I read the reviews it sounded like a good deal, but you never know now days. So I got it, it showed up in sturdy packaging, fairly easy to put together. Some of the bolts have to be loosened before you can put another piece on, I had to have my husband help me with the loosening of 2 of the bolts. (but maybe I need to work out my arms more too!)It looks real nice and is totally quiet like everyone says! I honestly can't believe what a great deal this thing is! Its so unheard of now days to get something so well made at such a good price!I wanted to wait till I used it for a little while before I reviewed. So I've been using it for two weeks now. The stride is small, but you still work up a great sweat. The little monitor helps you keep track of what you've done. I write down every day what I've done so I can keep track and keep myself motivated. It has an automatic timer. So I started out doing 20 minutes and have added 2 minutes every other day till I get to 30 minutes. Cause they say you need 30 minutes of cardio a day to stay healthy. This accomplishes that in the comfort of your own home.I live in a small apartment and I have it in my living room, it's so small and compact I just keep it pushed to the side, and pull out while I'm watching T.V. My only complaint would be, too many reruns on t.v.! Ha! Ha!I tried going backwards on it but it feels a little scary like your loosing your balance and your gonna fall backward. I guess if you held onto a wall, you could do it. But going forward is no problem, you just need a little practice and you'll be gliding in no time.The monitor does measure distance but I'm pretty sure it's in kilometers, cause it's doesn't make sense. Plus I think it adds it to the distance you ran last time.But it does tell you how many calories burned and how many steps taken and how long you were on it.I would recommend this to friends or anyone that wants a convenient way to do cardio with out having to go to a stupid gym, or having to run dark streets at night. You won't be disappointed. But if your over 5 11" or over 250 pounds you would probably want to get something with a bigger stride. But for everyone else....this is THE machine!!! Totally awesome mini!