@CAPTAIN SINBAD
I didn't recommend a particular computer in this thread. I actually did start typing a response but never hit submit and I would have recommend an Oceanic Geo 2 or Geo 4 until the OP stated they also wanted AI and then I circled back to the original post about not really having a budget so then I thought OCi then abandoned all efforts to see how it would play out, hence my question about what they are actually going to go with.
With that said, I started off on a Suunto and upgraded to a Perdix last year. I did not chime in with my thoughts on the Perdix, but I do want to reply to your post. I am what people define as a recreational diver. I'm not new but I also don't have a full understanding (or any good understanding) of the different gradient factors. (This is my invitation for someone to provide a Gradient Factors for Dummies 101 class for me anytime!) With that said, I have no problem picking conservatism at "low", "med", or 'high" depending on the circumstances of my diving which I take into consideration location (relative to chamber and local health services), type of diving, # of repetitive dives, etc. On a Suunto, that would have been changing the A's and P's to different numbers. Should I try to understand the gradient factors again and actually retain that information the next time, I then have the opportunity to tinker with the gradient factors specifically. It isn't less safe having a computer that is capable of doing more so long as you aren't trying to do more with it and not understanding what it means or what the implications are. While that may be common sense, perhaps that is worth reminding the OP and everyone about.
While I understand the parallel isn't exactly the same, someone thought I was nuts recently when I pointed out in a discussion that the Olympus TG-5 is a great camera, has amazing microscope mode which does not need a macro lens, can take on a wide angle lens and strobes and do a lot for a beginner photographer,
but it did not have manual mode. Someone then argued there was manual control and I said relative to just aperture or shutter, but not both that you can do independently of one another to your heart's desire. They said that it wasn't necessary, they got great pics that can rival that of any manual compact or DSLR. They then said I was setting up a beginner photographer for failure by recommending a camera with manual mode.
My response was simple....Just because a camera doesn't have manual mode doesn't mean that you have to use it in manual mode right away when you first get it. You can definitely shoot on auto, then learn the different things about ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and tinker with each slowly as you understand it more...
if you want. In addition, for that poster, just because it was good for them doesn't mean it would be good for everyone. The same goes for a dive computer. You don't have to use all the features or go full on deco diving with trimix and 2 transmitters...but should you ever want to, it is there for you, when you are ready and have learned properly...If you want. That is an option. While I understand photography can't "kill you" (though not paying attention to your gauges and having high task load can contribute to it) and negligence with a dive computer can, especially if you don't understand what you're doing or what it's telling you, the idea behind a product's features and a person's desire and ability to use it now or in the future is somewhat of a parallel.
With that said, I am still not recommending or pushing a Perdix or a high end tech capable computer on the OP or anyone else. I'm thinking long term or future proofing options, or with the $ spent what makes sense value wise, if that is important. Once those things are considered,
then move forward in deciding what's best for that while looking at the bells and whistles. For some people it is an inexpensive computer and for others it's not.
