You can get a whole lot better oscilloscope, i.e. more bandwidth, more features, etc, for considerably less if you just LOOK. Just as an example.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tektr...5894412460

Now this 'scope doesn't come with probes, it doesn't have a built-in signal source, and so on, but it will trigger on signals that even some competing "current-generation" 'scopes costing tens of times more won't. It becomes a tradeoff, I guess. You have to decide what's important to you.

Now, I freely admit that I'm not a fan of PC-based instruments, and that I am, in fact, a user of a 'scope of much earlier technology most of the time, though I do own later, faster, more costly and very-much computer controlled instruments. I just like to be able to operate my oscilloscope, which is, after all, my "eye" into the workings of my circuitry, by feel, rather than by checking a display all the time. As I've been using the Tek 475A since the '70's, I've grown accustomed to the "feel" of it, and can work it without taking my eyes off where I'm poking the probe. I do still have to look at the display, of course, but I don't have to figure out which knob/button does what within a given context.

In the last analysis, I guess it's a matter of preference more than anything else.

It's worth noting, however, that a really well-functioning TEK 465, 475, etc, can often be obtained, used of course, through eBay, with the at least 100 MHz -3db bandwidth, for not much over $100US. Probes can often be obtained for about $20-30US, and you should have three of them, one for the external trigger.

I'd recommend "reading the fine print" and asking the seller questions such as, "Does this instrument function fully and properly" so you have recourse if it doesn't.

One other thing ... I've built small instruments/lab-tools weighing very little, and found that it's best to have them weigh enough to stay on the workbench when you're using them with cables/probes, etc. attached. I once (many years ago) built a very effective and useful continuity tester designed to operate without turning on semiconductors with a probe voltage below 0.32 volts, in a 25 x 40 x 55 mm box, only to have it land in my lap every time I pulled on the probe cables, disconnecting itself from power and pulling itself and various and sundry items on the workbench down into my lap. I like the big, 2-3 kg types better.

RE