micpah and olsenn, Thanks. The more I figure out what I think I'd like in a PS the more the 832 looks like it is it. Three questions still on the drawing board: 1) is it a little large (takes up a lot of bench space)?, 2) does it make sense to start with the 832 or just go all in for the 832A?, 3) can I live with that face/plate? (Maybe it will grow on me and I'll learn to think it's beautiful ). (I don't get why they couldn't have left well enough alone and stuck with the DP1116A and DP1308A cosmetics.)
1) Hard to quantify the dimensions... I guess they are listed on the Rigol site. I don't find it to be too large. It's bigger than my little crappy Mastech supply, but a lot smaller than my giant 2000W Agilent supply. My test equipment is up on a shelf like Dave's, and it doesn't overhang the shelf, at least.
2) I had the 832A on order, and changed it to the 832. What feature of the A model would you want/need/use? If you get the hi-res option on the 832, the only difference is 1mv vs. 10mv OVP on the A model vs the A. Do you need 1mv OVP resolution? If you do, the 832A is the one to have. If you don't, I don't see why anyone would get the 832A - it's identical to the 832 in every other functional respect.
3) I much prefer the new layout. It is unquestionably an improvement in functionality. Aesthetics, meh, to each their own - but there is no doubt it's more functional. It has the "all off" button, it has the dial softkey, and most importantly it has a rotary knob which I use every time I use the supply. The preset button and a clicky power switch are also superior in favor of the 831/832. I actually find the ring layout of the number keys to be better than the standard keypad layout on my PM2811... I just find it easier to adjust with the buttons, the OK, and the dial all in the same place.
Ok, Corp - you are a good advocate for why the front panel is functional and why that should trump "looks". You are probably right - functionality over cosmetics if we must.
Turning to the model trade-offs, the 832 packages the following features into options that would otherwise be standard on the 832A:
Hi-Res - I kind of like the extra res, but it's more of a want than a need
RS232/LAN - seems like you need this if you want to connect to a computer
(I'm modifying this so as not to send anyone in the wrong direction; as olsenn points out below all you need is the USB connector.)On-line Monitor & Analysis - haven't figured out the use case(s) yet
4 Channel Trigger In & Out - haven't figured out the use case(s) yet
The pricing looks like if you want 3 of the 4 you could have had the 4th for free; if you want 2 or less the 832 would be the better deal.
(In lieu of the USB consideration, the crossover point changes further in favor of the 832 - the 832 is looking like a very good value.) One other item is the display. The 832A seems to provide full color vs. the 4 monochrome choices on the 832. Related to this: On the 832 it looks like the main display UI has 3 vertical panels, 1 for each channel. The 832A looks like the main display UI has the three triangular/diagonal slices with the circle overlap in the middle. I think I prefer the 3 vertical panels - can the 3 vertical panel look be invoked on the 832A or is that just for the 832?
Also, what is the "critical mode (UR)"? The manual presents it but doesn't seem to define it. (Is that just the process of the unit toggling on it's own from CV to CC and vice versa, or something else?)
PS, if Rigol is on their marketing game they will make some videos that present the virtues and use cases for the options and also show off the color display; we'll see how long it takes for the marketing department to do it's magic.