Cheap computer

[Wozzer]

I'm looking for my first computer, not looking to spend much. I'm considering the Oceanic Veo 180, Mares M1, Uwatec Aladin One, Cressi-Sub Archimede II.

Is the Dacor Darwin the same as the Mares M1?

Any comments on the above computers? I basically picked the cheapest Nitrox computers I could find.

[Defman]

I think the Dacor & Mares are the same. Have considered buying a used computer?

[reservecops]

Veo 180 is a great entry level computer with great features and even supports single mix nitrox, has an audible alarm, (if you pick up the cable) can download the data to your computer, and (depending upon the sampling rate you set) can store up to 150 dives.

[TRACI]

I have the Cressi-Sub Archimede wrist computer, I have been using for almost a year, it is really user friendly, I have no complaints at all. I got it for 250.00 from Leisure Pro. So far , it has been a great computer!

[floater]

Just make sure that whichever computer you buy has nitrox and gauge modes, and user-changeable batteries. And most people seem to prefer wrist units. I personally like the Oceanic/Aeris deco algorithm because it's more liberal than some of the others.

Air only computers are cheaper of course, but when you start diving nitrox you'll have to upgrade unless you go DIR, leave the comp permanently in gauge mode and just dive according to depth averaging methods.

[Jipps]

the veo 180 is a good computer, however I would say to go ahead and save up for the 250, has aditional alarms that are handy to have.

[reservecops]

Originally Posted by Jipps

the veo 180 is a good computer, however I would say to go ahead and save up for the 250, has aditional alarms that are handy to have.

Personally, I don't think that there are enough differences between the two units to warrant the extra expense.

They are nearly identical, with the 250 having a few more alarms. The MSRP on the Veo 250 in any configuration is roughtly 25% more than the Veo 180 and, IMHO, you get nothing but a few extra alarms for the $$.

If he's gonna save and get a BETTER unit, then (a) that puts him out of the 'less expensive' price range he wants to stay in and (b) there truly are computers that are BETTER than the Veo 180, but they are not in the price range of the Veo 180.

[BobbyWombat]

Originally Posted by reservecops

Veo 180 is a great entry level computer with great features and even supports single mix nitrox, has an audible alarm, (if you pick up the cable) can download the data to your computer, and (depending upon the sampling rate you set) can store up to 150 dives.

Second that. Oceanic/Aeris are nice little computers that are less expensive than most of the others. I have a VEO250 and have no complaints. I think it is a great DC.

Definitely go with a nitrox DC, so you don't have to buy another one later.

The data cable is nice, but not truly necessary, so you can hang on to that money, at least.

The VEO DCs can be console or wrist mounted, and have user changable batteries.

[Jipps]

Originally Posted by reservecops

Personally, I don't think that there are enough differences between the two units to warrant the extra expense.

They are nearly identical, with the 250 having a few more alarms. The MSRP on the Veo 250 in any configuration is roughtly 25% more than the Veo 180 and, IMHO, you get nothing but a few extra alarms for the $$.

If he's gonna save and get a BETTER unit, then (a) that puts him out of the 'less expensive' price range he wants to stay in and (b) there truly are computers that are BETTER than the Veo 180, but they are not in the price range of the Veo 180.

I agree, but personally I prefer to have the extra alarms. I'm aware that saving up puts him out of a lower price range, but personally I prefer to save a little longer and buy something I most likely wont replace. I dove guages for almost a year before I had saved up to get my Pro Plus 2.

[CaribbeanDiver]

I am looking for a dive computer. I used a Smart Com and liked it although I do not think it is very user friendly. I gave it to my son who was recently certified.
I want Air Integrated; able to switch between 21% up to 40% EANx; LARGE display since my eyes are old; displays current depth, max depth, water/air temp, pressure, and BT Remaining.
I prefer console with a compass but prefer old fashioned compasses rather than digital compasses.
Of course looking for a million dollar computer but only want to spend much, much less.
Bought an Aeris Elite T3 but the display was too small, it didnt show water temp and didnt show max depth so I sold it at a loss before I even did one dive on it.
Wouldnt mind the Smart Com again but a Thousand bucks seems hefty (computer plus tax).
I looked at the Aeris AI and Oceanic DataMax Pro Plus II but they do not seem to show max depth or water temp. I gotta have max depth because I dive plan on the fly lots of times and that is a necessary piece of info.
Anyone have any recommendations?