Agreed. I got a cheaper model that I keep at work in case I or any of my co-workers need it (used twice the first week I had it). IIRC, it was only $50 at AutoZone.
The parts stores that read the codes for free are fine when needed but since the low temp code on my Eclipse shows up about once a month, it gets to be a pain to stop in that often.
BTW, I do also have a scan guage mounted in the RV (so I can keep an eye on the Alt Voltage (I have the power inverter from hell mounted in it)). Again, it's just easier to have the other unit for the recurring codes.