Thanks guys! Yea I figured the Mares may have some issues. My main concern with with the hoseless computer is losing link with the transmitter. Just seems the whole point of integrating depth gauge and tank pressure is to lose excess hoses.... but what's the point if you need a backup pressure gauge in case the link is lost? I checked out the Luna and Lynx, Bhuddha. The Luna sort of threw me off with the heart monitor for free divers. I listen to cardiac monitors 3-4 days a week and it would pretty much suck having to over analyze my own body mechanics while trying to enjoy a dive. I'm still open to other suggestions besides the computers I listed. Basically I'm looking for something safe, user friendly, and doesn't go overboard for my recreational diving needs.
Richard, I've never splashed with a hood and pretty much the only time I've dealt with a noisy environment is diving the soundside along the Gulf Coast. You'll get the occasional boat passing by, but max depth is about 30ft for anything worth seeing.
Naomi, the heart rate feature on the Luna is an optional extra, in my opinion an unnecessary one. There are many 1st hand user posts on this board have a wee look around. Although don't own one have played with one and had a pretty good look at the manual. It does look good. if you have the time or inclination go to Scubastore.com, make sure the country is showing as UK or Japan, and look at the manual, I tried to attach but the file is too large.
The AI on the Luna/Sol seems pretty reliable, the only, very few, negative reports have been "momentary" loss of signal. If you are doing open water rec diving having a back up is not so important if by chance you do lose signal then the dive is aborted, shouldn't in itself cause a real problem more an inconvenience. Personally I would carry a simple brass and glass SPG for redundancy given the cost of a dive trip would hate to miss the second dive to to transmitter issues. One less hoes does not really make much difference to anything, people often make reference to "streamlining" I fail to see how one hose makes any significant difference in this respect.
I like the look of the Lynx for 3 reasons, Liquivison have exemplary customer service, the Lynx is very small and its OLED. I do a lot of night diving so having the OLED screen makes things so much easier i.e not having to turn light on or shine light on comp.
If you want cheap, functional, simple and reliable then have a look at the Suunto Zoop and/or Vyper. They are a nice size not too big not too small, have user replaceable batteries and very long battery life. I have used both for some years with Zero issues. Added bonus DeepSeaSupply make a bungee mount for them which makes putting on and off infinitely easier.
Shopping for me is half the fun. Good luck.
Link for Luna manual, manual is at bottom of page:
http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-diving/uwatec-galileo-luna-with-tran/6000/p
