First computer Uwatec Aladin ONE vs Mares M2 RGBM?

[aidan]

I'm thinking of buying my first computer. I'm not doing any complicated diving at the moment, just sports diver stuff but would like the option of using nitrox in the future.

I've seen the above 2 for both less than £100 which is the main attraction for me. Does anyone know anything about them?

I've also seen the Apeks Quantum for £140 and I know a lot of people like the suunto gekko. Is it worth spending the extra £50 on these or should i just keep it cheap and simple?

Thanks for any suggestions!

[Sipadan]

would avoid the aladin one as you need to use a PC to change the settings (e.g. nitrox) which isn't really viable for everyday usage. don't know about the mares. quantum/gekko would be a good choice and DEFINITELY worth spending a little extra on.

[paramedic paul]

Originally Posted by Sipadan

would avoid the aladin one as you need to use a PC to change the settings (e.g. nitrox) which isn't really viable for everyday usage. don't know about the mares. quantum/gekko would be a good choice and DEFINITELY worth spending a little extra on.

What he said!!

My first computer was the Aladin One which is great right up to the point where you do several dives on Nitrox but different mix.

I bought a second hand Gekko at the last minute earlier this year before I went to Cyprus diving the Zenobia. We had two dives each day, each on different mix Nitrox and i didn't fancy taking my laptop on holiday just to change the settings!

[DorsetDiver]

You can get a new Gekko for £139 from simply scuba or Amazon with free delivery or spend £180 on a S/H one on Ebay.

[ak101]

It might seem like a minor point at the moment, but the Apeks Quantum will also allow gas switching for 2 different nitrox mixes (inc air) on one dive. This might not be the diving that you are into now, but certainly worth considering.

[BJ]

I saw loads of new computers about to arrive in the shops in January while I was at DEMA. Prices of older models might well come down further!

[ratcliffe]

I use the forerunner of the Mares M2, the M1RGBM. Its a good basic computer which does Nitrox etc, and the big plus for me is that it runs on normal batteries, which are so easy to change.
The downside to it is that its a bit of a strange shape because of having to have room for the batteries, but thats never been a problem for me in the water. It is definitely worth consideration as a godo entry computer, which will take you through air diving, deco diving and nitrox diving.

[diablo]

I now dive with an Alladdin Tec, but used the Mares M1 before that. I buy the Mares, for the battery changing ease and the the ability to change the profile without a pc. For a £100 quid it's a steal.
Dave

[Buoyant Babe]

Chrisch will be along to rubbish me shortly as he doesn't like his , but what about the Cressi Archimede II?

I have dived an original Cressi Archimede for six years without a problem. As I like it so much I've just bought the Archimede II, which can run in gauge mode and is able to switch between two mixes on a dive. It cost £225 including the download cable (about £189 without, I think).

[Daz217]

I have the Mares RGBM M2 and i like it. Same reasons really ease of battery change. Ease of use. Air and Nitrox and fine for Rec diving will work out deco if you overstay your NDL. Automatic safety stop 3 Mins at 5M for any dive deeper than 10M. Backlight permanent or on demand. Big display with good easy to read and understand information. Ascent rate bar graph etc etc. Can't go wrong at £100.