Your Dive CPU is? And Why?

[don Francisco]

My dive CPU is stored neatly behind my ears. For data collection and analysis I use a Suunto Mosquito. It's a reliable device that gives me all the features I want, yet is compact enough to wear full time, so there's no reason to take it off and risk leaving it on a boat.

I'm not a fan of digital gauges, or trusting my air supply to anything complex or electrical, so I retain my analog console for air, depth and compass. Mechanical gauges don't create the illusion of super accuracy, but they're responsive, consistant and reliable workhorses.

 

[drbill]

Sigh, I was born with mine. It's an ancient version with a very slow processing speed and very little RAM (it was VERY expensive back then).

Oh, you mean my dive computer... Dive Rite Nitek Duo and Uwatec Tec 2G.

 

[bdshort]

Suunto Gekko - inexpensive, nitrox. Doesn't have gauge mode, but I guess if I decide I really need a computer with gauge mode I'll start looking for new computers.

 

[LavaSurfer]

Oceanic Atom 2.0 - Started with a 1.0 and had some issues, 2.0 seems OK. Never researched, I thought it was a cool watch/DC so I needed the techy thing. Still like it but I also dive a Nitek He and use it for all my real calculations. I like the Diverite Nitek's Algorithm. It seems better suited for repeat diving and is more conservative. The Oceanic gives more bottom. I can go into Deco on the Nitek and still have 4 minutes left on the Oceanic. The Nitek was acquired as part of a deal so it was cheap in comparison to paying retail. I am not sure I would have paid the cash for it otherwise.

Now for the real Computer, Tables or v-Planner and my head. I try to use a dive plan and the Puter as a backup, especially on any dive that may even slightly approach pushing the limits. Often on shallow reef dives I don't always follow a perfect plan but I always have a long talk with my buddies on what we will do, how we will do it and contingencies. Yes, even on simple dives. I also plan out my gas on every dive as a habit just to be fresh. I make sure I know at any time how much gas I have available. Sorry for the preaching

Computers are great today, they can even predict with some accuracy your air consumption but don't get fooled into a false sense of security.

It is awesome you are asking about questions and getting ideas before buying.

 

[imasinker]

I knew nothing about dive computers when I enrolled into class. I reaserched best i could and came up with Sherwood Wisdom and Suunto Cobra 2. My reason was being new I wanted something to take care of a newbie such as myself even though we are not to trust anything but our minds as divers. Easy to use and understand yet conservative. My LDS didn't push me into a computer at all. They showed me all the SPG and pressure gauges and allowed me to make my own choice. I chose the Suunto for the ease of use, being It was a newer version and It seemed to be the choice among divers I talked to. I was glad I chose the Cobra 2. I then went and bought a Suunto Gekko. I dive with people using mostly suunto so they helped me alot with operating, reading and programing. Honestly it was very easy to do. I never looked at price since I figure there is no price on safety or my life. We all have a budget and suunto is comparable in price as most CPU's. Again it was comfort, ease of use and conservative that made me chose my CPU. I won't say it is better than anyother CPU, because I have never used anyother. I will say I won't replace it with another brand. I know divers that use other brands and like them too. I am happy with my Cobra 2 and Gekko and as I upgrade I will continue to use Suunto products. My reason for buying them, I felt it's what bwas best for me all around.

 

[Captain Morgan]

I researched...and researched...and researched. I came to two conclusions, one of which I actually bought. The decision came down to either the Uwatec Galileo Sol or the Oceanic Atom 2.0/VT3 (the atom and VT3 are essentially the same thing). I went with the Atom 2.0 because if was relatively compact, hoseless with wireless air integrated technology, I can monitor my buddy's air (very important to me), it acts as a digital watch, has air/nitrox/gauge/free dive modes, turn-around pressure alarm, a fairly liberal computer algorithm that is fully adjustable, diver replaceable batteries, etc. Not to mention I bought it during a week my LDS was having the ultimate sale in which I got it for 40% off. Oh, and Oceanic has the best customer support of any other company out there. I also like the fact that I don't have to take it off while on vacation. When I get the funds, I will get the Galileo Sol.

 

[deerhunter1911a1]

I dive a Suunto Vytec DS with transmitter. It freaking rocks. Does everything i need it to do, and has room for me to expand into Tech when i feel the time is right. No problems with it to date.

 

[Flfiremedic]

I'm a fan of the integrated computers, and very happy with my Oceanic Pro Plus 2.

 

[RAWalker]

I have a Oceanic VT3 and an Atom 2.0. I started with the VT3 after a researching wireless AI computers. I found that users of the latest crop of Oceanic's reviewed them as being highly reliable and Oceanic as a company that is highly responsive to it's customers.
The VT3 and the Atom 2.0 are both nitrox computers that can monitor 3 bottles or a buddy's bottle. Also each has user replaceable batteries. When my wife became a diver I gave her my VT3 as I came across a sweet deal on a used Atom 1.0 and then had it upgraded to and Atom 2.0. As stated by others as a PDC the Atom 2.0 and the VT3 are functional the same with the Atom having the addition watch functions.

 

[LavaSurfer]

Also each has user replaceable batteries.

Oh so very important to me. This is one feature that more are coming with and something that is a purchase killer in my mind.