Hi All,
While I do have access to a good quality MSO at work, which I can borrow for my home use when it isn't needed in the office, I think of getting another simpler unit for home. Sometimes you need it "now", and not when it becomes free. Therefore, I've started looking at my options.
The "ideal" unit for my needs would have 200MHz BW, 4 analog channels, large color display, high waveform update rate, serial trigger and decode, intensity graded display, and <1000$. However, I'm aware of the fact that's probably not an option, so I've started looking for what I can get.
There's always the "standard" 54645D, and even better the 54622D. The 54622D does only 100MHz with 2 channels (and at 200MSPS its probably not really good enough for 100MHz, maybe more like 50-70MHz), it has a single color display which isn't as "nice to use" with multiple channels displayed, the waveform update rate isn't high in modern terms, and it doesn't do serial decode.
On the other hand there are more modern chinese units such as Rigol and seems like Siglent have something to offer too with the latest 1000X series. While I'm not much familiar with Siglents newest models (and will appreciate some input from these who can comment on these), the Rigol seems to be a more versatile unit than the 54622D.
The MSO1074Z, limited to 70MHz, has 4 channels (although when MSO is active limited to 2/3 depending on number of active digital channels), does have the color display (7" isn't large though), has higher sample rate, with 500MSPS when 2 analog + digital channels are active, slightly higher update rate, has serial decode option. Another huge benefit of the modern units is the smaller size which is always a great thing as my work bench tends to become "not so organized" while working, and more free space is always welcome.
So on paper at least the MSO1074Z is a much more capable tool, and would be the right choice despite going for ~2-3X more. The serial decode + deep memory seem to be free upgrade at this time which is also great. However, I was unable to find much practical info about user reviews or an in depth review of this unit (MSO, not DS). Even more interesting is what other people here in the forum have to say about the comparison of these 2 (and a comparable siglent too). Is the "dry" info in the datasheet really telling the whole story and I should get the MSO1074Z and be done with it, or is there something else to consider.