hey
If I can say something ,I'll say that I bought 3 meters from eBay , after a lot of time seeking after the "ideal seller" I found 3 great deals ,
the 87 V (which I really recomend you to look for ) cost me only 147$ including the in't shipping .(used but mint condition )
the 287 ( which is a total of over kill ) cost me 300$ including the shipping ( and it's new one , )
and the HP-3478A (I don't know where to put it in terms of priority for beginner ) cost me 250$ ( came calibrated and in't shipping for only 250 ! )
and as for the 87V ? , well I compare the 87V (which is used ) to the HP-3478A (which is calibrated with all the papers
) and the 87 V was well well with in spec ( below the 0.05% , IE something like 0.025 or something like this
)
look for some sellers over there , I found one who offered me fluke 87V for only 250$ ( 50$ for shipping in't )
so have a nice day and good luck with finding the great deal in your life ! (87V rules ! )