I'll try and break this down
Do you want wrist or console mount.
If you choose wrist, then do you want to wear it 24/7 as a watch or will a bigger "puck" size be okay
If you want to go down the colour scree route, then these are bigger still. However they benefit from being easier to read and visible in different conditions. The back lights (or florescent screens on other computers are not great yet okay for normal day use and the occasional night dive).
Yes AI. I like it and was a driving force for my choice. A lot of the reasons given against aren't really valid, however it does add more money.
Batteries - Watch style, AA size or re chargeable. Again all have pro's and cons. User replaceable is preferred by most, but watch style typically need a dealer to change. Look at the diving you are doing. Personally I like the re chargeable over the other two but that's just me.
Any one of the entry level computers will get you diving, even on dive vacations as typically this is what the guides wear while working.
I would try to get a computer where you can get it fixed and serviced locally if possible. Yes shearwater have a great rep, but it's no use if you find your computer not working a few days before a trip.
What sort of diving are you doing, if mostly following a guide, then why have a full tech computer with detailed deco algorithms. or multi gas? Ignore Tri mix and CCr as the cost of getting into that will make any computer seem like small change.
Often there is a huge gap between what someone actually needs and what they actually want. Also the majority of people don't care what you have as a computer (so don't buy it for bling) they care more for how you dive.
Given that you haven't even got your own reg I would buy cheap and use the money on a reg, rather than having the top of the range shiny computer whilst renting entry level gear.
But that's only an opinion
Do you want wrist or console mount.
If you choose wrist, then do you want to wear it 24/7 as a watch or will a bigger "puck" size be okay
If you want to go down the colour scree route, then these are bigger still. However they benefit from being easier to read and visible in different conditions. The back lights (or florescent screens on other computers are not great yet okay for normal day use and the occasional night dive).
Yes AI. I like it and was a driving force for my choice. A lot of the reasons given against aren't really valid, however it does add more money.
Batteries - Watch style, AA size or re chargeable. Again all have pro's and cons. User replaceable is preferred by most, but watch style typically need a dealer to change. Look at the diving you are doing. Personally I like the re chargeable over the other two but that's just me.
Any one of the entry level computers will get you diving, even on dive vacations as typically this is what the guides wear while working.
I would try to get a computer where you can get it fixed and serviced locally if possible. Yes shearwater have a great rep, but it's no use if you find your computer not working a few days before a trip.
What sort of diving are you doing, if mostly following a guide, then why have a full tech computer with detailed deco algorithms. or multi gas? Ignore Tri mix and CCr as the cost of getting into that will make any computer seem like small change.
Often there is a huge gap between what someone actually needs and what they actually want. Also the majority of people don't care what you have as a computer (so don't buy it for bling) they care more for how you dive.
Given that you haven't even got your own reg I would buy cheap and use the money on a reg, rather than having the top of the range shiny computer whilst renting entry level gear.
But that's only an opinion