teamSMITHusa@, did you get an answer to your question? Did it help you to make a decision? What is it?
YES! My questions were answered, and then some. It was a tremendous help. More than I could have hoped for! Thank you all!
I went for the Rigol DS2072A. and... with the extra $$$ I saved I also got the Rigol DM3058E and a Hakko FX888D with extra tips. All for about $1300 USD.
Should be everything I need to do what I need for the good part of the next five years.
My lab is now upto speed once again! I will post a photo once the shipment arrives and everything is setup.
Once the new order comes in my lab will be based on the...
Rigol DS2072A Oscilloscope.
Rigol DM3058E Bench DMM.
HQ PS3003U 30VDC Bench Power supply.
BK Precision 4052 Function Generator.
BK Precision 1856D Frequency Counter.
Hakko FX888D & Hakko 926 Soldering stations.
Windows 7 fully loaded PC (Bluray, 32Gigs RAM, etc.)
+ a ton of older stuff (hand held DMMs, Component testers, Tools, Digital Calipers, Air Compressor, Vacuum systems, Hot air rework station, Fully ESD protected bench, optics, etc.
I'm happy and probably won't spend anything of significance for quite some time.
I will probably make the $1300 back this year by just doing small repair jobs in my spare time, and most importantly, learn a ton over the next 4 to five years.
I know to you younger EEs, think that 5 years seems like a long time, but it will fly by.
Thanks everyone. I will be contributing to the blog more too. perhaps even a video or two! wOoT!
Thanks again. Everyone is awesome!