They are wrist watches when on land but the moment they go under with a scuba diver they become feature packed diving computers. They offer many useful features that even James bond would envy its technology. They are useful in the area of logging dive depths and dive times, to handling air integration. Modern scuba diving technology has allowed these features to be on one mini gadget.

Dive computers are primarily used for nitrogen management by combining a timer, depth gauge and software that computes absorption of gases. All divers should know about residual nitrogen and decompression and some may use manual dive tables. The scuba diver computer is becoming more popular as an automated way to help keep track.

Suunto D9 is a feature packed dive computer:

Setting a good example of this is the Suunto D9 diving computer. In addition to its stream lined look this diving computer offers the following features:

1. Allows you to log depth

2. Keeps track of Dive time

3. Temperature

4. No-decompression limits over multiple dives working with air and nitrox

5. Can be used in gauge and free-diving modes

6. Can be switched between metric and imperial

7. Can be adjusted for altitude diving

8. Using the optional Suunto D9 Wireless Transmitter, it can act as a SPG

9. Multiple transmitters can monitor multiple tanks, such as diving instructors monitoring students

10. Can handle up to three different mixes of 21%-100% oxygen and allows you switch gases during the dive.

11. Can be used at depths up to 660 feet

12. Has a digital compass

13. Comes with a USB Interface and PC software for dive logging

14. Contains a complete package of dive gauges in the wrist-watch sized computer

15. Things to Consider for Diver Computers:

Before purchasing a divers computer, there are certain things you must know about it. Things like its brand and model reputation, ease of battery change and whether the face is luminous enough to view in dark areas. In addition to these it is also important to know the type of algorithms it uses for calculations and whether it has the options you need. You should also check to see whether it is able to handle different mixtures of air for versatility.

All of these things are up to the diver to consider, as the computer does not plan the dive, but keeps track and computes the amount of nitrogen present. The scuba diver still has to plan a safe and healthy dive that is within the proper guidelines.

Caring for your Scuba Dive Computer

The care instructions for individual dive computers are important to read, so it is always wise to become familiar with it before you begin using your new dive computer. The most common recommendation for maintenance is that all equipment used for diving must be soaked in fresh water to remove salt. Some allow long periods of soaking, especially after saltwater diving.

To conclude, dive computers have become sophisticated and some excellent designs that they are good enough to wear with a three piece suit. Several good ones are on the market, like the Suunto D9 or Oceanic Atom 2.0. James Bond would be envious of you.