New Guy - When to Buy

[Chief_Brody]

Hi all,

I open water this weekend. My bills are stacking up.

Was wanting the general consensus on when to buy a computer?
Also, if I'm "taking well to the water" should I buy a computer with Nitrox capabilities?

I will dive salt water (tropical) twice a year
I will dive fresh water twice a month (at most)
Both will be typical REC situations - depths probably not to exceed 130 feet

Any feedback will be appreciated.

Many thanks!

[Jaymeany]

If you are buying gear go with a computer the first time. Its nice to have the nitrox as an option on your first comp so you don't have to dish out more cash if you decide to go for it.

Instead of double posting I'll edit my post. I use this rig

http://scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=sca343

Its great but I wish it had a better compass. Oh well something else to spend my money on.

[mwhities]

I wouldn't buy a computer at all until you started diving more often. I think it'd be better spent on bills.

BUT, if you do end up buying one, get one that nitrox compatible.

Michael

[finflippers]

If you are thinking that you might decide to go into Nitrox in the future might as well go ahead and get one that will be programmable for it.

[ertechsg]

1st if your bills are stacking up scuba is an expensive sport to get into.

2nd if you're going to buy a computer might as well save a little and when you can purchase a nitrtox computer. It may save you money in the long run if you chose to take a nitrox class. Never know about the future and if you go someplace like Bonaire you will want nitrox. For a simple computer is not too much more.

[chewyjr15]

http://scubatoys.com/store/detail.as...D=Atmos22Gauge
i suggest this its a nice setup i would rather have a oceanic veo180 but scubatoys is all sold out of them so the link i provided is a good comprimise!

[NitroWill]

I'd conquer the bills first, a computer can wait..
A computer is really not essential - especially when you first start diving. Just get a basic 3 gauge console and get use to that - then once the beals get done, you can splurge on a computer!

[comet24]

I would definitely get one with Nitrox capabilities.

[creggur]

I'll second what everyone here has said about the Nitrox.. When you do get one if you are planning on diving nitrox in the future you might as well go ahead and get one that's compatible...

[cummings66]

Yup, a computer without Nitrox is a waste of money. Buy the one that handles both. As to when, buy it when you need it. You don't need it starting out unless you're going to be doing boat dives. Many boat op's require a computer.

Whatever you do, do not buy the cheapest one you can find because if you like diving you will want better and the cheap one won't return much money when you sell it.