Purchasing an elliptical trainer is an investment. It’s actually a rather large investment, not only financially, but also more importantly, in your health and fitness. You want to make the right buying decision since so much is at stake. I’ve heard about too many people who purchase the wrong elliptical trainer and then wind up getting permanently sidetracked and discouraged from their carefully planned fitness goals.
The console may require separate batteries and/or be powered from the main power connection to the elliptical. The important thing is that the electronics behind the console be reliable.