The problem with Saleae IMO is that their current price point is way out of reach for beginners. The software is wonderful (as is the hardware), but it's hard to justify as a newcomer to the hobby at that price point
Eek. I have not looked at their prices in too long! You are absolutely right. My memory suggested Saleae based on prices like this: https://www.adafruit.com/product/378 ($USD 149. Very clearly, no longer the case!
I think Saleae's made way in the low-end market to Chinese Saleae clones that have similar software and hardware to their original models – at similar prices, too.
Appreciate the pointing out the staleness.