On a "real" basis -- adjusted for inflation -- the cost of instruments has
been going down. a TEK7704a with 4 plug-ins cost as much as a car when it
was introduced -- today you can get same performance (well actually more
since you have FFT and math) in a TDS3034 for 1/2 the price of a car.

The price of ALL electronics instruments has constantly gone up in
the last half century...the major reason probably in that the
performance and range and flexibility has also increased...which
leads to the various companies amortizing new instrument
development costs back to the buyers. Like TS for all those who
want high-performance goodies at Knight-Kit prices.

Len Anderson
retired (from regular hours) electronic engineer person