trying to recall what I've got, have a feeling it could be a swing, definitely a magnetic Tacx with a variable resistance. They're great as you can drive yourself right to your limits without needing to worry about getting hit by cars. You can also do sustained sessions, like minimum resistance for warmdowns & max to simulate long unbroken climbs.

Turbo trainers definitely make an improvement to your cycling (& your running) you will notice the benefits when you get off them & get on the roads - you are a lot stronger on hills because you've pushed yourself to your limits on the simulation of them with the trainer. I used to do massive sessions on them, you could put a DVD on & spend about 2 - 3 hrs on them!! Your pedalling stroke, etc improves.