Tips for Buying an Elliptical?

I bought an exercise bike (a Marcy recumbent from Walmart) just under a year ago and have lost around 60 pounds just with 3-5 days per week on the bike. I'm getting to the point now where I'm at a plateau with my weight loss and I'm looking for something else that can help me lose another 40 pounds or so.

I know it's difficult to find a decent elliptical for $300, but that's what I'm hoping to stay under.

I've read that the stride length is one of the most important things for buying an elliptical and that most cheaper ones have a 12-14" stride length. I'm 5'10" and currently around 228 pounds, so I want to take that into consideration as well.

Does anyone have any tips on picking an elliptical? Or do you have an elliptical you would recommend? Any help would be appreciated. I really know nothing about them other than what I have found online.

Thanks!

I'd spend the money on some DVDs and do cardio and incorporate weights. That's the best way to lose weight and gain muscle - I have an elliptical and used it for awhile and loved it, but it eventually got old and then it broke. I bought a used one at play it again sports. It's a big investment and one you should only make if you are sure you will use it - too many people by expensive equipment to just let dust settle on them. If you just buy DVD's then you aren't spending as much and you can buy new ones when you get bored.

I exercise regularly, as I said, at least 3 times per week and sometimes up to 5 times. Biking, some minor weight lifting, and basic yoga. I have a long commute and early classes on some days and it is difficult to convince myself to wake up earlier than my usual 5:15.

Not using whatever equipment I end up buying is not at all an issue. I average 45 minutes per day on the bike, but I need to focus on other muscles if I'm going to get a thorough workout.