i300 verses i300C

[JamesBon92007]

Thanks for all the help everyone. Can I re-ask an above question - if I don't care about downloading dives to a PC log, do I care about the cable for now?

Again, I mainly ask about software updates? Is this needed or an option?

Um, I have an i300 and no cable. It's still a dive computer without the cable. Mine got stuck and I think I read somewhere that the factory has to upload the fix, if there is one. In my case they said it was a bad pressure sensor so it didn't matter anyway. I suggest very thoroughly rinsing the sensor after diving in salt water. It may or may not help but I'm going to try it.

 

[conway400]

Thanks. How have you liked it?

I think I am getting one for my wife and me. Been diving for years and years without one, but always wanted one. And we finally did our enriched air class.

 

[JamesBon92007]

Actually, a friend of mine gave it to me (swapped some stuff) and he didn't like it because it is difficult to read. I also find it difficult to read compared to the Mares Puck Pro. Also, he had it only about 9 months and it got stuck and said I was underwater at about 6' while on land and it was still counting the dive time. He had it replaced under warranty with a new one. I have not had it in the ocean yet, only my swimming pool. The i300 gets very good reviews here on SB but so far I like the Mares Puck Pro better. For one thing, the temperature is always displayed on the Mares but you have to push a button on the i300 to see the temp. Plus the Mares is easier to read. I read several accounts online where the i300 got stuck, thinking it was still underwater. Both require an over-priced cable to download your dive logs. I think the Mares is selling for a bit less than the i300. The temperature reading between the two is a difference of at least four degrees F. Compared to my pool thermometer it looks like the Mares is closer to the truth. One more thing: the i300 I got is made for a console. I could not find a wrist strap available for it--it seems you have to order it that way. Since the pressure sensor seems vulnerable I plan to rinse if very thoroughly after every dive but this will be more difficult inside the console. The Mares we got has a wrist strap which seems to be preferred by most divers.

 

[dmaziuk]

Mares does win on cable price. I think they have a bluetooth cradle out now, too. Oh, and if you buy two matching computers, you only need one cable, obviously.

I wonder how often this level computers get firmware upgrades, I've a feeling it's between "blue moon" and "cows come home". So if you never want to download the logs, you'll probably never need the cable.

 

[runsongas]

firmware updates are infrequent enough that asking around the dive club to borrow a cable or asking your LDS nicely if they carry the brand would work instead of buying the cable just for that purpose

 

[conway400]

Good points. One more question - anyone have a place they frequent online any better than LeisurePro to check price for the i300 specifically? I like dealing with them and looks like they may have the best price (although I have beaten them on price on other things before). Just want to check because they have price match - but I am not seeing it...

 

[JamesBon92007]

Good points. One more question - anyone have a place they frequent online any better than LeisurePro to check price for the i300 specifically? I like dealing with them and looks like they may have the best price (although I have beaten them on price on other things before). Just want to check because they have price match - but I am not seeing it...

For stuff like that LeisurePro has the best prices I've seen. Heck, if I pay with my credit card and find a better price they will refund the difference. I think the bottom price for the Mares Puck Pro was $129, not sure about the i300. So unless you are in a hurry you can check back occasionally. They also have an email notification if the price drops that you can sign up for.

 

[JamesBon92007]

@conway400 LeisurePro Lower Price Alert:

Aqua Lung i300 Wrist Computer

 

[Centrals]

i300 + SP Aladin One Matrix

 

[conway400]

I pulled the trigger. After all your help and many online reports and reviews, three of us got one. I will let you know how it goes in the future I hope. Much thanks! (I could only find two websites anywhere that still had it - and same price at each.)