If you are coming for the full course, then better than the open water manual is the PADI CD Rom. With that you can come and forget the classroom work and just write the exam if you are ready. The required knowledge reviews are on the CD ROM and you can just print them for your instructor.
My experience is that even with the CD rom you will need to be brushed up on dive tables before the exam. The CD rom is great and you will come well prepared.
I think though, that the best way is to do your class and pool where you are and then your dives here.