The main thing about getting your computer (or other dive gear) on the
Internet is guarantee. Some of the manufactures actually will not
guarantee items sold on the Internet.

I have had one computer die and needed service, but since I had bought
it at my LDS they took care of it and I didn't have to worry about
sending it somewhere by mail where it was just going to be sent
somewhere else to be fixed.

Dennis

The main thing about getting your computer (or other dive gear) on the
Internet is guarantee. Some of the manufactures actually will not
guarantee items sold on the Internet.

I have had one computer die and needed service, but since I had bought
it at my LDS they took care of it and I didn't have to worry about
sending it somewhere by mail where it was just going to be sent
somewhere else to be fixed.

Dennis

Depending on where you are up here you should check your LDS for end
of season deals. I've seen perfectly good rental units go out cheap.

JF

Let me apologize up front right now
because I know I'm bound to be wrong
about something some time.

I have purchased stuff from both.

A.  I live in Dallas and took all of my classes at ScubaToys, it is a
really brick & mortor store, to me it is my LDS.   Larry is very clear
that everything he sells has the manufacturers warranty.  Since he is
large internet AND retail operation some of the "no internet sales"
companies have made allowances for ST.

B.  Never been to New York, can't tell you anything about LeisurePro as
an LDS.   I've heard rumors that alot of their stuff is "grey" and may
not have the mfg warranty, but does have an LP warranty.   I've never
had to test that warranty out since I've never purchased life support
equipment from them, only masks, Uwatec digital compass, and some
wetsuits, and misc stuff.    Buying from LP has always been a pleasant
experience.

C.  I bought my Mares Surveyor Nitrox on eBay, no regrets.   Larry's
price was too much locally, but he has become a lot more competitive
since then too.   I would buy life support goodies that require regular
maintenance from an LDS and shop around for accessory items.

I've bought lots of dive stuff including a computer, fins, camera over the years from
LeisurePro and have not had any problems.

Adam

Much like some of the other posts, if fit or life support is in
question I prefer to shop locally .. however just last week I bought a
computer from scubatoys, it arrived in three days (would have been next
day but there was nobody home to pay the GST, UPS will take a personal
cheque left in an envelope if you know the amount before hand (which
you can't since the exchange fluctuates)).

I feel somewhat guilty but I'll probably end up dropping the $200 I
saved on the computer in the LDS over the next little while anyway.

Part of the reason I went with Scubatoys was because Larry was able
(and willing) to answer questions about the product on the phone where
my two LDS' really weren't.

Just watch for the following: (All prices in Canadian)

Import Brokerage fees: About $50.
Customs "We touched it" fee: $5.
GST + PST / HST: 7-15% of declared value in Canadian dollars.

You'll have to pay all of those before you can pick up the package.
If you're getting merchandise from the US, you WILL owe money. All major
couriers act as brokers, and if you think they will pass up the extra
$50, think again. If you owe money, you have to pay before you get the
package. If you're not home to pay the money, it will go to a depot. If
they ship via USPS or Purolator, it'll go to a post office. Via courier,
it will go to the courier depot.

You might also have to pay duty, but I haven't had to pay duty yet. I
think it's only on expensive purchases, like over $1000 in one shipment.
Don't quote me.

It's still a lot cheaper to buy online than locally. I live on Vancouver
Island, so the local stores have the extra "you're on Vancouver Island"
surcharge.