I prefer ellipticals, over bikes or treadmills. The only qualifier I can add, I have found great differences between brands, and models. If the equipment is too expensive, its hard to justify. If it doesn't feel right, then you wont use it. I am 6' and mostly legs. I found some of the "llips" would hurt my knees. Life-cycle makes one I like to use. I have a health club as a client so I have access to a lot of different equipment. I would suggest getting a couple of trial passes to any clubs in your area, or going to the local YMCA ( if there is one) to try some different machines. 4 or 5 uses of more then 10 minutes should give you a good idea. You could pull that off at the local sporting goods store, ( if you have a strong enough personality) but the clubs would give you an idea of how well they hold up to use. Also how popular they are.
Mark