Just got certified and exploring my gear purchase options... I really like the computer... but like the idea of AI as well... to buy this or splurge for the Perdix AI + Transmitter... I like the idea of at least keeping track of air usage of dives... can you log start/end pressure on the Peregrine without having full AI?
Yeah, this is truly a dilemma for a new diver. I would expect that an AI version would be coming in the not too distant future, though I don't think SW would confirm or deny the existence of AI plans right now.
Like RainPilot said, you can't input starting and ending pressure in the computer itself. You could, however, input starting and ending pressure pretty close to real-time using a smartphone. I use both Shearwater's App and Subsurface. I just checked, and didn't see the Peregrine listed in the dropdown on the Subsurface App, but I would imagine that's coming soon. Shearwater Cloud does have a field for start and end pressure, so that would work.
Personally, I've never owned a non-AI computer, so that would be a huge consideration for me. I like having all my information in one place. Started with a console AI computer, but have since switched to hoseless and currently using a Perdix AI.
I guess if I was in your shoes, I would look closely at both the Perdix AI and the Peregrine. A Perdix AI with the tank pod would be considerably more expensive than the Peregrine. Even without the tank pod, the Perdix would still be quite a bit more. If the price is not a factor, then you really can't go wrong with the Perdix AI. If price is a strong consideration, the Peregrine is a solid choice and priced competitively. Worst case, if SW releases a Peregrine AI in the near future, you could probably sell the Peregrine and still come out less than a Perdix AI, but much of that will depend on the interest in the Peregrine. SW has a huge following in the tech sector, but this is really their first computer aimed at the recreational diver, so not sure how that will translate in the used market.