Both the old HP logic analyzer and modern USB logic analyzers cost around $150-200 USD, what are the main differences besides protocol support and bandwidth?
Im currently using my dual channel DSO as a crude logic analyzer right now but I need more channels.
Should I buy the USB logic analyzers for their protocol support or the bench top HP logic analyzer which looks cooler
I probably won't get the old HP logic analyzers that use an internal hard drive as it might die very soon.
Dunno about HP, but Tek's TLA have multiple channels with plenty of memories.
But new USB Saleae Pro are really nice
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Benefit of USB LA is that they are small and easy to use, which covers 99% of needs of usual real-life applications.
The 'real' logic analyzers will give you richer triggering. I am happy with the Saleae 8 channel.
How about a mixed signal oscilloscope?
I have an old HP beast and an "el cheapo" china Saleae clone somone gave it to me as a sample of "china made crap". Beleive it or not I find my self using the clone more than the old HP beast. True the HP has more triggering options, more speed etc but like someone said above me .. the USB one is enough for 99% of the work if you work with protocols like SPI, I2C , etc which are not that high speed that crappy toy will do.
If you don't need 192 channels and very complex triggering, you can probably live with the USB. If it's fast enough for what you're doing, it will cover almost all of your requirements.
You can also find things like the HP 54620a I just picked up for $50. 16 channels and 500 MHz acquisition. No serial protocols, of course, and not expandable, but it covers a lot of smaller projects. I actually bought it to get the cable for my 54645d MSO.
I have a 16500b mainframe loaded out, but I don't bother hauling it out if I can make do with 8 or 16 channels. They are fun toys to play with and with their programmatic ability, there's not much of a limit to what you can do with them.