easiest inexpensive computer

[lfshadow]

I've just recently re-started diving again after about a 20 year void so I am new to computer diving. What is the easiest to use (no bells and whistles) and fairly inexpensive computer for the novice?
I'm just a vacation diver who stays above 100'. Mostly diving in Cozumel.

PS - Since Apple Vacations no longer flys to Cozumel from Denver, what's the best way to get there now?

 

[bcaderunr]

Frontier has direct to Coz, but planes are every other day and typically cost at least $150+ more than the daily Den-Cancun ones. With Cancun you've got the bus-ferry which isn't all that bad, and will only cost you an extra $38/pp ($9x2+$10x2). Other option is American Airlines to Coz with plane switch in Dallas (just got a $482rt ticket 3 weeks ago). Price ends up being about the same as the Cancun option, which leaves you with the choice of spending an extra 2hrs. waiting in Dallas, or an extra 2 hours on the bus/ferry.

 

[EricJ]

I like my Aeris Atmos II wrist computer. Simple design, user-replaceable batteries, audible alarms (depth, rapid ascent, dive time), you can upload your dive information into their digital log book. It's also nitrox compatible. The computer is fairly inexpensive.

 

[Charlie99]

I like my Aeris Atmos II wrist computer. Simple design, user-replaceable batteries, audible alarms (depth, rapid ascent, dive time), you can upload your dive information into their digital log book. It's also nitrox compatible. The computer is fairly inexpensive.

Similar computers made by the same manufacturer are available under several other brand names. For example, Oceanic has the Veo series. Although you may not think you need nitrox capability now, the most common regret of dive computer buyers is that they got an air-only one and later end up buying another to upgrade to nitrox.

If you are on a tight budget, don't hesitate to buy a used computer. It's pretty simple to verify that the depth reading is right. I'm very happy with my 8 year old Oceanic Data Plus, which is a predecessor to the Veo series.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

Oceanic or Genesis.......Check out their company websites or mine for more stats......I would recommend the Genesis for what your looking for....heres a link
http://www.diverightinscuba.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=16_203

 

[bperrybap]

If all you need is a computer (no other gauges) and
don't want air integrated, it will be really hard to beat
the specials on the Aeris Atmos 2. (Under $300)
Aeris Atmos 2

Easy to use, User replaceable batteries, Nitrox support, and
even PC downloadable with cable purchase.

--- bill

 

[boat sju]

I'm just getting back into diving also and just bought an Aeris XR1. I've only gotten to play with it in a pool so far but it's simple to use, and for the price I won't worry about upgrading in a few years if I get into Nitrox.

 

[EvaL]

I second Charlie99 and Dive Right In: I've used Oceanic wrist dive computers in my 8 years of diving with minimal maintenance and no problems. My 7+ year old Oceanic Prodigy is still running great as back-up. I agree that you should consider a nitrox one so you don't have to get a new one once you get nitox certified. Oceanic Veo and the very similar (clone perhaps?) Aeris Atmos 2 are both under $280:
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Cate..._2=2000:3=2002,2003:4=2008/OCNV25W.html?Hit=1
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/Scuba_Nitrox_Computers.asp
A little more advanced is the Scubapro/Uwatec Aladin SmartPro:
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/UTCASMPW.html
If you prefer a concole type that also monitors your pressure and cost more, I've heard good reviews about Suunto Cobra Air Nitrox and Oceanic Pro Plus 2:
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Cate...r_2=1999:3=2002,2003:4=2008/SQTCBC.html?Hit=1
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Cate...lter_2=1999:3=2003:1=1991/OCNDMPP2.html?Hit=1
Dive safely.

 

[DiveMaven]

Check out the prices at ScubaToys for the Atmos....hard to beat!

 

[ThatsSomeBadHatHarry]

Aeris XR2. just like the atmos 2, all the bells and whistles. big display and really easy usage.