Do you absolutely need one RIGHT NOW? If not, then buying a handheld one would be a waste of money.
I got a Tektronix 422 dual-channel 15MHz scope for free, and spent $49 on an HP 1741A dual-channel 100MHz scope off ebay. If you can wait a week or two, I would recommend not buying a handheld one at all, but use the time to phone the hospitals and universities instead.
However, if you do need one NOW, don't buy a handheld one, look for a USB one. They will work much better, probably cost less, and will have better specs. And as long as you follow the directions, you shouldn't blow anything up.
Matt
I got a Tektronix 422 dual-channel 15MHz scope for free, and spent $49 on an HP 1741A dual-channel 100MHz scope off ebay. If you can wait a week or two, I would recommend not buying a handheld one at all, but use the time to phone the hospitals and universities instead.
However, if you do need one NOW, don't buy a handheld one, look for a USB one. They will work much better, probably cost less, and will have better specs. And as long as you follow the directions, you shouldn't blow anything up.
Matt