I'm looking for a trainer for indoor winter use and I know nothing about them. What is a good brand and type of trainer? I'm looking to spend less than $200. Which trainers have you guys/gals had good luck with? Thanks.

Are you wanting a trainer or roller? What are your goals?

If you want to become better at riding efficiently, get a set of rollers. If you want to ride for distance and time, get a trainer. Spend as much as you feel you can on a good trainer. You will hear the better ones from people soon. I own a used set of rollers, as I need to improve my biking skills and that is why I bought the rollers.

I never considered rollers, but I am not opposed to them. I am a new rider and only ride maybe 10 miles a night. I will consider comments on rollers and trainers.

Another thing to do is post in the bicycle (bike) part of your local craigslist.org site. I got a used set of rollers that way and met a really nice person at the same time.

The longest I have been on my rollers so far is 30 minutes at one time, but it is because of time constrants. If the weather continues, I will be building an Ark soon, so I won't have time to ride, but I will put the roller setup and my road bike on the Ark. :-)

MTBR rates this as best one with tons of reviewers.
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Trainer/product_87774.shtml

I bought one a few years ago, but honestly have only used it about twice. I almost always would rather get out and ride outside. I was in FL at the time, so winter wasn't too cold to ride or anything. I am now in Seattle area and don't expect to let much weather slow me down here either.

Whenever I'm considering any bike related product, I usually go to MTBR to see if it has reviews by users.
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/trainer/

Craigslist all the way. I'm dealing on a couple barely uses trainer on CL right now. I can pick up a mag for 40 bucks and I just missed a fluid for 75. Much less than new.

It's a bit more involved, but studded tires and some warm gear are also worth considering. I ride year round.