x2 I love my Herpstat 1! It keeps things perfect and considering your snake can last you 20-30 years it deserves a good T-stat. I wouldn't waste money on cheap T-stats because in my experience cheap crap makes you spend more $. There are exceptions but even when a good herpstat fails it fails off and won't hurt or kill your pet.
I was using a dimmer but even then you will be constantly adjusting as it doesn't take much change in the room to make a large impact on your cage. If you have a very even and controlled room temp then a dimmer may serve but I would not chance it.
A newbs 2 cents.