Which Oceanic for me?

[cyrilgrey]

I'm a new diver looking for a computer. Currently considering the following:

pro plus 2: i love the screen readouts, but it's a console
vt3: seems to have all the same readouts, wrist mount, very expensive
geo or 250: seem to do everything except air integration

Initially I figured on the VT3 to lose a hose, have it all on the wrist, and have the fancy readouts.

Is it worth it? Are the geo and 250 just as functional for ascent rate, n2 status, and all the other data neatly displayed all on one screen? As easy to use?

Is losing a hose worth the cost of wireless air integration?

 

[NickAyling]

I am also a fairly new diver only just hit 25 dives and Advanced OW diver. I have purchased the VT3 and what a lovely computer it is. the only real issue for me was the progaramming of it. But on reflection once you have put the disc on your pc you can alter/amend anything from there so become easier. Also there are other threads on here about the VT3 that gets you through the programming issue and when you read that and have the computer with you its easier. But when you dive with it i am reliably informed it is absolutely excellant and you will never need anything else, or want any other. But that is my opinion and others here. So best of luck choosing as inevitably it will be your choice and not to be persuaded by anyone that theres is better. If you know anyone that has one ask to try it.... thats all the advice i can give you but know doubt many others will....

 

[Eco]

I have been diving for 4 years and did my first 30 dives with just some guages, then bought a Pro Plus 2 for all the great reasons you mentioned, big numbers, air integrated, attached compass. It did me great and I loved it and I used it for the next 150 dives, during that time I got my wife diving and when it came time to get her a computer I entertained getting her another PPII but instead gave her mine as I knew how to use it and could show her. And I bought myself a VT3. And man is it a nice computer. Just like my PPII, very similar functions, I can use the same computer program on my lapotop, one less hose. I have used it for the last thirty dives and it has performed flawlessly. After three years of diving these computers I have yet to have to replace a battery. They are both awsome computers and I guess I would say the couple hundred extra bucks for the VT3 will be forgotton but that great computer on your wrist will be there for you.

 

[SkimFisher]

The Pro Plus and Geo only allow one programmed gas type. The VT3 will track three. I don't know what kind of diving you do but that's a pretty big difference for me. If I had to choose I'd take the Atom...

 

[DiveNav]

.......
pro plus 2: i love the screen readouts, but it's a console
vt3: seems to have all the same readouts, wrist mount, very expensive
.....

Hi,
the Pro Plus 2 is already available in our eDiving simulator, so you can play with it as long as you want.
We are also preparing an online specialty class for Pro Plus 2 that we plan to release before Xmas.

Regarding the VT3, we are currently adding it to the simulator and plan to have the integration completed by Xmas and have the related online class sometime in January.

Alberto (aka eDiver)

 

[Teamcasa]

I'm a new diver looking for a computer. Currently considering the following:

pro plus 2: i love the screen readouts, but it's a console

Is losing a hose worth the cost of wireless air integration?

I have the PP2 and it really works well for me. I got it without the compass and attached a short 4" length of 1/8" shock cord to a clip. This gets attached to a Dring on my waist so all I have to do is tilt it, read it and go on. No dangles, no problem.

 

[philmayer]

I have the PP2, Atom 2, and Datamask. I LOVE the hoseless computers. The PP2 is great, but not having the hose is fantastic.

I wouldn't consider the GEO because of the lack of AI. You'll still have to carry a SPG. Yes, it's a minor point, but to me it defeats the purpose of going hoseless.

 

[RAWalker]

I own a Atom 1.0, Atom 2.0 & VT3. I have also used a Veo 250 for a few dives.
If you want wireless air integration I prefer Oceanic/Aeris to the Suunto offeriings. The question becomes How good are your eyes if you want to use the smaller Atoms or Geo computers. The VT3 and Atom 2.0 are a great computers and can be used with or without the transmitter. Without the transmitter it is the same feature set as the non AI computers. With the transmitter you get Pressure readings and a real time airtime remaining readout.

 

[DiveMaven]

We started with AI computers on hoses (DataMax Pro+2 and the Aeris AI) and switched to the VT3 to go hoseless last year. About 100 dives later, we're both still completely thrilled with our VT3s and the decision to lose the hose.

The biggest reason we really like the AI computers (hosed or not) is because all the information is in one place so you can see everything at once. As a beginning diver (many moons ago now) I used the "dive time remaining" feature as a sort of bio-feedback type tool and could easily see when I was excited and breathing too heavily. As I slowed my breathing and calmed down, I could see the time increasing, which made me happy since it meant more time in the water.

 

[gcbryan]

...
Are the geo and 250 just as functional for ascent rate, n2 status, and all the other data neatly displayed all on one screen? As easy to use?

Yes.

Is losing a hose worth the cost of wireless air integration?

Personal decision. For me no. I'm not interested even if it was not more expensive. Others differ as you can see.

It's your call.