I wanted a dive computer with a color screen that was easy to read with my old eyes. I liked the i330r, but the recalls kind of scared me. I loved the Peregrine for it's big color display and the vibration alarm (and it's what every LDS recommended for a beginner). But I ultimately chose the Atmos M2 because it had compass, altimeter and GPS features that would translate to other stuff like mountain biking and backpacking.
Divers Supply got the M2 to me in short order and although it is very easy to set up, I had to talk to Bob (an absolute gem of a man) to help with some of the features. It's a beautiful well-built unit that, I believe, could be worn anywhere without fear of being obtrusive. Although the display is not as bright as I expected, it really pops in bright sun.
I never wore the watch or dove with it, but I did have it outside to try out the compass, GPS and altimeter. I could not get any comfort level with any of these. The M2 flashes a "Calibrate Compass" message whenever it needs to be calibrated and you wave it around in a figure 8 motion. I did not know what that motion looks like until I emailed Atmos. They referred me to a Suunto video on Youtube. I felt like the compass direction, even after calibrating, was not consistent. I emailed Atmos about doing a manual calibration before a dive. They said they would consider that in a future firmware release.
Altimeter: There are three ways (that I know of) to calibrate the altimeter 1) manually enter the altitude 2) use the M2 GPS to determine altitude according to your location 3) Synchronize your smart phone GPS data to the M2. I found out about that last method in an email exchange with Atmos. In method 1, you have to hold one of M2 buttons down while the altitude increases in increments of 1 foot. Imagine living where I do (5400') and having to hold the button for that long. For method 2, I could never get the M2 to obtain satellite lock even after an hour outside. Note that I also found that I could not get GPS lock at the start of Scuba mode. For method 3, the M2 quickly and easily synched the GPS data from my iPhone, but the altitude was still off by around 1000'.
I emailed Atmos again and they indicated that they would consider changing the manual method of altitude calibration so that the increments would increase the longer you hold the button. So I really liked the way they listened to ideas for product improvement. But I didn't get a resolution to the GPS issue. I really like the M2 looks, its form factor, the ease of set up and the nice screen. And the build quality is as good or better that anything else I've seen. But for me, it seems like a meal with a great entree, but with trimmings that left me wanting for more.
Divers Supply got the M2 to me in short order and although it is very easy to set up, I had to talk to Bob (an absolute gem of a man) to help with some of the features. It's a beautiful well-built unit that, I believe, could be worn anywhere without fear of being obtrusive. Although the display is not as bright as I expected, it really pops in bright sun.
I never wore the watch or dove with it, but I did have it outside to try out the compass, GPS and altimeter. I could not get any comfort level with any of these. The M2 flashes a "Calibrate Compass" message whenever it needs to be calibrated and you wave it around in a figure 8 motion. I did not know what that motion looks like until I emailed Atmos. They referred me to a Suunto video on Youtube. I felt like the compass direction, even after calibrating, was not consistent. I emailed Atmos about doing a manual calibration before a dive. They said they would consider that in a future firmware release.
Altimeter: There are three ways (that I know of) to calibrate the altimeter 1) manually enter the altitude 2) use the M2 GPS to determine altitude according to your location 3) Synchronize your smart phone GPS data to the M2. I found out about that last method in an email exchange with Atmos. In method 1, you have to hold one of M2 buttons down while the altitude increases in increments of 1 foot. Imagine living where I do (5400') and having to hold the button for that long. For method 2, I could never get the M2 to obtain satellite lock even after an hour outside. Note that I also found that I could not get GPS lock at the start of Scuba mode. For method 3, the M2 quickly and easily synched the GPS data from my iPhone, but the altitude was still off by around 1000'.
I emailed Atmos again and they indicated that they would consider changing the manual method of altitude calibration so that the increments would increase the longer you hold the button. So I really liked the way they listened to ideas for product improvement. But I didn't get a resolution to the GPS issue. I really like the M2 looks, its form factor, the ease of set up and the nice screen. And the build quality is as good or better that anything else I've seen. But for me, it seems like a meal with a great entree, but with trimmings that left me wanting for more.
