I am in between to choose either LabVIEW 2013 Student Edition and LabVIEW 2013 student Edition Software Suite. The difference is around 40 bucks for me. If the former lets me control devices through serial port and some data acquisition using NI-DAQ-6008, then I can save some money. I have read some other threads and the answer seems positive, but I just need a little more confidence before spending student earned cash!
For serial communication, you need NI-VISA and for using the 6008, you need DAQmx. Both drivers are free and available from the Support page. The student suite is not at all required if this is all you are doing.
