If it is at a local store, see if they will let you try before you buy. Of not, find out what the return policy is. From what I gather, there are good trainers and then there is crap.

Oh yea, nobody really likes them - they should be viewed as a necessary evil for some cyclists. Those who have long cold winters, frequent poor weather, time constraints, etc. Actually riding - even if it is around your own block 100 times, will always be better.