New vs. used computers???

Hi,
I'm new to scuba. I'm looking for a useful, easy-to-use (read "idiot
proof"), and hopefully, inexpensive computer (I'm thinking that a
computer can be used to make your diving safer - things like
indicating a safe ascent speed for us amateurs).

I've seen used computers for sale on the web. Usually they are quite
old - Suunto Solution, Sherwood "The Source", etc.

Are these older computers worth looking into? Are the newer computers
more user-friendly (idiot proof?)

Thanks in advance for any information related to this topic,
Maxine

p.s. I'm recreational only. No nitrox. Both cold water fresh and salt
water diving. Boat and shore.

Maxine wrote

> Hi,
> I'm new to scuba. I'm looking for a useful, easy-to-use (read "idiot
> proof") . . .

There's no such thing. 8^)

> . . . and hopefully, inexpensive computer (I'm thinking that a
> computer can be used to make your diving safer - things like
> indicating a safe ascent speed for us amateurs).

Inexpensive is relative. A computer can make it easier to dive safely, but
it will always be up to you to stay safe. An electronic computer is a
supplement to the standard equipment model you came with . . . your brain.
Don't turn one off when you turn the other on.

> I've seen used computers for sale on the web. Usually they are quite
> old - Suunto Solution, Sherwood "The Source", etc.
> Are these older computers worth looking into? Are the newer computers
> more user-friendly (idiot proof?)

Yes and no. Most differences tend to be convenience issues, different
button options, different displays, smaller units, integrated air
information and even hoseless models. There have been a few changes in the
way computers do decompression calculations, but the fact is, a lot of
people have been diving safely for a lot of years using computers.

Your best bet is to shop around and, if possible, rent computers until you
know which features are most important to you and which are not. Armed with
that information, take a look at what's available that meets your needs. If
you find a used computer you like, ask more specific questions about it.
Somebody here is bound to know something useful. here are a few features I
suggest you consider:
1. Most modern divers eventually graduate to nitrox. Its not a bad idea to
buy a nitrox capable computer the first time.
2. Don't even think about a computer that will not do decompression. One of
the most significant safety advantages of a dive computer is that a diver
that unexpectedly gets into a decompression obligation has the information
necessary to get out of it alive. Sure, you should plan for decompression
if you're going to do it, but the fates don't always let you follow your
plan. I prefer a computer that gives me a ceiling, stop time and a total
time to the surface.
3. Consider how much you want a hoseless computer or one that integrates air
and other computer information. You'll pay significantly more for the
features and may or may not like them well enough to justify the additional
money. Some of us, including me, actually dislike air integrated computers
and prefer one on the end of a hose to a hoseless model.
4. Don't even think about a computer that does not have user replacable
batteries. The price of factory or authorized dealer replacement, can be
quite high, as much as $100 or more and they're never quick enough for a
next day dive.

Lee

> p.s. I'm recreational only. No nitrox. Both cold water fresh and salt
> water diving. Boat and shore.

p.s. Nitrox is recreational. The more you dive, the sooner you're likely to
discover just how big an advantage it is.

"Maxine" <mhouston@complete.ca> wrote in message
news:c1d2afb4.0308020641.3b859ae5@posting.google.c om...
> Hi,
> I'm new to scuba. I'm looking for a useful, easy-to-use (read "idiot
> proof"), and hopefully, inexpensive computer (I'm thinking that a
> computer can be used to make your diving safer - things like
> indicating a safe ascent speed for us amateurs).
>
> I've seen used computers for sale on the web. Usually they are quite
> old - Suunto Solution, Sherwood "The Source", etc.
>
> Are these older computers worth looking into? Are the newer computers
> more user-friendly (idiot proof?)
>
> Thanks in advance for any information related to this topic,
> Maxine
>
> p.s. I'm recreational only. No nitrox. Both cold water fresh and salt
> water diving. Boat and shore.

Just go to leisurepro.com and pick up one of the many wrist mount Nitrox
computers they have for about $200. Don't make it harder than it needs to
be.

Jon