Computer Advice for a newbie

[Trey9123]

I'm a poor college kid with very little disposable income. Despite this I a piecing together a set of scuba gear because since I got my C-card, diving is the only thing I want to do. I am looking at compute consoles, and the two cheapest I have found are the Oceanic Veo 100 Dive Computer Console , Computers: Air, Oceanic, Oceanic Veo 100 Dive Computer Console and the Aeris XR1 Dive Computer Console at Divers Direct - Scuba gear & equipment online dive catalog!. I am just looking for opinions on either of these. I would also be willing to purchase a used console if someone is looking to offload one.
Thanks,
Trey

[dannybot]

They are good, basic and essentially the same computer. Work well and easy to use, but they are not nitrox capable, nor do they have a backlight. For many people, this would be okay. I like night diving, and have used the XR-1, it is just inconvenient to have to use a flashlight to read the display, but can be done, and really, how much night diving will you do? The other issue is nitrox, I have a nitrox computer, and took the class, but have never used nitrox.

Additionally, I prefer a wrist mount to a console, but that is mostly personal.

Good luck and good diving.

Danny

[rox@ucf11]

i would get the veo 180 or the aeris XR-2 because they are nitrox compatible, the veo 100nx is also nitrox

[Hollywood703]

I bought my wife the Veo 100 (non NX) as she will never use Nitrox....It is a great BASIC computer that will do all the basics you need it to, yet is very easy to learn. I use a Pro Plus 2 on the other hand, and there is a Huge learning curve to the computer.

[Wolfie2012]

I would also suggest going the route of an XR-2 wrist, but that's just personal opinion. The difference in price between the XR1 console and the XR2 wrist is small enough that if you think you might ever do nitrox or are open to trying a wrist comp, then you might consider saving up the additional cash.

That being said, the XR1 is a very good basic computer and so is the VEO, though I prefer the Aeris displays. The biggest downfalls are the lack of nitrox and the lack of a backlight. If you are confident that those deficiencies won't affect you, then either would be great. The only piece you might want to compare is where the information is displayed on the screen, there are some differences between the two. You should be able to download the manuals off of their websites to compare that.

[CaptainRon]

I have the XR-1 and it does everything I need a computer to do. Of course, I just dive recreational.

[SmknStang01]

i am also thinking about getting the XR-1 but looking at the one on ST if you get it as part of a package its like $70 more to just upgrade from gauges to the computer.

[newways]

I have the XR-2, nice computer. been working well for me

[fireflock]

Do you need a computer? It's possible that the kind of dives you're doing can be handled just fine with a watch (that you already own or in the $30 range) and tables. You can put the money towards actually diving and time in the water always pays big dividends.

If you do think a computer is what you need, and money is a big concern, I'd keep an eye out for an older but not really used hockey puck on ebay or craigslist or something. I'd look for one from someone who bought right after being certified but didn't really take to diving. You take some chance, but you can also end up with a very lightly used computer for the steal plus a new battery.

If you want to go new, try looking for closeouts of a model that is being updated/replaced/discontinued.

Rich

[Trey9123]

Thanks everyone for all the great advice. If you do happen to come across a great deal somewhere on a new or used comp keep me posted...I actually need to buy two, one for me and one for my dive partner/girl friend. Thats why I'm so concerned with money...I have to buy two of everything I get.