If you could choose one exercise machine to buy, which one would you choose?

[mosp]

If you weren't worrying about space or cost, what machine gives the best overall workout? I am not too overweight, but I want to lose some and tone up (especially abs).
Any suggestons (and links)?

I've got an elliptical trainer as its low impact and therefore easier on the joints.
Recently got an iPhone app to use with it that plays my music at the revolutions it's set for intervals. Really helps a) the time pass and b) feel in the groove when you manage to match on with the beats of the music.

Concept 2 rower - its a killer but very effective.

We've hired a concept 2 rower. Its great, a total body workout. I'm doing 10-20 minutes a day and it's def making a difference to my shape.

go to a gym for a few sessions and find out what machine you enjoy the most.

I personally would go for a cross trainer because i wouldnt need to get ready in trainers and gym kit or have any preparation and could just step on it for 10 minutes here and there, even though when im at the gym, i really like the treadmill.
When i had my treadmill at home, i actually barely used it because if i felt like a run, id go outside.

I hate exercise bikes. Others love them.
Quite like rowing machine.

If money and space was no object, id have a mini gym, with treadmill, cross trainer, rowing machine and something with weights for my arms and shoulders so i didnt feel as guilty, even though i much prefer cardio

Power plate

I'd get a cross trainer personally, that a few weights and option to run / cycle outside would do me when I can't get to gym. Unfortunately, no space!

If you want to tone (abs) then floor exercises are the best, We have buy to hire on Concept 2 put its more cardio and hasnt been used for a while (typical).

I dont think any other gym equipment would be suitable for me as I get bored and its not very motivating while a DVD with abs and serious toning would be more beneficial.

My husband had a motorcross fitness book and there were pages and pages of exercises and core strength routines. Some great core exercises on youtube too.

If money were no object I'd get a personal trainer to come to my house!

A swiss ball and two tins of baked beans.
Head to foot toning.

Thank you for all the suggestions. By the way, it is not that money is no object for me; I just didn't want that aspect of things to affect your responses :)

What is a Swiss ball, talkinpeace? Is it like one of those birthing balls?

Swiss bals have been used as "birthing balls"
but they are the ultimate exercise resource
la fragrant middleton-Windsor is reputed to do an hour on hers every day
crunches, twists, balances, core, stretches, toning, cardio, you name it
and once you add the weight of a tin of beans to each arm, you can get SERIOUS fitness improvements for a total cost of around £13
AND its a useful extra seat!

Sounds great! How do I find exercises to do on it? Can't really visualise it! :)

and the rest ....

Brill!! That sounds very much my kind of thing, especially as I have one of those balls lurking in my shed. I will find it and inflate it tomorrow! Flat stomach, here I come!!