[Test-Equipment] Bench meter recommendation?

[davec]

My bench is lacking a DMM. Firstly, what defines a "bench" meter? 
I've got a couple of Fluke 70-series meters I use in the field, but 
1) I'd rather keep both of them with me as main and backup unit for 
work tasks, and 2) I think I'd like a self-lit (LED? backlit LCD?), 
upright display.

Multiple functions beyond R, V, I (ac and dc) aren't really important 
to me (I've got -- or will probably buy -- specific meters for those 
other tasks), but I wouldn't rule them out at the right price. High 
precision is also not real high on the list, although it'd be nice to 
have something I could use as a "standard" to compare the others 
against (once it's calibrated to a known std, of course...).

What is a good cheap meter for the bench? I saw a Fluke 8840 for 
cheap (~US$200 -- is that cheap?) and a similar-vintage HP meter. Is 
there any reason *not* to go for one of these (besides its size, I 
mean (c: )? Service manuals are available on-line for free, and they 
seem to be made mostly from discrete components, a definite plus in 
my book.

Suggestions welcome. I'd like to benefit from your knowledge and 
experience on this one.

Thanks,
Dave