I would (and did). I used a JR XP631 radio (computer) with a JR Quattro (basic).
After initially using the 631 as the master and the Quattro as the slave, I decided to swap them around (Yup, a newbie supplying and setting up his own BB system).
Why?

1. I was miffed that the instructor got to use my shiney new radio while I had to use the basic one.

2. Using the radio that you are going to continue on when you lose the buddy box is better than to have to get used to a defferent radio in addition to soloing.

3. The Instructor (using the basic radio) can use full rates, while I (the student) get the option to use low rates.