Suunto Gekko or Equivalent - beginner computer

[Pseudocyber]

Hi everyone,

I'm just getting into Scuba and not yet certified - still have to do OW checkouts.

I have an opportunity for my employer to give me $300 for "health benefit" dollars which I can spend on any kind of health related - sporting activity. I would like to use it to purchase Scuba equipment and am thinking about going towards a computer.

I'm interested in everything - but not even a beginner, but a wannabe. Total ScubaNewbie - but am trying to learn all I can.

As I can determine, the Suunto's seem to be well thought of and a Gekko is kind of entry level and would match my price point of < $400 (I'm willing to cough up a few extra $$ out of pocket, but can't go crazy). I live in NC - so I would like to do some local diving - and would like to get down to the Carib when I can or Fla.

So anyway, would the Gekko be a good beginner computer - or is there something equivalent you could recommend?

I see that the Gekko doesn't have a PC interface - I'd like one, I'm a computer geek professionally - so I'd like to be able to download and mess around with histories and such if possible within my price range.

Thanks!

[TSandM]

Well, the Mosquito is downloadable, and a quick search showed me several places you can get it for $450. LeisurePro has them for $340, but you need to be aware of the issues with buying Suunto equipment through them. (Do a search -- You'll find tons of threads.)

You might also watch e-bay and classified on sites like this one for used computers. People do move up and decide to sell their old stuff. (I'm currently trying to decide whether to sell one of my old computers, but it's not wrist mount.)

[vladimir]

LeisurePro has them for $340, but you need to be aware of the issues with buying Suunto equipment through them. (Do a search -- You'll find tons of threads.)

I didn't check, but if you have misgivings about LP, you can probably get a comparable price at DiveTank. I bought my D9 there, and was completely satisfied with their handling of the recall. I am not sure they are any more authorized than LP though.

[vladimir]

I have an opportunity for my employer to give me $300 for "health benefit" dollars which I can spend on any kind of health related - sporting activity. I would like to use it to purchase Scuba equipment and am thinking about going towards a computer.

I'm no CPA, but it seems like you're pushing the envelope a bit as far as flex-spending eligibility goes.

[Pseudocyber]

They agreed to buy fins, mask, and snorkel last year.

Are there any other make/model y'all would recommend comparable to the Suunto?

[Pseudocyber]

If I can afford to add to it, I was also thinking about getting a DiveRite Transpac & Rec Wing.

[keyshunter]

Do a search on SB. Someone has come up with a way to download info from the Gekko.

[CFDAlden]

Suunto Gekko - Dive Download ????

Try that! It worked great for my Gekko.

[Pseudocyber]

Should I just step up to the Vyper or Vyper2?

[CMAN]

If you are set on getting a computer (you could get some experience diving gauges and tables) then I would recomend the Gekko. You can use the donwload mentioned above (I use it and it works great) and save some money over the Vyper. Leisure Pro has them for $249.95 (no factory warranty) but a friend just bought one from a Local Dive shop (authorized dealer) for the same price and it comes with a warranty so you may want to check some LDS's in your area.