The stride length is definitely important - I had a ProForm before that died and it had a stride length that was barely long enough for me and too short for DH to comfortably use. The Audio Strider is much better. I also forgot to say that it is the space saver, someone above mentioned it too, so I could fold it up and move it out of the way if needed. I have it in my garage so don't have to do that, but can see how it would be nice in a living room.