My end-user review of the X1...

Genesis

Now that I've had it for a while....

First, its amazing. Really.

Battery life on the surface is about 3 weeks, if you don't dive or are diving intermittently. So you do need to charge it before you go diving if you have a significant layoff.

On the other hand, when diving actively, it doesn't seem to eat batteries much. Looks like you'd get about a week of solid use without a charge, although that might be pushing it.

No complaints here on the battery life.

On the interface, its awesome. The tap thing just works.

VPM is exactly what I expect. It does what you think it will do; if you like the desktop table builder, this is the same thing in a computer. Fantastic.

Bailoff works well, OC works well and as a computer for both "NDL Recreational" diving as well as more serious stuff, I like it. The OLED display is good - the only time its a bit questionable on visability is in VERY bright light when shallow (e.g. on reef dives in the Caribbean, which I just did a bunch of) when on medium its visible - but not fantastic. Other than that, its wonderful.

Ok, complaints - yes, I have a couple:

1. When doing NDL diving there is no "planner" function that I can find like there is on most recreational computers. It doesn't bother me much, but displaying a "NDL table" for subsequent dives would help in some of those situations (e.g. like what the Vytec will display for you); I know this is weenieish, but I love this thing enough to use it as my ONLY dive computer, with a depth gauge as a backup.
2. The USB driver needs to be on Liquivision's web page. Went on a trip, didn't have it on my laptop nor the little CD, couldn't download the computer. That's stupid - fix it guys.
3. There is no "charge status" indicator on the charging screen. That's dumb; there should be a status indication, not just how long you've been on charge and the current voltage, so you know when the computer is "full".

Its SMALL. Yet, among the computers I've used, it is easily the most visible and easiest to read of all. For a guy with older eyes, this is NOT a small deal. In the dark (e.g. cave, inside a wreck, etc) the OLED just plain sings - no buttons to push or bullshit to look at it, its "on".

I like the "no opening potted" design. Some others will not, but I'll take my chances on the battery. It should have a longer battery warranty though. Rumors of a 3 year on that help, but if they believe the real life is 10 years, how about 5. C'mon guys......

So far I like it plenty, and am glad I sold my VR3 - I suspect their "market value" is going to plummet significantly...... if it hasn't already.

__________________
"A venturesome minority will always be eager to get off on their own, and no obstacles should be placed in their path; let them take risks for Godsake, let them get lost, sunburnt, stranded, drowned, eaten by bears, buried alive under avalanches - that is the right and privilege of any free American."
http://www.denninger.net
http://www.diversunion.org/liability.htm - Fix the Diving Cert racket

netmage

I'm shocked Karl,.... in line with your "do what you say your going to do" philosophy I'd fully expect you to demand a battery program extending out to 10 years....

Mind you I'm not saying full replacement at no cost for 10 years..., but I should have a course of action for repair/replacement w/o bricking....

mempilot

I'd suggest:

Prorated over 75% (7.5 years) of the mean failure rate (10 years) after the first 3 years. In other words:

fails in year:
1 = free
2 = free
3 = free
4 = 50% replacement fee
5 = 60% replacement fee
6 = 75% replacement fee
7 = 90% replacement fee
8 = 100% (buy a new one)

__________________
Eric Stadtmueller, otherwise known as, MEM "Da Pilot"

Mdemon

You know, if a battery failed on me after three years, I'd see if the manufacturer would replace it for me at reasonable cost. If not, I'd open up the case, remove the potting, replace the batteries and re-pot.

I don't think the problem is insurmountable nor necessarily costly.

It's only a dive computer.

__________________
www.southwestmafia.com

"small minds talk about people, Average Minds Talk About Events, GREAT MINDS TALK ABOUT IDEAS!"

The WRONG Attitude will get you killed.

"Once the agenda-monkeys and perfect-worlders have moved on, perhaps we can do some diving?"

fltekdiver

hey Tim, Its marco,,,,,, do Isee your on a Meg ????

Since when !! Awsome, I'm on a Dolphin right now, and will be CCR by summer time

Dive Africa

Hi now that you have used it for 2 months and the novelty has worn off, could you give us a update. I am about to sell the silver brick aand buy an X1 and jsut want to make double sure.