+2 on getting your Wetsuit first. Your skin gear is far more personable than your hard gear. Here in the states, majority of the LDS's have top notch rental gear. That may change if you go over to less developed countries to dive, but it's still very doable. As a new diver you'll rarely notice these small things anyway.
Not having to deal with loose or ill fitting wetsuits, booties, fins, masks etc will make your dive a lot more enjoyable.
Now as to your question, I've seen the Suunto Zoop and Vyper in action. The only complaint I've heard or can have about it is Suunto's conservative algorithm. If you have a Suunto, you're usually the first one who hits their NDL limit. You still get plenty of time, but some buddies may get annoyed by this fact. The simple answer there is to not dive with them.
I would strongly recommend getting a compass with your set up. I would also recommend wrist mounted Computer and Compass for ease of use in any situation except lobster hunting. Having those pieces on your wrists frees up your hands for other tasks and allows for an easier viewing on the fly IMHO.
The only downside to having wrist mounts is the increased possibility of misplacing it or having it smashed on the tailgate of your truck.
Not having to deal with loose or ill fitting wetsuits, booties, fins, masks etc will make your dive a lot more enjoyable.
Now as to your question, I've seen the Suunto Zoop and Vyper in action. The only complaint I've heard or can have about it is Suunto's conservative algorithm. If you have a Suunto, you're usually the first one who hits their NDL limit. You still get plenty of time, but some buddies may get annoyed by this fact. The simple answer there is to not dive with them.
I would strongly recommend getting a compass with your set up. I would also recommend wrist mounted Computer and Compass for ease of use in any situation except lobster hunting. Having those pieces on your wrists frees up your hands for other tasks and allows for an easier viewing on the fly IMHO.
The only downside to having wrist mounts is the increased possibility of misplacing it or having it smashed on the tailgate of your truck.