There is [...]]]> This is quite a big dive computer and so the big screen should mean easy to view information. This turns out to be very much the case with an extremely user friendly display. It is only the more advanced features that send you searching for the manual but that is only to be expected.

There is a big digit mode for people like me who are suffering the beginnings of long sightedness! This is probably an overlooked feature for many manufacturers.

This is a sports diving computer which will also allow for up to three mixes of nitrox to be used during a single dive. Therefore it is a great step up from a basic diving computer for those who want to extend their diving range a little but are not contemplating closed circuit diving and also know that if they have a go at trimix mixed gas diving at some point they will only need a depth timer for the first dozen or two dives.

The performance of this computer is top rate, and certainly merits a 9 out of 1o. It is rather pricey at around £450 for the entry level model but a good buy all the same – 6 out of 10 for value because you have to upgrade for 3 diving gas algorithm.

Time will tell if this dive computer is to provide a few years complaint free diving, but if it is anything like my old Alladin Nitrox dive computer which gave 6 years of sterling service I am sure this will meet the challenge. Dive computers of most makes will serve the purpose, but the Uwatec Galileo is set to be one of the few diving computers that excels.

Technical details:

• Buhlmann ZH-8L algorithm
• Adjustment for increased safety
• Deeps stops
• 3 minute safety stop (adjustable)
• Nitrox 21-100%
• Max PO2 – 1.6 bar
• Altimeter
• Electronic Scuba Diving Compass
• PC Link
• Upgrade – heart monitor
• Upgrade – three NO2 mix algorithm

In conclusion a great computer with an on board electronic compass, but very pricey since the entry level model does not include the 3 gas algorithm.

Yes it was a very well engineered bomb proof and clever dive computer. You could [...]]]> I had always wanted a VR3 diving computer from makers VR Technology. When I finally bought one this year I was disappointed. Why? Because the pinnacle of diving computers turned out to be a heavy and impractical lump of confusing electronics!

Yes it was a very well engineered bomb proof and clever dive computer. You could easily change the batteries yourself and it was capable of adjusting to some very advanced scuba diving. At a cost you could upgrade to all sorts of things, so if your thing is diving to 1000 feet, with up to 8 different gas mixes, it was the bees knees of dive computers for the job.

The trouble is that I was moving into the slightly more technical arena – would be using air and various different nitrox mixes with stronger NO2 for decompression. I would also be instructing during easy sports dives, traveling to the Red Sea and other places to see new sights and perhaps try my hand at photography. The VR3 was more than I needed, ate through the batteries and was confusing to use.

Would the C be a better choice and should I trade in for one?

The makers claim that the NHeO is much more intuitive to use – however this turns out to be because they have simply removed many of the functions of the VR3. It is a cut down version of the VR3. One of the attractions to me of the VR3 was the great British engineering of the indestructible case – yet in use this computer was too clumsy. Fine on a dry suit but it would not seat well on a wet suit (forget a bare arm!) unless you tightened the strap enough to restrict your blood supply. The new NHeO is housed in a plastic case which promises to be a more comfortable item to wear.

The back lit display is smaller than many, but easy to read underwater so long as you opt for the colour option (at an extra £160). The VR Technology NHeO lags behind the Suunto HelO2 in terms of ease of use but is the choice (as was the VR3) if you are planning to upgrade to closed circuit diving.

I would rate it as a computer for the serious mixed gas diver who only needs up to 4 different gases on any one dive who also has an old Suunto Gekko for his or her holiday diving and instructing – and aspires to a Buddy Inspiration!

Marks: 6 out of 10 – Performance & 6 out of 10 for value