Quote Originally Posted by -Dan- View Post
Are there any downsides to a pc based oscilloscope as opossed to a benchtop oscilloscope?
Yes. I borrowed one from a friend last year and didn't like it...
The scope was fine, (don't remember what brand), but I HATED having my PC tied up to use the scope.

Usually when I NEED a scope, my PC is busy. I've got a window open with schematics, a window open with board layout, one or more windows open with data sheets, and maybe MicroCode studio open as well. The LAST thing I want is something else competing for screen space on my monitor.
Maybe if I had a dedicated PC or dual monitors on my PC it would be fine, but with my computer and work habits I *much* prefer a stand alone scope.

There's also the issue of portability. With a laptop I guess it's no big deal, but with a desktop computer it doesn't make for a very portable scope.

Just my opinion and personal preference. Yours may be different...