Aeris or Oceanic Computer

laddie · 06-02-2007, 04:07 AM

Greetings all...

I am struggling with a decision to purchase a computer and have had the following 2 reccommended to me

Oceanic DataMax Pro Plus 2 Computer
and
Aeris T3

As I am in the process of getting my dive master I definatley want a computer I can "grow" into. Air integrated, nitrox, buddy check etc.

What would you suggest. I have always rented, borrowed etc so have yet to really develop a preference. I just do not want to have to re-invest in a few years. Also, with emerging technology such as info displaying masks etc. I want what will most likely work with technology such as these.

Also, most people I dive with have Oceanic. If I get an aeris will it read their transmitters?

Any help appreciated comparing contrasting the following would be great:

Oceanic Hera Women's BCD - $479.95
Scubapro MK25/S600 Regulator - $665.00
Oceanic Swivel 180 Octo - $134.95
Oceanic DataMax Pro Plus 2 Computer - $599.00*
* Special "June 2007 Promotion", price effective 6/1 to 6/30/07 (no other discounts apply)

vs...

Seaquest Diva XLT
Aqua lung Micra Adjustable Reg
Seaquest Airsource
Aeris t-3 computer (air integrated) or
suunto Cobra

$1799 with T3

MgicTwnger · 06-02-2007, 08:55 AM

IMHO, you should stay away from hoseless air-integrated. The transmitter and computer give you two points of failure in monitoring your remaining air. I would recommend using a mechanical SPG and non-integrated unit.
If you must have wireless, back it up with a mechanical SPG.

**glynneco** · 06-02-2007, 12:26 PM

I second MgicTwnger. I also go for the wrist mounted computer because I can keep it with me when I travel and it's easy to take upstairs to my computer and download. Also if something goes wrong you can still dive the old fashion way.

laddie · 06-02-2007, 11:54 PM

Thank you for that advice. Other than that are there any downsides between one brand or the other? Also if I choose to go wireless, even with a backup, can my computer read transmitters of other brands? Any advice on the difference between the other gear?

Scuba Mama · 06-04-2007, 06:43 PM

One other miner detail. As you are going for your divemaster one of the required pieces of gear is a spg is needed. PADI has not really caught of with the wireless trend. I dive with two computers and have one blow out during a trip. I was very happy to have a back up with me and continue diving with out having to rely on tables. The computer was able to be reset once I sent it in for repair. I spent three years on a computer help desk and just don't fully trust they will work 100% of the time, proof was given when one went hay wire on the trip.

scubatoys · 06-13-2007, 04:49 PM

I use the hoseless air integrated, and have never had a problem. And we sell a ton of them - and most never have a problem. The technology is far better today that it was even just a few years ago.

As far as Aeris vs. Oceanic, they are actually the same computers. They are both manufactured and tested in the same factory. So really you're trying to decide between the Chevy Silverado pickup and the GMC Sierra... same truck - different name plate.

And they are a great company to deal with. If we ever do have a problem, they give us carte' blanche to replace the computer if we need to... but problems are very rare.

MgicTwnger · 06-13-2007, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glynneco

Also if something goes wrong you can still dive the old fashion way.

You mean like double-hose reg, air fills from a gas station, J-valves, and a blow-up vest?

**glynneco** · 06-14-2007, 12:04 AM

Naw I was talkin' 'bout holdin' your breath!

frostyVI@gmail.com · 07-15-2007, 08:19 PM

Hi - my 1st post hope I'm doing this right
- I have used an Oceanic DataTrans Plus with wireless for about 4 years through 3 battery changes - the transmitter occasionally loses the signal. In the past it has always come back - sometimes only after entering the water! which can be worrying. On a dive trip this month (with new batteries) it failed completely. The computer worked but would not pick up the transmitter. After renting a reg & gauge rig for the 1st days diving, I called it a day and bought a separate tank gauge and depth gauge from an expensive Cozumel dive shop. I am still using the computer but I will not rely on the transmitter again. Although my transmitter model is 5 years old, I would be interested to know exactly what has improved in their design in that time to make them so much more reliable given that they represent a single point terminal failure mode on a dive. My advice - forget wireless, the advantage is minimal unless you have a real phobia about 1 extra hose.

MgicTwnger · 07-15-2007, 09:48 PM

First of all, welcome to the board!

Secondly, you are doing it right, keep on posting.

As to the points you make: since you agree with me, you are oviously an individual of great learning and sound judgement.

I have heard too many stories like yours, all with expensive headaches, and one with catistrophic consequences. I doubt that design changes can significantly improve what was a bad idea to begin with. More importantly, all of the really experienced divers I know use a mechanical SPG even if they have wireless, and few do.