non-air integrated vs. air integrated

[MxDiver]

Considering the cost difference between an AI vs., a non-AI computer, I'm debating were the advantages the AI computer provides are really worth it.
For example I can purchase two Nitek duo computers for the price of a single VT3 with one transmitter, which are the front runners on my list of options so far.
So I can have my main and back-up non-AI computers for the price of a single AI one.
Which way would you go, and why?

[thesmoothdome]

I never thought I'd go AI, but I did. I really like that it calculates my SAC rate and gives me air time remaining. Is it needed? No, but it's nice.

[MxDiver]

I can calculate the SAC with the suunto, just not on real time, in the dive manager you can type your start and end pressure and it will do the rest for you, I'll have to check if the same applies to the Nitek software.

[Ajuva]

Only you can decide what works best for you.

I went AI with the Atom 2.0 and just cant fault it.

I cant really justify the cost difference but having used it for a while now I can see the benefit to having these functions literally to hand.

Ajuva

[tc_rain]

I like AI

[awap]

I guess if mindless SAC and ATR calculations are worth $100+ each then AI may be the answer.

I went AI once. It was a Scubapro EDI so none of the bells and whistles - just basic feedback along with tank pressure. When I again upgraded to nitrox, I went back to my 35 year old SPG and a simple wrist computer. If I ever need to upgrade again, I'm pretty sure I'll be staying with my old reliable SPG.

[medic001918]

My first computer was AI, and I've been happy with how it works. However, I'm switching to a non-AI computer since I like the idea of a wrist mount, but I don't like the idea of the wireless transmitter. It seems like the potential is there for too many issues with it. Damage, interference, etc. I could use a transmitter and an SPG, but really I think the SPG alone will be sufficient. I can do the SAC calculations after the dive if I feel so inclined. Or I could just download the dive and get the information that way.

Shane

[thesmoothdome]

Originally Posted by awap

I guess if mindless SAC and ATR calculations are worth $100+ each then AI may be the answer.

I went AI once. It was a Scubapro EDI so none of the bells and whistles - just basic feedback along with tank pressure. When I again upgraded to nitrox, I went back to my 35 year old SPG and a simple wrist computer. If I ever need to upgrade again, I'm pretty sure I'll be staying with my old reliable SPG.

LOL...not trying to start an argument here, but "mindless" sorta implies that it's better to use your brain for the calculations than to let a computer do it? Not really seeing the logic there. I will say that you're better at math than I am . For me, the extra $100+ spread out over the life of the computer, which will most likely work out to pennies per dive, is definately worth sparing me the embarrasment of not being able to do the math.

[Splitlip]

The next logical question here will be "should I have a backup SPG". The answer will be yes. Then you know what the next comment will be.

Edit: I lost my popcorn.

[JahJahwarrior]

What are your diving plans for the future? If you plan to do technical diving, then you will definitely need a backup SPG. And if you need to have the SPG there anyways, what is the point? I'd go non-AI, but that is just me. If you have th emoney to spend, spend it wherever your heart desires. non AI, AI, heck spend it on (as Frank Gilbreth so well put it,) "mumblety peg, if that's where your heart lies."