The base version is just as the name implies. You would be better off if you chose the full developemet edition of labview 7.1(current version) This will give you all the functionality of the base version plus a lot more features. Some you may not need NOW but will become valuable in the future as you use labview more. I think the full version will satify your needs. Here is a link you can use to make a better choice.
http://sine.ni.com/apps/we/nioc.vp?cid=1382&lang=US Hope this helps Joe
