looking for computer

[SHAGGY]

Well,.... My 13 year old son will start his BOW in a few weeks and I'm looking for a computer for him. My 18 year old son just used a set of analog gauges, but i've been thinking of adding a "puck" style computer to that console. I've looked through the different models that ST carries and just dont know much about those. I would prefer to get him an AI unit like mine, but after paying for his school and all the other things that go along with getting a new diver ready I am looking for something alot less expensive. Im looking for one thats nitrox ready and has a backlight and is also downloadable to a PC, and one thats pretty user friendly. I've looked at the Aeris XR-2 puck, and it appears to fit all of my requirements. Any opinions on that model or any other that might fit the bill?


shaggy

[Ontwreckdiver]

You might want to check out a Sunnto Viper. I have a Sunnto Cobra, which is the AI version of a Viper. I find mine to be very user friendly

[chris in the socal]

I really like the Viper as well. nice comp. easy navigation

[ScubaToys Larry]

The suunto's a way too conservative for my tastes. I like the aeris/oceanic algorithm which models after the Padi tables - and I can always make it more conservative if I want... but I've been on many a live aboard where the folks using the suunto computers would have to skip 1 or 2 dives per day vs the folks with other computer brands.

Also the customer service of aeris / oceanic is top notch... so that's what I dive, and what we sell the most of.

[fireflock]

Particularly since you already have a console, you can probably pop out the depth gauge and replace it with a puck sized computer. The XR-2 (or any aeris or oceanic of that size) will work for this, but the Suunto's are a different size and will not.

I sometimes carry a Suunto vytec that I like, but I can't say that I'd be happy doing _all_ of my diving with it. There are some situations where the conservatism of the algorithm gets it the way, often the kind of situations you find on dedicated dive trips/vacations.

Rich

[FyVe]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

Also the customer service of aeris / oceanic is top notch... so that's what I dive, and what we sell the most of.

you sure about that? maybe to dealers that spend tons of money with them. im less than happy with them after talking to them trough some emails.

[ScubaToys Larry]

Originally Posted by FyVe

you sure about that? maybe to dealers that spend tons of money with them. im less than happy with them after talking to them trough some emails.

What kind of problem are you having and who'd you buy your computer through?? I've never had a problem with them fixing any problem instantly, and I have some friends with very small shops - and their experience has been exactly the same.

[NitroWill]

I have tried to get an issue with Oceanic fixed thru LDS with no luck and have emailed them a couple times direct and never got an answere back (months later)

[keyshunter]

Originally Posted by NitroWill

I have tried to get an issue with Oceanic fixed thru LDS with no luck and have emailed them a couple times direct and never got an answere back (months later)

I don't understand why people fool around with emails, when a call to Oceanic customer service will usually get you an immediate answer.

[NitroWill]

Originally Posted by keyshunter

I don't understand why people fool around with emails, when a call to Oceanic customer service will usually get you an immediate answer.

Not everyone has time to call - I have class all day long and work two jobs. Id be hard pressed to get 30 minutes in to make a call during typical 9-5 hours. Not answering emails should be no excuse - if a company doesnt want to offer email support then dont broadcast it on your site.