Why replace a 7 year old computer???

[TravelDave]

I own an Aeris Savant computer that I bought in 01 (I think). It's big and clunky and pretty basic, but it works fine and handles nitrox. Is there any reason to buy a newer computer (e.g. better algorithims, improved technology, etc)?

This is recognizing that there are many nicer computers with more features. In other words, is my technology obsolete, or is it just minimalist?

Dave

 

[deco_martini]

You might get 30 seconds more no-deco time at 120 feet. Plus, new ones have the new computer smell.

If what you have works fine, use it as long as its serviceable. There will always be a new feature since equipment makers want people to get new gear before their gear actually wears out by offering bells and whistles.

Could I interest you in some Slingshot fins? They have power bands!

 

[scubafanatic]

..if the computer is reliable, does what you need it to do...why replace it ? When you dive with others using 'newer' computers, do you notice if they're 'advantaged' over you in any way ? There are probably some other scuba toys you need/want with a higher priority of your valuable scuba dollars.....but if that's not the case and you've the $ burning a hole in your pocket...go ahead and splurge on a 'new' computer!

 

[drbill]

If you have to download dives frequently due to limited memory, I find the older computers just don't store enough dive info when I go on a dive trip. My new ones can store the data from a 2-4 week dive trip and I can download it when I get home. With my older computer, only the last two hours of dive time was stored with full data.

 

[TravelDave]

If you have to download dives frequently due to limited memory, I find the older computers just don't store enough dive info when I go on a dive trip. My new ones can store the data from a 2-4 week dive trip and I can download it when I get home. With my older computer, only the last two hours of dive time was stored with full data.

I've never been able to get the Savant to download to my computer. They said it wouldn't work on "newer" versions of Windows (2000 and higher), and when I tried with 98 it still didn't work, so I gave up. The computer seems fine for its basic functionality (dive/nitrogen tracking and bottom timing), and I haven't missed the features I would get on a fancier computer (ignorance is bliss?).

 

[drbill]

If those aren't issues, no need to change. I would have stuck with my old Uwatec Aladin Pro Nitrox (also 7 years old) if someone hadn't placed their weights or other heavy gear on top of it and cracked the LCD. It is nice to be able to store data for dozens of dives since I do download the info.

 

[fisherdvm]

One might argue that newer electronics are more reliable. But I find the opposite is true. If you buy an old VCR, they are made with better quality belts and pulleys, and last forever. If you buy a new VCR, you'd be lucky to get more than 2 years of service. With chips getting smaller and smaller, you really wonder what the life of that computer is - with the higher temperature and faster clock speed.

Newer is not always better. My gosh darn GPS started having problem about 2 months (we barely ever use it), and conked out at 4 months. Warrantee is only 3 months. Fortunately, the company was aware of the problem with this model (battery keep coming loose), and honored the 3 month warrantee for an extra month.

It is funny that my old dvd player can read almost any disc and cost much less than my wife's fancy one. But her brand new Sony one refused to read many discs, or will skip spots. I am in the school that the older the better.

My ideal car is one with manual windows, manual heater/air control (non of these fancy motorized switch boxes), manual acceleration (non of these drive by wire accelarator that are being blamed for the Toyota Tundra crashes) .... and with manual carburator/distributors.

 

[AbyssalPlains]

This is recognizing that there are many nicer computers with more features. In other words, is my technology obsolete, or is it just minimalist?

Dave

Minimalist. I bought my Uwatec Aladdin Pro in 1994 (used) and that's what I've been using. Granted, it was sitting in the closet for a good part of its life, but has seen its fair share of use in the past couple of years. Can't do nitrox, doesn't have a backlight, can't change the battery yourself, but hey, I just love the low-digit serial number on that thing!

 

[viceroy]

I feel the exact same about my Stinger which I purchased in April 2001.

Still using it...in fact it's now at the stage where I need to replace the strap...

 

[brutus17]

I guess it depends on what diving you do, I am still using my Oceanic Dataplus since 1999, its software works only with Windows 95 and below. This model looks like a hockey puck.

Still working fine, air and nitrox ready, still going going, but all of my scuba buddies have changed to newer models such as D9, D6 and Mares Nemo excel. Good thing with this is that I can compare NDL times and Predive planning with new computers, almost the same results though.
The new ones have a lot of features like audible alarms, more memory logs etc.

I'll keep using my Dataplus though until it dies though