If you’ve read my previous post on the first bits of equipment a diver should buy, you’ll see that a dive computer is very high on the list. The question then becomes, which one? This is a tough question to answer, so below are some guiding points to help you make the decision.
Firstly, how much do you want to spend? Dive computers range from around HKD 2,000 to HKD 15,000. If money is no object, you can ignore this point. If you want to spend as little as possible, you will still get a dive computer with all the main features you need, but will miss out on some nice to haves.
What do you want to use it for? Is this a computer only for diving, or do you want to wear it as an everyday watch too? There are many different styles to choose from, and some dive computers would not really be suitable to wear around the office! Do you need your dive computer to also be a smartwatch?
Rec or tec? Are you ever planning to go down the tec route, where you might want to do decompression diving? What about using multiple gases on a dive? Even the basic computers allow Nitrox diving up to 40% (within recreational limits), so what we are talking about here is the ability to use multiple gases on a dive, and switch during the dive. The decompression algorithm also becomes important here, and something to consider. Having said all of this, most computers can be used in gauge mode, turning your dive computer into a simple depth gauge and bottom timer. If you do go down the tec route, you will need a backup depth gauge and bottom timer, therefore two computers. There is nothing to stop you using your “old” computer as this backup depth gauge and bottom timer.
Do you want to use electronic dive logs? If so, how do you want to get the information? Most dive computers will allow you to download the dive information, either via USB or Bluetooth. Sometimes, you need to buy the USB cable or docking station separately, so that is an extra cost to consider.
What display do you want? Is monochrome, standard display fine? Do you want colour? Do you need a larger display with high contrast to help you see the information? Do you want lots of data all on the screen at once? Do you want to be able to customise what data fields appear?
What battery do you want? There are really only three choices here. Rechargeable (built in lithium), non-rechargeable user replaceable, and non-rechargeable technician replaceable. Rechargeable batteries are great, but you have to recharge them after a certain number of dives/days, and this varies greatly between models. Non-rechargeable user replaceable are very simple, and a lot of entry level computers are like this (as well as some very high-end ones too!). Non-rechargeable technician replaceable are becoming rarer, as people are not willing to pay the high costs associated with a battery change (often HKD 400 – HKD 600), as well as having the inconvenience of finding a service centre that can change the battery quickly. The major advantage to the non-rechargeable battery is that they often last for 12 – 24 months.
Do you need air integration (AI)? AI is no longer a new technology, and wireless transmitters appear to be just as reliable as standard analogue SPGs (many people assume SPGs don’t fail – they do!). Having all of your dive information available in one place is fantastic, and I hate diving without a transmitter. The main drawback, apart from cost, is that most people who go down the transmitter route already have their own regulators to mount the transmitter on. Sure, it’s possible to add a transmitter to a rental reg, but it’s an added layer of inconvenience. One thing to consider is future use. Even though you may not want/may not need/cannot afford a transmitter now, still consider a computer that is AI capable. You can always add the transmitter at a later date.
What other features do you need? A digital compass is great, removing another piece of equipment from your wrists whilst diving. Styles vary from having a full graphical compass, to those that simply show a current heading. Being able to set mark a heading is very helpful, as well as being able to see the reciprocal heading too.
So wow, a lot to consider! “What should I buy then?”
If money is no object, get the best. A top of the range dive computer with transmitter (think Garmin Descent Mk III i) is likely to cost around HKD 15,000. If money is no object, get that one, as you really can’t go wrong. It does everything, and does it very nicely. Even though it is a smaller watch form computer, the display is excellent and large. It will do everything you ever need from a dive watch, and also doubles as a smartwatch.
If you only want a very basic computer that will only ever be used for diving, you can’t really go wrong with an entry level computer such as the Cressi Leonardo or the Suunto Zoop. Both cost under HKD 2,000, can do all the basics, and have user replaceable non-rechargeable batteries.
For anything else in between, you need to weigh up which of the above points are important for you, and select the computer that matches your requirements. There are so many computers out there that you really should be able to find your perfect match.