I bought a very nice trainer that had a very smooth motion and was quiet. Cheaper trainers can be very loud. I thought I'd watch cycling videos and pretend I was there in the peloton, climbing Mount Ventoux.
The reality of trainers and rollers: BORING as all get out. I used them 4-5 times then sold them to another cyclist. Alabama winters aren't so bad; I much prefer riding outdoors.
It's a good idea to get one of those sweat catchers, especially if you ride a steel bike. And get a fan because you're going to get very hot. Some trainers will chew up softer road tires so you'll need to get a tire built just for trainers. These are also good for skids. Cheap fluild trainers can leak. You might want to set the rollers up in the hallway so you can touch the walls as you desperately try to keep from flying off the rollers. Or at least a doorway. Rollers WILL improve your group riding skills.
If I had to choose something, I'd go with the rollers. Could be great fun at a party.
Check out this sick video of riding on rollers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wME5NTriTco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiCdm...eature=related
And now check out what is reality for some first timers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2tF0...eature=related
And of course, there's a hipster version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrKvguARxJo&feature=fvw