I'm looking for my first dive computer. I don't need anything fancy, just something that uses safe algorithms, is reliable, and very sturdy. Nitrox compatibility would be nice, but it's not something I know anything about yet./quote]
In a separate, long-running thread about 'What dive equipment purchases do you most regret?', two common computer-related responses were regrets about buying 'air-only' and 'console-mounted'. I would add those considerations to your buying decision, along with the desirability of a 'big digit, easy to read display', as a couple of posters have suggested. The thread also points out, as another poster has mentioned, that you should buy on the basis of possible future needs, so nitrox capability is probably a desirable feature. Whatever computer you get should also have a (replaceable) display guard - if it doesn't come with one, make sure that a guard is available as an accessory (as is the case for the Vytec, several of the Dive Rite Niteks, and probably others as well).
I started with a Vytec, and also dive a Dive Rite Nitek He as a back-up for tec. Of those two, I prefer the Vytec - it is easier to use AND a whole lot easier to read, underwater, in poor vis, and limited ambient light. I prefer the wrist mount 'watch band' on the Vytec to the elastic strap on the Nitek. The Vytec gives me 3 air-oxygen mixes, selectable underwater, while the Nitek He gives 7 plus helium capability. Nice feature for trimix, but probably beyond what you need in the foreseeable future. The wireless pressure transmission feature of the Vytec is nice; not essential by any means, but nice (at a price, of course, of the optional transmitter).
I cannot say Suunto products are better than those marketed by Dive Rite, Mares, Cressi, whomever. Suunto is an instrument company - this is what they do for a living - and I liked that feature. I have found my Vytec to be both very rugged (I tend to drop things, a lot) and very reliable. I like being able to change the battery myself. I like the PC interface download capability. It is also very easy to use / set, on the surface and below the water
As for the algorithms, differences between them among manufacturers and models are more of an interesting theoretical discussion than a practical reality. Don't mean to start a controversy with that statement, just acknowledging that most dive computer algorithms are reasonable safe and conservative.
My personal recommendation would be a wrist-mounted Vytec. But, the more general suggestion is a nitrox-capable, wrist-mounted computer with a BIG display, a display guard and use-changeable batteries.
