I am looking to get an air integrated computer and the Atmso AI was my first choice, but I see a lot of people use the Suunto Cobra. Anyone able to compare?

My wife had an Aeris Atmos that crumped in the middle of a dive. She's since switched to the cobra and much prefers it. I've used the cobra for a few years and my previous computer was an early suunto air-integrated that my daughter now uses. No problems with either unit ever (my wife's suunto is her third computer; she had an oceanic that also failed).

-David

David, I just bought an Oceanic air integrated computer. I've only made three dives, but on the second, the pressure gauge would jump several hundred pounds at a time; showing out of air, then plenty of air. Then it would be fine for a minute or two, then the alarm would go off again. It was brand new, and the dive shop ran some tests, said nothing was wrong and gave it back to me. They said it can happen when the tank is not turned on all the way. Is this by any chance how your wife's Oceanic acted? I am extremely nervous about taking this on my only diving vacation of the year. Thanks,

Edward

Ed don't take the chance on a Cry Wolf computer operation!! Email the manufactuer and explain what happens and tell them you can not trust the instrument and see what their reaction is. Trust your ability and follow your skills but don't depend on one evaluation.... Ron

We (Susan and I) had a Aeres Atmos Pro for each of us. My satisfaction with it was limited. First (an earlier version) came with a PC interface that Aeres stopped supporting after Windows 95. That was very irritating.

One of them failed outright.

Several times they did not start up correctly and thus did not properly track that dive.

I have heard very good things about the Suunto from many sources.

However, We have just replaced the Aeres with the Uwatec Smart Pro. On our recent vacation to Bonaire, we did 27 dives with each of the two Smart Pro. No problems at all, they performed flawlessly. This is better than we did with the Aeres. Incidently, this only used 2% of the battery capacity.

What I really like about the Smart Pro is the Infrared computer interface. If you have a laptop or a pocket PC you probably have the interface with this computer. So, not cables or other paraphernalia. The freeware dive log program that works with it is pretty good. They have one version for Windows and another for PocketPC.

You can download these programs for free from the Uwatec site, along with sample dives. The programs let you scroll through the dive and see the computer exactly as it would be in that dive. Real nice for understanding how they perform underwater.

I need glasses to read but the large display is really nice. In fact, I can read Susan's from 20 feet away too, nice if you want to know what's up with your buddy.

I would not buy the Aeres. I would buy the Suunto if reading its display is not an issue for you and I like the Uwatec a lot as well. It does have a few things I don't like (such as reading in Feet of Fresh Water, not salt, but overall, I'm very satisfied.

I've logged 75 dives on my Aeris Atmos AI with the quick disconnect. I've had it for about a year. A month ago it began not registering air pressure until I hit 15 feet. My dive shop sent it into the factory, they replaced it. I've heard that they've had problems with the "seals" on the quick disconnect. My hose was also replaced. I've been very happy with it. I'll be unhappy if it develops the problem again as my dive shop said the only way to completely fix the problem may be to have it permanently attached to the hose.

Janet's problem with the Aeris was sudden inaccurate depth readings - went into deco mode on a 20 ft dive in the Keys!

Edward,

I re-read your question and see that it was about the Oceanic, not the Aeris. Just plain died as I recall but don't remember the details.

-David

Thanks David. I went back to the dive shop again and they gave me a new computer; so hopefully all will be ok now. I just have to get in some clear, warm Bonaire water.

Sean

I have done a lot of research and I recently bought a Cobra...I have not yet had the chance to use it, but I will be in Boniare in October....I have heard nothing but good things about the Cobra, while the Aeris story seems to be quite common....what I have found, is that dive shops will try to sell you what their particular brand is...rather than what is best for you..I strongly recommend you check out a few shops, and not rely on the advice of just one...just for balance....my two cents

FYI, dive computers and some other SCUBA related products sold under the names, Aeris, Genesis, Oceanic, Sherwood, all have one thing in common, they are manufactured by Pelagic Pressure Systems. Some of the old Aqualung/U.S. Divers dive computers were made by P.P.S. as well.

Tom

I did not know that...do they (dive computers) all have the same issues?

We bought Cobras just before our dive holiday to Egypt, and they are great!!!! It makes diving so much easier, will be going to bonaire in august

Cam, I am sorry this response is late. Every time I broach this particular subject, well, I get extremely agitated. The issues I have personally dealt with have not had to do with bad circuitry, rather faulty materials and in my opinion, poor customer service on the part of the manufacturer and dive companies which sold the product.

Several older dive computers, built by Pelagic and sold by the companies I mentioned earlier shared a common problem. It had to do with materials used in computer cases and spacer rings which were incompatible. After a period of time, (usually over two years after they were purchased by divers) cracks would start to appear in the case which housed the actual instrument.

What really upsets me is that Pelagic (and the companies which sold these models under their own names) knew they had a problem and did not send out a world wide recall notice. Pelagic is no longer making replacement cases for these models, and the companies which sold them are claiming the "It is out of warrantee." excuse for not making right with their customers. Grrrrr!!!

Unfortunately divers owning computers with this problem are ending up with over priced and fragile hockey pucks:-{(}

Rant off.

Considering the potential danger of a faulty computer, I would think that recalls would be right away....I just got my Cressi BC back from a recall (a potnetially faulty valve)...they were great.