Review Mini Elliptical trainer

I just bought a mini elliptical trainer (stamina inmotion e1000).

I decided on the mini elliptical because I have a very small house and no room at all for a larger cardio machine.  I was pretty skeptical before I made my purchase.  I could not try it out before hand but I decided to give it a go based on on-line reviews.

First of all this machine is very inexpensive.  I paid $85 but I have seen it listed for as high as $140. 

The machine is only 20" by 24".  The manual tells you it needs a 4' x 4' square area  when you are using it.  But this is mostly to accomodate your body.

The machine comes with the main elliptical unit assembled but one still has to attach the stability bar and feet and the pedal bases to the machine before use.   Assembly was very easy and the instructions were very clear.  It comes with all the bolts, nuts and even the tools to get the job done.  I had mine put together and running through its paces in under 5 minutes.

The unit is made of heavy plastic and steel.  It does not wobble at all and the pedals are very large.  I imagine a 14 shoe would fit the pedals easily. 

The unit has a tension knob at the front.  This makes it easier to get a harder work out,  There is no indication of how heavy the tension is but rather it is an "infinate" adjustment so you are not bound by strict tension control.  Just turn the knob until you are happy with the tension.

The unit does come with a digital counter located between the ankles.  Measurements include, step count, time count, distance, and calories burned.  I have not yet tested these functions for accuracy but they seem comperable to my pedometer.

The motion on this machine is really pretty nice.  Other sites have said that the stride length is short but I have not noticed an un-natural shortness.  granted I am a small woman but I find the stride length comfortable to a little long.

of course all of this is fine but it is the motion that counts right? 

I have not tried a gym or home quality full sized elliptical before.  But the motion on my unit is smooth,  There is a little bit of jerkyness at times, but this seems related more to my ability to move consistently rather than any design flaw,  It feels quite natural to use.  I got a good sweat going in no time. 

It unit is designed to be used forwards or backwards.  However, if one is going to use it backwards I suggest having a chair or wall to stabalize yourself at first.  It was really easy to loose my balance going backwards and I fell off the first time.  I have very good balance too so someone with less balance might find the backwards movement down right dangerous without some extra support - at least at first.

All in all I am very happy.  This little machine seems like the perfect solution to getting some cardio in when I can not go out because of weather or the lateness of the hour. 

It is also very quiet.  I will be able to use this even when everyone else is asleep.  I think its fun!

I realize I am no writer.  If there is something I did not mention and you would like to know about it - just ask.   Oh - the weight limit is 250 lbs.

Sorry i replied to your other post before i saw this one!

How has the machine been holding up? i am looking at the same model at the price point of $115.

I have to figure out an alternative to walking outside. My job and weather have kept me from walking for the past 8 days 

BTW, your post has been really helpful. 

thanks!