1 computer, 2 computer, 3 computer, 4....

[NewDaScuba13]

Is it an economical choice to have more than one computer? I've heard some people say that they like to have a back-up computer, and also I've heard that you can get one and be set for the rest of your life.

[CompuDude]

It's not an economical choice to take up scuba diving.

Two is one and one is none, as my SEAL buddies say...

(the second comp does not necessarily have to be as high end as your primary computer, but it is helpful for it to be the same brand so they measure your time limits the same way... meaning, don't mix Suunto and Oceanic, etc!)

[woody]

I like to have 2 computers along with me for a dive trip that I am on. If it is ever gonna fail it will be at the start of that dream trip you save your whole life for. Does that mean you have to run out and get a second computer right now? Not necessarily so. As you progress in your diving career you will undoubtedly see a new computer that has some new feature that you will want (like the BIG numbers that joe needs at his age!). When you want that new computer get it and move your old one to a backup. Just remember to dive with both computers and follow the most conservative one for your ascents& stops. If you violate required stop or something else on your backup it will be as useful as your broken one is.
<DIV></DIV>Woody.

[Sawatdee]

I use Suunto Vyper for recreational dives. When I do decodives, I use the Vyper in gauge mode as a bottom timer.
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<DIV>I recently bought an Aeris XR-1 as a back up bottom timer. Cheaper than an Uwatec bottom timer and double as an air computer for mygirlfriend when she finish her OW training. </DIV>

[cummings66]

I don't see the point in two computers myself. In fact the computer isn't really my primary method of diving and nor should it be yours.
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<DIV>I refer to the computer to see if what I believe to be true is, I don't push it to the limits and it's just to be honest a reality check.</DIV>
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<DIV>If I lost it on a dive most of the time I could go back to the tables and use them so for me 2 computers (which I have and don't dive with) are not needed.</DIV>
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<DIV>Based on the logic of 2 is 1 and 1 is none, maybe nobody should dive a single tank either with twins being the minimum configuration? Say what? You're not going for that, well, apply the same logic to the computer then.</DIV>
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<DIV>Not to pick on CompuDude, he's brought up the perfect point about multiple devices. To be honest, a bottom timer is about the best thing you could use to back up a computer.</DIV>

[ertechsg]

CompuDude is correct on the economical part. Why buy 2 if it fails just take your buddies he won't mind. No reallyhave a watch for saftey count unless you dive solo you buddie can get you to the20- 15 ft range.Your suppost to stick together RIGHT.

[texdiveguy]

I dive 2 Dive Rite wrist Nitek Duo's...great computers without all the fluff!

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by cummings66

I don't see the point in two computers myself. In fact the computer isn't really my primary method of diving and nor should it be yours.
<div></div>
<div>I refer to the computer to see if what I believe to be true is, I don't push it to the limits and it's just to be honest a reality check.</div>
<div></div>
<div>If I lost it on a dive most of the time I could go back to the tables and use them so for me 2 computers (which I have and don't dive with) are not needed.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Based on the logic of 2 is 1 and 1 is none, maybe nobody should dive a single tank either with twins being the minimum configuration? Say what? You're not going for that, well, apply the same logic to the computer then.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Not to pick on CompuDude, he's brought up the perfect point about multiple devices. To be honest, a bottom timer is about the best thing you could use to back up a computer.</div>

I agree to a point. Obviously you reach the point of diminishing returns (although I know plenty of people that just never dive singles anymore!). But a second computer is not terribly expensive (nor is it required when you're just starting out), it slips into a pocket, not taking up much room... it's just not a bad thing to have. A good BT is a viable option as well, but that brings me to my next point: What kind of diving are you doing? If you're doing easy reef dives within the NDLs, and NOT diving square profiles, cutting tables will work, but not as well as a good computer will. Likewise, what about repetitive dives? I know lots of hard-core DIR divers who are all about doubles and V-Planner when they're diving local wrecks, but when it comes time to travel to Bonaire and you're doing 5 dives per day in 45' water, trying to cut tables gets kind of pointless. Not to mention you really need a better way to track residual nitrogen for extreme repetitive dives like in Bonaire or on a liveaboard, and nothing handles that quite like a computer. The problem is, if your computer dies, you're kinda hosed. And stuck in diving paradise without knowing where to start. If you have a backup computer that you have been diving with, on the other hand, you're good to go.

Training dives in a quarry with a square profile, only doing 1-2 dives per day? A BT (or even a good watch with a depth function) may be all you need. But there are other diving circumstances where different configurations are warranted.

[TxHockeyGuy]

Originally Posted by woody

I like to have 2 computers along with me for a dive trip that I am on. If it is ever gonna fail it will be at the start of that dream trip you save your whole life for. Does that mean you have to run out and get a second computer right now? Not necessarily so. As you progress in your diving career you will undoubtedly see a new computer that has some new feature that you will want (like the BIG numbers that joe needs at his age!). When you want that new computer get it and move your old one to a backup. Just remember to dive with both computers and follow the most conservative one for your ascents&amp; stops. If you violate required stop or something else on your backup it will be as useful as your broken one is.</span>
<div></div>Woody.

Say what! Mr tech dives a computer? I thought you told me just last night that you dive tables.

Seriously I dive 2 computers for exactly the reason above. I don't want to have to switch back to tables and miss 24 hours of diving when I go on a dive vacation (which I will on September 1). That being said I still dive 2 computers even at the local quarry and even in the rescue pool sessions I'm doing now. I do this so I am accustomed to the gear I dive with. About the only things I change up on my gear is the snorkel comes off on non training dives, the compass comes off my wrist in the pool, and I might or might not have a slate with me depending.

[texdiveguy]

While rec diving I use one dive computer in full mode and back it up with an electronic dive watch.

While doing staged deco dives I use 2 computers in gauge mode with cut tables.

One computer for the beginner is just fine,,,take care of it and practice diving tables once in a while.

Most of all use your brain....DIVE....and have FUN!