I should certainly hope instructors know about computers and are perfectly capable of guiding a student. The fact of the matter is that a huge number of divers never stay with the sport long enough to derive any benefit from the computer. Having a computer will not make them any better as divers. In fact it will short circuit all of the basic theory they were (hopefully) taught. The OP asked if it's advisable to buy a computer to go along with his OW & AOW classes. I say wait to see if you like diving before you move to the next echelon of investment.Ann Marie:Why run the other way? Instructors should know about different computers and can be a valuable source of information. If the OP is planning on buying a computer, why not get advice on different models?
The debate of when to buy gear will always be there. Common wisdom is to try a few things, perhaps borrow or rent enough to identify likes and dislikes. Lacking local gear that I cared to rent I did a lot of advanced study and pool testing and my wife and I both certified in out one gear. There was no need for a computer for the type of diving we were doing locally. In preparation for a dive trip we made the move.
Ebay and bankruptcy courts are littered with the shattered dreams of divers that over invested or prove to be under inspired.
A diver can make the investment when his or her diving and abilities dictate, not just because they are doing OW or fast tracking into AOW (another debate). It's not like insurance enrollment where you have to sign up now or wait.
Ann Marie:I just had some OW students buy gear while they were taking their class. They got to use their own gear from the get-go and while I was there to help them with it. We spent plenty of time on decompression theory and tables but spent just as much time working through all the functions of their computer. Really, how many recreational divers do you see using tables only to dive with?
As I said we certified in our own gear, it was a calculated risk and for us it payed off. Many divers are very susceptible to being manipulated and spending for the sake of spending. I am not saying this is the case with you or your affiliates.
I see many divers who dive sans a computer and by the same token many computers that go on dives where they are of no real value except to maintain statistics. Not every diver's dives or diver's locales are the same. Not every diver does exclusively boat diving and goes to 100 feet with lots of air and a great SAC.
It's scenario dependent and should be based on need unless someone is a gear junkie with disposable cash. In general I would rather a diver spring for a pair of nice steel tanks to have at the ready than to own a computer but miss dive opportunities for want of an air cylinder. At least around here the cylinders have much better resale value.
I think that was my point. Having not been diving that needs to be the default advice position.Ann Marie:If the OP isn't sure if diving is for him, then wait to buy the computer until you know for sure.
Ann Marie:I recently taught a EAN class, I had the students bring in their computers so we could go over setting them to EAN Mode. One of the students found out THAT night that his computer wasn't EAN compatable. If I had been there helping him to pick one out, he would have known it was or wasn't compatable.
That's really good but not every new diver has a guardian angle like you. Many run out ill advised and buy according to the wrong criteria. Please take this as a compliment wen I say that the situation you present is above average in the industry as I have experienced it.
Pete