I have been looking at the Tektronix TDS2014C
(100 MHz, 4 Ch, 2 GS/s, TFT DSO) Oscope.

I was initially looking at the Tektronix TDS2004C
(70 MHz, 4 Ch, 1 GS/s, TFT DSO)

For an entry level scope are either of these good pieces of equipment? I will be looking at mostly microcontroller applications with a max frequency of maybe 32-64MHz most likely lower freq tho, some stepper motor control and maybe optical encoders.

Is the extra 300 dollars worth the higher model?
+30mhz bandwidth and double sample rate. also the 100MHz model comes with 200MHZ probes, the 70MHz only comes with 100MHz probes. I have heard that its good to have probes rated double your max bandwidth is that true?

datasheet



Alternate recommendations?

 

am i the only one with DSOX92504A on my Christmass card?

 

If I was going to be doing anything at 64MHz then I'd be looking at 300MHz bandwidth scopes at a minimum, but 500MHz+ would be ideal. Bring your checkbook, especially if you want a tek. If you're looking to do serious uC stuff then a 4 channel o-scope with MSO is a must.

100MHz bandwidth might be able to work with 20MHz signals, at most.

A general rule of thumb: scope bandwidth = operating speed * 10. You can probably get away with operating speed * 5, but that's pushing it.

Check out the Tek MSO3054 - we have a few of these at work - they are great scopes.