Top of the line computers?

[JugglingMonkeys]

I'm a new diver. Just certified open water. Buying initial gear. What are the "top-of-the-line" computers? Ones that will do both nitrox and air. What are brand names and model numbers?
<DIV>
<DIV></DIV>i know that's a difficult question since there are so many choices and individual preferences, etc. But as a total newbie i'm looking for some direction.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>thanks very much!
<DIV></DIV>

[TommyB]

2 top of the line that ScubaToys carry is the
Areis Elite T3
Full details on the T3
http://www.diveaeris.com/p_computers_elitet3.html

ST only shows the epic, but they have the T3, not sure why they
have not updated their product page yet??
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...t_id=AerisEpic

and the

Oceanic vt3
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...product_id=VT3

Both made by the same company, just some cosmetic changes on the layouts.
I think the vt3 only goes to 190ft, the t3 does 300 ft.

I have the T3. due to a little bit bigger character display.


list 899.00

[downunder]

From what I see, it is SOMEWHAT a personal preference. There are some basic things, but beyond that - some like conservative tables built in and some like agressive (then set the warnings as conservative as they like). I bought the Dacor Extreme (air-integrated wireless)a while back and have loved it. It doesn't do Nitrox, but that hasn't been a problem for me. My son bought the Airlab and I couldn't find more computer for the money. It isn't wireless, but that doesn't bother him. People complained about the size of the characters, but he doesn't have a problem with that either and I can easily see the numbers when I double check him myself.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Also, if you are going to keep the dive log on the computer, you really need air-integrated so that it shows breathing rates and pressure information. I highly recommend that!</DIV>

[tc_rain]

Is there any reason why you want top of the line? That will be very expensive and not very practical; especially since you are just starting out. Some of the top of the line models will have features you may never use unless you get into tech diving. I would just look for a reliable computer that has nitox capabilities and is easy to read and understand. Another thing to consider is if you want a liberal or conservative model. You can set some of the liberal ones more conservative but you can’t make a conservative one more liberal. <?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" />

[TommyB]

Look for one that has;
<ul>
turn air warning
depth warning
tank ending pressure warnings
PO2 settings for gas mixes (nirtox)
and buddy monitor (if you dive with wife, you can monitor her stuff also)[/list]If your like me, a geek, I wanted one that I could set all the bells and whistles. Turn on the CONS mode or not (conservative mode).

[thesmoothdome]

Top of the line is sort of difficult to describe. The most expensive recreational computers will be those that are air integrated and hoseless, usinga trasmitter to relay information to the computer. Are they the best? You'll get a lot of argument on it.
<DIV>I just looked at the ST website and found their Delta P VR3 Dive Computer. This thing can do everything. Open/Closed circuit,gasswitching, trimix,etc.I guess you could say that it's top of the line an it'll set you backa cool $1800.00, but it's complete over kill for the average recreational diver. </DIV>
<DIV></DIV>

[downunder]

I think tc_rain has is... Do you really need a computer that does 10 gasses (maybe even including that 'gas' after eating beans...) and allows you to dive 1,000 feet??? For the money, I'd say a beginner would be well served by the Mares Airlab! Well, I don't want to say that too loud because they are in clearance at ST and we are saving up for one with the Mares reg package!

[JugglingMonkeys]

Hey, thanks everyone for your help!
<DIV>This is great. Just what I needed!</DIV>

[tc_rain]

The only brand I am familar with is the Oceanic/Aeris. I can tell you they have great customer service. In fact on Scubaboard you can look under their manufacturing section and see Doug Krause (works for Oceanic) is very responsive and goes way beyond the warranty to see that you are happy with your product. I know Larry will back me up on this one.

[Prouty33]

I am a beginner as well, decided to go with something affordable, yet would last me a few years. Ended up with a Suunto Mosquito (new off ebay, under $300). I know its a little small for some people, but works just fine for me, and does air, nitrox, deco, etc... I also went Suunto because they are very conservative, I don't need to push any limits as a newbie