My husband got me a cheapo treadmill years ago and it did nothing but collect dust. I felt unsafe actually jogging on it because it was so narrow.
3 years ago for Xmas he got me a kick-ass gym quality one and everyone, including the kids, love it. It has an extra-wide belt, programmable workouts, electronic gizmo that raises and lowers it, and it folds vertically. And since I put it in the family room - a room that is comfortable and nice – I use it more often. I’ll put on a good t.v. show or a DVD and trot away.
I agree with everyone who suggested you join a gym and see what you like. You have to enjoy the equipment in order to use it. Oh, and I also second the suggestion to look for used equipment.