Performance trainer

hey guys!
i'm really new to road racing. and im trying to find a good indoor trainer to train with in the winter. i have a budget of 300 bucks. i want to know how fast i'm going and an idea of how far i'd have pedaled. so i was wondering what people thought of the performance travel trac mag force plus trainer with the electronic display. is that a good trainer? http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4120

theres the link. please help!
thanks.
~felix

Yes - have that exact same trainer I have but it was last year's model with a metal roller and a screw adjustment for the roller. The power readings seem accurate and I trust the power readings better than my Polar S720i with a power output kit (when I'm using the trainer).

But I don't like using a trainer much and have only done < 80 mi on my trainer.

If you leave the batteries inside the electronic unit they will drain out, so after each ride take out the batteries for longer life.

I forgot if the speed reading is the same as on my Astrale 8.