I am just a home hobbyist (no corporate $$ to help out).

I have a background in software and have just started to experiment with
microcontroller application development.

Do people consider an oscilloscope a "must-have"? A logic probe just doesn't
cut-it for rapidly changing pins. Does simulation using MPLAB completley
eliminate the need for real circuit checking? (I'd be surprised).

I have read very interesting .pdf from Tektronix which really pushes $$$
DPOs, but I do not have a multi $k budget for my (new) hobby.

Can anyone recommend an entry-level 'scope for use in developing PIC
circuits/applications.

My budget is not without limits, but I want to get something that will be
useful. Is spending, say, < $500 a fruitless exercise?

TIA.

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