Dive computer dilemma

[I Like 2 Dive]

I took the advice from another member to check my gear about a month before I leave. With that in mind, took out my dive computer and the battery is dead. Here is the dilemma: My dive computer is a Uwatec Aladin Pro Nitrox. It is approx. 12yrs old. It was a hand-me-down, so it cost me nothing. I called 2 different dive shops, one will take it as a trade in and give me 20% off any Oceanic brand computer and the other shop will send it off for $150. As many of you know by now, I only dive once a year (yeah, I know, that stinks), so, I really don't want to spend the money in either senario. I can't justify spending $200 for a once a year use. As for renting one on my upcoming trip, the resort wants to charge $50 for the week. If I'm going to buy one, I might as well spend about $160 and get the M2 from ST, but after my trip, it will sit in my closet for a year until I go again. What do I do???

[CompuDude]

Trade it in on a more current computer that allows you to change the battery yourself. (my choice, but our finances and priorities are likely different)

Or learn tables. Or travel to places where you can rent a computer... and trust your life that they're good.

Those are pretty much your options. The one thing I would recommend avoiding is dropping $150 on fixing a 12 year old computer.

[navyhmc]

I agree with CD, don't spend the cash on a 12 yo computer. Personally, I use two different Oceanics: Geo and a ProPlus II and find them both to be good computers-I have had no complaints so fer. The nice thing is both have user replaceable batteries, just get the kits and follow the manual.

Both of these are Nitrox capable and if you don't dive nitrox, I woud recommend not paying the extra for the nitrox compatable and just go with a simple air computer.

In fact, Scuba Toys has 3 air only wrist units for less than $170, 2 of these are under $140. Not to mention 2 console units for under $190. Good deals if you ask me*.

*not a ST employee, merely a satisfied customer.

[scubadiver888]

You could go to the Uwatec website and see if there is a dealer in your area. I know that dealers tend to handle only a limited number of manufacturers. If a shop does not handle Uwatec then they are going to try to selling you a brand they do handle. If you find a dealer who sells UWatec they might be able to change the battery for a more reasonable cost.

If you are going to get another computer, shop around and see what is out there. CompuDude is right on the money. Get a computer where you can change the battery yourself. Don't spend money on an old computer.

[fire diver]

If you really don't plan on more than 1 dive outing a year, I say rent it. So you spend $50 to rent... if buy one for $150, and pay shipping or taxes on it, then pay for a new battery every year you go diving, you will be money ahead. You should break even after 4 years. How much would a 4 year old computer be worth?

[BouzoukiJoe A.K.A. wrecker130 AKA Chuck Norris AKA joeforbroke (banned)]

renting makes a lot of sense here cost-wise - a problem with renting the computer is you might not know how to use it right off the bat since every model is different and that can be dangerous.

[Beefcake]

I had this same dilema last year. I bought my gear used, and it came with an old Suunto companion computer. It turned out that the computer was so old that the battery was epoxied into place and had to be changed by the factory, and the factory quit servicing them because they're so old (strange since it came with a lifetime warranty...). Anyway, I took it as a sign that I needed a new computer. I understand that it is hard to justify spending the money to replace something that works, but that $139 Aeris on here doesn't look bad (I was checking it out yesterday for my girlfriend; I gave her the above-described computer, but I'm expecting the battery to die this season).

[ReefHound]

Originally Posted by fire diver

If you really don't plan on more than 1 dive outing a year, I say rent it. So you spend $50 to rent... if buy one for $150, and pay shipping or taxes on it, then pay for a new battery every year you go diving, you will be money ahead. You should break even after 4 years. How much would a 4 year old computer be worth?

The M2 mentioned takes a AA battery which is a couple of bucks so the break even period is closer to three years, and he'll be way ahead after six years, or if he decides to go diving more often.

[CODMAN]

Yup, a second vote for the M2. I love mine. The AAA batteries are easy to change and the battery compartment is sealed for the rest of the computer, so if you flood it (by not being carefull changing the batteries), the computer won't be damaged! It does it all for a great price.

Only thing is be forewarned; the Mares uses a modified RGBM algorithm which is more conservative, so you might get a few minutes less bottom time, especially on repetitive dives.

Cheers!

[MSilvia]

I'd recommend doing without, or renting if you really need one.