You can make it home with a minipump, but they do require an awful lot of pumping, and unless you're Hercules, you won't be riding home at your usual tire pressure, that's for sure. CO2 is convenient, but I don't think cyclists should be adding to more disposal of unnecessary garbage. My favourite pump was a Zefal HPX. All that being said, I carry a Blackburn Airstick minipump for my around town riding. The Airstik has always gotten me home. I always loved the look of a traditional Silca, but you really don't want to be forced to use a pump with a head that doesn't lock onto the valve.
Personally, I think that if you "commute" by bike, it's a little hypocritical to be using CO2 cartridges for pumping tires.