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I wouldn't dive without a mechanical SPG. Get the AI computer if you like toys and looking at your tank PSI vs. time plotted on a computer screen after you get home. It is kind of fun if you like that kind of thing. But while you are underwater just a simple computer is all you need and what matters most is the user interface. Can you remember how to work the thing? If you can't use the computer in the store without reading the book go for another computer. OK now that you have one you can actually use they likely offer a few different price points. I'd say the simplet compputer that does Nitrox is the best value.
Spend more but only if you have enough money that buying the more expensive computer does not mean you have to go cheap on the regulator and other stuff.
I need the "large print edition". Think about that too. can you read the numbers? This is kind of an age related thing.
New divers might like AI computers but after a few dives you will be able to look at the angle of the SPG needle and know how much more time you have and actully have a better estimate than the computer because the computer is stupid and thinks you will remain at tha current depth, but you know the dive plan. So with an AI computer you will still have to do the mental calculation saying to your self "Computer says 15 minutes left but I'm at 80 feet and I plan to move up to shallower water in a couple minutes so I really have 25 minutes of air left. You will have to make this kind of adjustment on most of your dives so why not just use an SPG?
For example my typical dive plan I use 80% of the time and in several dive sites. is this "we will go down to 60 to 70 feet and look around untill either we get to 1500 PSI or we run short of NDL time. then we will turn around and move up to 35 to 25 feet and continue untill we are low on air then we move up to 15 feet. When I'm at 70 feet the computer tells be I have 10 minutes of NDL and 12 minute of air. But I know darn well it will be 20+ minutes before I come up and I'll likely have 900 or 800 PSI in the tank when I check after we exit. Multi level dive plans seriously mess up the AI compter's predictions about air consuption
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