Computer that can do "everything".

[Violent Ken]

Is there any single computer out there that's considered to be "the daddy", i.e. it can do everything; air, nitrox, trimix, rebreather diving?

I'm a mere amateur at the moment and am currently using a Suunto Favor S (which is fine for no-decompression air diving) but come the next dive show in October I'd like to get something that will last me for years, as (money and experience permitting) I'd like to move on to mixed gases eventually and maybe dive a rebreather one day.

[gansell]

Most modern computers can do this, although you may have a problem with the processing power and memory on some older models such as the Spectrum 16K and the VIC-20.

Oh you mean dive computers - doh!!!!

[Duncan Price]

Originally Posted by Violent Ken

Is there any single computer out there that's considered to be "the daddy", i.e. it can do everything; air, nitrox, trimix, rebreather diving?

http://www.vr3.co.uk

[And]

Some people think that the human brain is capable of such things, even those we haven't thought of yet

Andy

[Diving Dude]

Naughty boy....WL

Posting such thoughts outside of your box

[tom]

Originally Posted by And

[IMG]Some people think that the human brain is capable of such things, even those we haven't thought of yet

Mine gives faulty depth readings though. I"m thinking of sending it back to have it recalibrated and pressure tested.


PS Ken - VR3 is probably closest to what you want. The big question is, though, by the time (if ever) you actually need to use all its functions - will something better have come along?

[Fathoms Down]

Originally Posted by tom

The big question is, though, by the time (if ever) you actually need to use all its functions - will something better have come along?

Yes, its called the latest VR3 software release.

Having a computer that can have its software upgraded is very handy and adds to its lifespan considerably. (unless you are very clumsy! ).

[Scuby]

Thing about the VR3 is that, even though it has upgradeable software and so can *potentially* do everything you ever want, its not going to happen in reality. There will be new versions, smaller computers particularly, ones with just generally better hardware (I know people with VR3's who are afraid to press the buttons in case they fall off!). I don't see much point in getting a VR3 now for say simple single-gas nitrox decompression, on the off-chance you might want to do multi-mix diving or trimix in 3 or 4 years time. By that time there will likely be many more computers on the market that can do what you want, and likely much cheaper than the VR3. Unless you need its functions now, I wouldn't bother trying to "future-proof" your purchase.

All my own opinion, of course.

David

[Violent Ken]

Originally Posted by tom

Mine gives faulty depth readings though. I"m thinking of sending it back to have it recalibrated and pressure tested.


PS Ken - VR3 is probably closest to what you want. The big question is, though, by the time (if ever) you actually need to use all its functions - will something better have come along?

That's true, I'd probably be better hanging on then. I plan on hammering the diving this year and progressing on to mixed gases at some point, but then again I also said I'd be "doing my Advanced" about 2 years ago and as of yet I've not managed to find the time or money!

[Alun]

People seem to go on about the price of the vr3, and yet a suunto stinger with metal strap isn't that far adrift of the basic nitrox vr3. Listening to people wearing a d9 with transmitter talk about how expensive and unnecessary a vr3 is continues to make me chuckle.

Best line I ever heard about a vr3 was Brett in Divers Warehouse. "I'm not going to try to sell you one of these, because we both know you are going to buy one"

Wish he wasn't right...


Edit: Is it just me, or do other people find it irritating that they are paying x-hundred pounds for dive computers, which are less advanced than a sinclair spectrum plus an o-ring?