200408GR_computer_charts.gif

It is a good, easy-reading discussion.

By the way, I have used my Aeris Atmos 2 as my primary now and am very happy with it. Great bang for the buck.

 

[bgi]

Read this.

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=105202

I'll sell you my Darwin Air.

 

[GulfCoastdiver]

bgi, have you ever had a problem with your Darwin Air?

 

[ChrisA]

I am looking to get a computer, I looked at alot and how I'm looking for so input from the divers who use'em.
Has anyone used the Dacor Darwin air? and what do you think???

Much depends on what kind of diving you do. I do some night diving, about one night dive a week. I bought the Dacor wrist computer because it has a continous backlight. I can read the dispaly without having to push a button to turn on the backlight. Also it takes AAA size batteries that can be changed without any tools in just a few seconds. It has the normal feature list, PC interface,nitrox and so on. Ipaid just over $200.

I don't trush air integrated computers. want a "real" SPG.

Many people like Suunto's RGBM algoritm. If you think about it the computer's number one job is to, well, compute. so the algorithm _should_ matter so think about that too. No good getting one with all the features if you don't like the numbers it gives

 

[shooter226]

Now, I prefer a console over a wrist unit... And even though we sell the Darwin... there are a lot of problems with the buttons on them. They can be difficult to push - so if you wanted a Darwin, I'd say go the Mares MC1 instead. It's really the same computer in a different package - and their buttons work a lot better.

Or you could do something like the Mares Airlab which would give you a quick disconnect, air integrated computer for under $500 (with your SB discount).

Now, I'm more of a fan of the Oceanic and Aeris consoles, but that is due to the algo they use, plus their nice big numbers (which become very handy from age 40 on!)

I just prefer a console, as then all my data is in one place - and I find wrist computers are more likely to get hung up on bc straps, scratched, broken, lost, etc..

I agree with Larry on liking the console better. Also the bigger the display the better I like it. It should be lit too.

Mark

 

[bgi]

bgi, have you ever had a problem with your Darwin Air?

Only the lock-out after cutting short a 3min 15ft safety stop mentioned in the thread link above.