New to Dive Computers

[TightLines]

I've been diving off and on for 10 years with a majority of it being done with a guide. Recently I have begun more and more shore diving with just a buddy.

I have used a couple of very basic computers for the sole purpose of tracking bottom time over multiple dives and am now looking to get one of my own.

I am looking for a wrist mounted computer (not air integrated because I still don't understand its necessity) that is:

1) NITROX compatible
2) Has a battery that I can change
3) Has an audible alarm
4) Does not use an overly conservative algorithm
5) Is reasonably sized

Could you guys give me a little insight (or just links if necessary) as to which computers tend to be less conservative than others?

Also, are there any other major features that I have not mentioned (ie overlooked)?

Thanks for all the help with what I am sure is somewhat repetitive question but unfortunately I couldn't drum up exactly what I needed in a search.

Thanks in advance.

[drrich2]

Have you looked at the Oceanic VT3? I think it meets your criteria, and there is an option to buy a wireless transmitter if you ever want one (I'm assuming you can buy it without the transmitter). The battery can be changed. It's wrist mounted. I don't really follow the market closely; this is the one I use.

Richard.

[rongoodman]

I'd suggest one of the Oceanics too. The Aladin Tec 2g would be another choice.

[DA Aquamaster]

+1 on the Uwatec Tec 2G. It is a very capable 2 gas nitrox computer for around $420 retail in a wrist mount and Deep Sea Supply makes a great wrist mount for it. It also has very good log and download software that comes with it at no extra charge and you can download it with a $10 IR dongle.

It also has 4 or 5 levels of conservatism.

[diver 85]

for me, a real good & cheap one is the Veo 180------less than 200....They DC'ed them a while back but who cares.....used mine for almost 3 years witout a hitch(except had to change batteries twice, no big deal).....

[fnfalman]

There are more computers that fit such criteria than one can shake a stick at.

Oceanic has a bunch, Suunto has a bunch, Mares, Dive Rite, Zeagle, Aeris, Sherwood, ad nauseaum.

[TightLines]

Can anyone give me a better idea of which makes are more or less conservative than others?

[DiveNav]

Can anyone give me a better idea of which makes are more or less conservative than others?

Nice article HERE

With TABLES

Alberto (aka eDiver)

[DiveNav]

Can anyone give me a better idea of which makes are more or less conservative than others?

... and here another instantiation of the same table .... promoting dual algorithm approach - that lets you decide how conservative you want to dive.

By the way, why are you looking for a dive computer "less conservative than others"

Alberto (aka eDiver)

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

They are very nice computers, but Suunto & Uwatec are probably your most conservative. The new Oceanic's have a Dual Algorithm (one conservative, one not) feature. We have a lot of divers using the Oceanic's, and love them. For keeping it on a budget, my choices for you are:
VEO 3.0 - 2 Gas
VEO 3.0 Wrist Computers *Buy Oceanic at DIVESEEKERS.com 888-SCUBA-47
VEO 2.0 - 1 Gas
VEO 2.0 Wrist Computers *Buy Oceanic at DIVESEEKERS.com 888-SCUBA-47

There are other price options as well.
Give me a call if I can help you out with this.