🚀 go-pugleaf

   Here's an update to my earlier post giving preliminary
results of my request for comments on MBL equipment.  I got
about 50 responses altogether, and I thank everyone who
posted to phys-l, physhare, or sent a message directly to
me.  Here's the tally of recommendations as of the
afternoon of March 29:

        Vernier 23
        Pasco    7
        PSL              2
        Other    2

Some of the messages did not give specific recommendations,
and some recommended more than one system.
   There were some requests that I post the comments that
were sent.  I compiled all the messages that made comments
and/or recommendations, and I ended up with a file that was
about 500 lines long even after a great deal of editing.  I
decided not to post all the comments, but I will summarize
the general trend for those who are interested.
        Vernier received praise for overall quality of products
and service and for their reasonable pricing and software
policy.  (Vernier sells software at moderate prices and lets
the user make as many copies as needed, rather than charging
extra for "site licenses" that allow a limited number of
copies.)  It was interesting that there were no negative
comments whatever about Vernier.
        Pasco also received praise for the quality of their
products and service, although their equipment is somewhat
more expensive than Vernier's.  There was only one minor
complaint about trouble getting service from Pasco.
        The PSL equipment was praised for its ruggedness and
the power of the accompanying software.  There were some
grumbles about difficulties in getting service, but those
seemed directed mostly towards IBM.  PSL is now being
marketed by a separate company, so those complaints will
probably evaporate.

        Again, I'd like to thank everyone who answered my
call for information.  We're digesting everything now and
getting ready to spend our money.

Steve Luzader
sluzader@fre.fsu.umd.edu