Entry Level Dive Computer

[Tank601]

Be sure you get one that works with Nitrox, has a backlight, and if you want to log the dives to your computer - has sync ability - The gekko does not sync to the computer...

Hi,
I'm a recently certified diver and I was wondering if folks had recommendations for a beginner dive computer. I've never dove with a computer so I'm not sure what to look for feature-wise. Also, if anyone has a sense for the price range I should look for, and where the best deals are in the Boston area, I'd appreciate that too.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Can you replace the batteries on the gekko and stinger yourself?

@Hebron Hill: Slightly off-topic, but I'll answer anyway. Suunto markets the Gekko with a user replaceable battery. It's very easy to change. The Gekko is a very simple computer with no active backlight functionality, so the batteries last a loooooong, looooong time. The phosphorescent screen glows quite nicely when charged with a handheld light. Although Suunto doesn't market it this way, dive profile info can be downloaded from the Gekko to a PC or Mac. The Gekko is a great value for the price. It appears to have many of the "guts" of a Suunto Vyper. AFAIK, there is no way to access a hidden "gauge" mode on the Gekko..

The Stinger, on the other hand, is supposed to be taken to an authorized Suunto shop for battery change. I hear that it can be expensive. However, as with all things, you can do it yourself. Here's a link to a webpage that shows how it's done. The Stinger is more watch-like in dimensions than the Gekko.

Hope this info helps...

 

[maged_mmh]

only gekko has a user replaceable battery