IMO paying for extra software is reasonable, but crippling hardware (bandwidth, memory) is taking the piss, and any manufacturer doing this deserves it to get hacked.
And if that hack also happens to enable extra software functions, then that's just tough & their own stupid fault.
Think about it this way. The extra software and hardware comes preinstalled. All you need to do is key in a few numbers. So no mucking about with install cds flash upgrades opening the machine etc.
You are 'installing' extra software .. In the form of a key.
Many of the agilent scopes do not run an operating system and dynamically installing new software is not easy . There is only one rom image.
A firmware upgrade on my 7000 series is a complicated process. First updat the core program after which you get a special screen. Then update the graphics firmware.. Then updat the signal processing hardware then install the system software. After a powercycle you then enter the keys of the options you have and the machine is ready.
The same with the hardware. You want to double the memory... How are you going to install it ? Desolder a 1000 bin bga and swap it out ? The memory in an agilent scope sits in the processing asic. They do not use off the shelf parts because there are too many limitations and ot is too expensive.
To give you an idea. The databus inside the processing asic is 128 bits wide.. The static ram in there has a sub 1nS access time. You dont find parts like that as standalone...
And you would need a very expensive board too.
Go take a look at daves teardown of his 2000 and 3000.
If you want i can do a teardown of a 831 , which is older but uses the same architecture. Its all custom asics. They dont muck about with fpga's and 'make do' stuff.
The cost of the asic is staggering
They sell the base model at break even price. Want more ? Pay more.
Their employees need to live too , and they need money for research on the next famile of machines.
Can't afford it ? Feel free to keep mucking around with wing-pang-tron.
But, know that, if you need more performance they will happily provide. You dont have to buy a complete new machine. They sel you a 16 digit piece of software. Typeit in and done. No cd's to scratch or lose, no usb drives to break , no bricking the machine by badly reflashing it.