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[ththooft]

Here are a couple of thoughts I have in my head.....

ArcFlash:  You say this is "awful and expensive."  Have you seen the computer?  Have you tried using it?  That seems like an unfair judgment of a product that it doesn’t sound like you've even used.

You also are saying: "It's probably running some form of Windows so it can't be trusted and if they let you load pictures and stuff you'll need to run some kind of viewer and that's more software upgrades....."
Again, have you seen the computer? 

I've seen the computer, played around with it, and read reviews.  No, it doesn't run on Windows.  While I can't say that it's good or bad (haven't used it), I can say that it seems like a nice computer.
There is also absolutely nothing on Mares website about this computer being “designed specifically for women in style..."  Sure, they have a "She Dives" line, but this computer isn't part of that line. 

While I understand the merits of using time-tested and trusted technology, that doesn't mean that new products are bad.  For example, if your computer is 10 years old, it doesn't incorporate all of the advances in decompression theory.  In other words, this "awful and expensive" piece of equipment may well be using safer technology and dive theory than your "computer that runs firmware on the metal for $300." 

I use an air-integrated computer and have for years and hundreds of dives.  It has given me zero problems.  I also dive with many other divers that do that same.  Sure, there’s been a dying battery that is easily replaced (after the computer gives an adequate warning).  And, a transmitter battery failure doesn’t mean that your whole computer shuts down.  At that point, you’re left with the same "computer that runs firmware on the metal for $300” that you’re talking about.

On the flip side, I’ve seen more failures of high-pressure hoses than I can count.  I’ve seen leaky o-rings in SPG’s, bulges in high-pressure hoses, etc., etc.  Now I’m not saying that an SPG is bad, just that it’s far from fail-safe. 

Finally, I want to address the point I think “Austin” is trying to make.  While I look at this forum on occasion, I rarely post.  That’s because it seems like about 5 people write most of the comments, and attack people for asking questions or having ideas that differ from theirs.  DIR or not, there just isn’t one right way to dive.  This forum could be a great place for divers, especially newer divers, to come and ask questions and search for good information.  Instead, someone asks a question about a new computer and is told it’s “awful and expensive" but with absolutely no knowledge of the product to back-up this comment.  If I am a new diver looking for information, I want to know what people like about something, what they don’t like, and even some suggestions for alternatives.  There’s a great opportunity on this forum to share knowledge and love of the sport.  I wish I could see more of that.