What’s the Best Exercise Machine?

So, now I’m thinking about buying an elliptical trainer instead of a treadmill, just because of size.  Right now I’m not quite sure I have the room and the money for a big commercial treadmill.  I was looking into ellipticals and found that elliptical are just as good, if not better than the infamous treadmill.  What do you think?

It’s not just the weight that would be nice to lose, but I think becoming more tone in certain areas would satisfy me.  Does anyone know of any workout programs that they do using an elliptical?