Im sure I could stop at my local nursery and they should sell chemicals to raise/lower my ph levels as well as meter as well cause i got one right down my street.
If you buy a digital pH meter....those require calibrating everytime you use it and also solution to store the meter....I love the eye dropper tests b/c its just so simple and straightforward..
Some digital Ph testers require calibration about once a week to every couple of weeks, mine they reccomend once a month. As for storage solution I just use tap water that sat out for a day or so. Link below is what I got. http://www.getbluelab.com/shop/Bluelab+Combo+Meter%99.html
I agree its not maybe as accurate but its close enough for me. I have a digital one but hardly use it.
I found using the dropper test kit a pain in the butt when testing water run off do to the discoloration of the water run off. I got that one for when the day comes and I have the money to switch over to hydro I will already have a PH tester that will work for it, especialy for EC readings.