One not-very-well-hidden-agenda I had when going over to OzTek last weekend was to look over some of the tech-orientated computers and work out which one would work best for me. After talking to the vendors, I'm even less decided on which way to go...
One thing's quite clear - the top players are bloody expensive.

On the list:

VR3 - tried, tested, but I hate all the $$$ for PIN codes to unlock it
Liquivision X1 - sex-on-toast ; runs VPlanner; very nicely made unit. Obscenely expensive by the time you factor in CCR connector
VRX - seems like a very well made unit that 'does everything a VR3 can do'
HeinrichsWeikamp OSC - half the price of the above units, but would you trust your life on it?

..there are other such as the Shearwater, but I've discounted that for now as it doesn't appear to have dive planning capability

Anybody know of other units that should be considered, that are in the same class as the first 3 units?

I do have one suggestion for a computer you probably haven't considered.

You see this:

It's your dream computer it is. You aspire to own one. You would sell your soul for one.

computer may not be waterproof

apparently Suunto have a new computer coming out in a few days called the Helo2

The sad truth is... when I was a kid,, it pretty much was!

Hey - thanks bluey. There doesn't seem to be much info out there yet. Looks like I'll have to wait for clock to count down...

What type of diving are you going to do in coming years?

That is the first thing you need to look at really isn't it?

Do you see yourself spending the cash on a RB or are you going to staying on open circuit? If you're going to using OC, then are you going burn a hole in your pocket by using Trimix, or are you going to do deep air/nitrox diving?

I'm looking for something that will cover me for current OC air/Nitrox/O2, that can then cover future (hopefully) CCR/trimix.
Given how much time I've spent with VPlanner, I was keen to have something that ran the same algorithm (hence the Liquivision X1 is at the top of the list), but once got the base unit, plus the O2 sensor connection piece, the cost is 'significant'.

You'll be spending more money on a less proven product if you buy the X1, it only been going for a year or 2(?) Is the algorithm worth it? The VR3 has a good track record - hasn't killed too many people

They've talked about the X1 until they're blue in the face on TDS. Have you read the threads.

What is the life span of the X1? Cause it didn't have changable batts last time I looked at it.

I posted a reply yesterday from the hotel for some reason it never made it.Back home now so lets see if this works.Any how I have had my vr3(no issues still in use) since 2000 and my shearwater since nov last year.Shearwater is easier to use and navigate you can change the gradient factrors around.I played with the x1 at the show although the display is bright i prefer to see all three cells at once not on a scrolling screen.The price for a battery replacement is very steep if you have to foot the bill if the handset is more than 2-3 years old.If I was buying another computer shearwater or vrx gets my vote.Both are modular and will grow with your diving as needed.

Thanks Mark ;

Is the Shearwater in line with the other units? It certainly seems capable, but more of a 'real time' unit for a CCR. Features such as tissue saturation graphs, and pre-dive planning etc appear to be missing?

Hybrid -> I was quite taken by the design & display of the X1 ; the fact that it can run on VPlanner tables is good enough for me, and it's been empirically tested for years. I believe the batteries come with some decent sized guarantee...(or at least that's what the guy selling it told me!)
The cute tapping thing was also pretty groovy (yeah, I'm a sucker for sh!t like that)

Very true Flipper... there are some cool features, that you can show off on boat before you head off for a dive The screen is pretty cool too. What is again? OLED?


As the tread continues, perhaps i should be re titled... "Flipper wants a X1...just needs a bit a peer pressure and review" and he'll get it"

Ant

I have heard that the tea and coffee making facilities on the X1 leave a bit to be desired unfortunately....

I can't deny it. I'd love one, but the price is just mental with all the fittings.
In terms functionality, the VR* does seem like a better unit.
...but it doesn't have the cute tappy-tap feature & bling display!

Not sure what you mean by in line with other units.If you mean is it as capable and realiable as the vr and x1 I think it is.Why is a graph important ?I find it more of a gimmick.

One of the features I liked about the X1 & VR* is the mid-dive listing of all deco stops, so if you deviate from the written plan (not that you should), you can review/write down the new profile under water. I don't think the Shearwater does this. Or even pre-dive, multi stage planning.

I quite liked the idea of tissue graphs. Say for whatever reason you needed to cut deco short, or to pop out of the water for a minute, then get back in to deco. I'd like to know I'd at least cleared my 'fast' tissues before cutting short, to reduce the risk. Without tissue graphs, you've got very little to go on.