I am surprised by this conversation.
I do not think that any company will give out meters that are not accurate, or ones that are only in Beta.
I was on a Urine test kit when diagnosed - way back 1971. But, moved over to blood testing in the late 70's. I was given that meter free, and always had a replacement free.
I lived for several years in the Netherlands. There they automatically replace the meter every 2 years. It was there that I received my Accu-Chek Mobile meter. That is really great - I love having a cassette of 50 tests in a handly internal package. Just as great is the lancet device that takes a cassette of 6 lancets, in a test drum. This is sealed, so no problem to dispose. As a regular travellor I love the simplicity and convenience of the cassettes.
Of course, as an earlier post indicates, the meter manufacturers are happy to make their meters free. The cost of the test units and lancets are high. I use a cassette of 50 blood tests in just over 8 days, and use a lancet test drum each day - 6 tests a day - so Roche, the manufacturer, makes a handsome profit over the year.
I do not know about accuraccy. I believe the meter has a NULL balance mechanism for preserving the accuracy of readings. The device does not have a menu item to allow calibration - indicating that it does it automatically.
I am sure that my doctor does not worry about the cost. He will be aware that I am checking myself regularly, and that cuts the risk of later problems.
So everyone is happy. I am happy with my easy to use meter. Roche is happy with my regular use of the disponsibles. My doctor is happy to know I am taking care over my condition, and am less of a risk for expensive hospital treatment later.