Seconding Yeticus on elliptical trainers for being superior to recumbent bicycles. I’ve owned both, and spent far more time on the trainer than the bike. My particular difficulty with the recumbent bike was that it really works the stomach muscles, which is good, but I couldn’t breathe freely enough. I tried reading while cycling and couldn’t manage to keep the book or myself still enough to maintain reps/speed.
The elliptic trainer is as easy on the knees, about as quiet, and far more effective for muscle development and weight loss.
I may check out the elliptical trainers too, then. I’m a bit annoyed that the Consumer Reports article only reviewed a few on each type of exercise machine, and seemed to concentrate on the higher-priced models of each.
It looks like I’m going to be checking out the local sports stores (I know of at least one I can get to on my own). I did a search for local health clubs, and the only one that’s easily accessible to me is a women’s gym. And before I can try swimming, I’d need to buy a new swimsuit. The last time I tried mine on it almost split while I was trying to pull it over my thighs. 
I used to have an elliptical trainer and didn’t really like it. I think it’s probably because I’m really uncoordinated and I always felt like a big clumsy goon on it - but I’ll admit that’s pretty weird and most likely only my experience. I thought I’d get over it after I used it for awhile, but it became a coat hanger long before I ever did.