Why go new for first scope?
I went with a nice used BK analog 100mhz quad-trace scope.
This forced me to do everything manually and fully understand everything.
This also gave me time to play around with a scope and figure out what I truly wanted.
It set me back $75. I could probably sell it for at least $100.
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I started looking for a new scope about 3 months ago. I studied my options given my budget and came down to four models (all 100MHZ).
*) Rigol 100-mhz DS1102E
*) Atten (the 7" version) ADS1102CAL
*) OWON (New-version SDS7102)
*) Hantek DSO5102B (7-inch WVGA screen)
My first choice was ATTEN....did some more research...it was cheapest.
Changed mind and decided Rigol was lower-risk and better choice..
I sat on my choice for another month while I studied more options.
After seeing the larger screen on the Hantek and linux OS, I thought that was the way to go.
Then, I discovered OWON.
1) Screen is big 8 inches..
2) Pixel resolution is TWICE that of Rigol! Twice!!
3) Input design is much more streamlined w/less components.
4) No overclocking 40MHZ chips (Rigol)
5) FASTER risetimes: The newest generation 100MHZ scope is good for 200 right out of the box!
6) LAN interface
7) VGA out to monitor.
![Cool 8)](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/xcool.gif.pagespeed.ic.cOxV6sPNRd.png)
Battery option...great for my field work.
9) No negative press yet, so seems like a good risk.
Disadvantages of OWON compaired to other cheap scopes include:
New model with limited reviews
Feature set is evolving still on new model....some "common-sense" features missing.
More expensive....street price is about $425. I paid $500 shipped w/battery and bag.
Not hackable like the Hantek.
Not many resources on web for help/research.
I wanted the better features and bought it. Make sure you get the newest version though.