Deco Chic

Many are apt to think of Italian design first in terms of form, then function. Italian fashion, after all, is well-known. With the Edy, it's the elegant design of its display, its intuitive menu system, and a highly useful list of features that give this dive watch-and-computer combo so much value. Of course, with nice sleek lines, it's got eye appeal, too.

The first thing any of us does with a new computer is to begin pushing buttons. Before I even cracked the Edy's manual, I had a good handle on how to navigate the Dive, Free, and Gauge modes. I was also able to easily set it for nitrox diving, adjust the depth alarms, and work through the normal dive-log and watch functions. Mode, Select and Set buttons make navigation extremely simple, and a fourth button activates a bright backlight.

Most of the computer's software is similar to that of Cressi's recently introduced full-size Archimedes 2 computer. The RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubble Model) algorithm helps divers by limiting exposure to conditions that may cause the formation of tiny gas bubbles, the precursors to more dangerous bubble formation and increased likelihood of a problem with DCI. All this sophisticated technology is in a low-profile watch that's comfortable enough to wear on a daily basis.

I did crack the manual before actually diving and learned a few important details about the Edy. It can handle nitrox mixes up to 50 percent oxygen and the acceptable PO2 level can be adjusted from 1.0 to 1.6 bars. The latter gives nice flexibility in managing your maximum diving depth. The maximum depth alarm can be activated in any of the three dive modes (dive, gauge or free), and alarms are both audible and visual. The gauge mode, intended for technical divers who want to use dive tables, allows access to a chronometer for timing deco stops, gives an ascent rate indicator and, of course, tracks time, depth and maximum depth.

In free mode, present and maximum depths are displayed, as well as ascent rate. Programmable depth and time alarms keep divers within comfortable boundaries, and the interval between one dive and the next is tracked while resting on the surface. What's really slick is that all three of these dive modes also have their own logbook and history functions, so you can review profiles from recent technical dives or free-diving sessions. You can also download your dive log into a PC (with the optional hardware) and have a record to analyze of all your diving activity.

The Edy has what Cressi dubs a UFDS, or "user friendly display system." I especially liked how the Edy lays out information during the dive. I'm not a huge fan of bar graphs, but the Edy's were unobtrusive and proved helpful as a quick reference to my dive status. There are three graphs that wrap around the edge of the display face, one each for nitrogen exposure, oxygen exposure and ascent rate. I found the latter is especially helpful.

During the dive, the computer's main display is split into four main areas, with a large center section devoted to the most critical data. This segment displays no-decompression limits and current depth. Above are the details of maximum depth and total dive-time. With the push of a button, you can also access a "data" screen that briefly displays FO2, current PO2, a larger display of maximum depth and the current water temperature. At the end of a dive, the Edy suggests a safety stop and provides a countdown, although this is not mandatory. If you've really been pushing your ascent rates, however, the safety stop is a good idea, because blowing it off translates into a penalty on the next dive.

The Edy also has a dive-plan mode and a full range of watch functions, including a dual time-display, alarms and a 12- or 24-hour display option. Pushing more buttons on my dive, I discovered that the basic time display is accessible while you're underwater, which actually helped me not be late for dinner. That's a function even my wife appreciates.

Cressi-Sub Edy Dive Computer Impressions A sleek, comfortable watch that's highly suited for everyday use. The Edy's computer functions easily to accommodate all types of diving activity. A great companion that lets you dive any time the urge strikes. Key Features Nitrox-capable to 50 percent; Dive, Free and Gauge modes with separate logbook functions; full watch and calendar; outstanding visual displays; PC interface. contact www.cressisubusa.com