Q: HP Calculator for newbie in suveying field

I am making a career change from software engineer to land surveyor
starting in January '04.  I found a nice opportunity to work under an
experienced land surveyor and will be working towards getting my
license and taking over his business.

I have been looking at new HP calculators for one of the surveying
classes that I am taking now and want to buy something that I'll
eventually use for the LSIT exam in about 2.5 years.

For surveyors/engineers, HP now seems to have the HP 48GII and HP
49G+.  I'm leaning towards the HP 48GII:

http://commerce.hpcalc.org/

Any advice or comments?  Stay away from the new HP calculators and buy
a used, older 48 on eBay?

Many of the folks taking the class I am in are using Texas Intruments
TI-83 Plus calculator.  Should I stick with the HP?

Thanks!

- Bruce

rbloth at yahoo dot com