Noise Machines (Kind of an extension of my sleep post)

[Chaostracize]

So I really want to get a noise machine. I know nothing helps me sleep better than the sound of rain falling, but I'm curious to see how other noises works, too.

I'm extremely uninterested in "White Noise", which is all that comes up when I check out Ebay with "Noise Machine". Even checking it out on Google, all I get is white noise machines.

My question is...how many people use/have used a machine like this (white noise or otherwise)?

Have you found it useful? Do you listen to different sounds on different nights?

I was thinking about whether or not I could handle listening to beach sounds or jungle sounds, but I think I really just want realistic rain. Maybe even some thunder (the best part of sleeping during rain, imo).

If anyone can give me a good brand that would be great. I can't imagine there's that much difference in "quality"...but then again, I really have no clue.

Thanks, EDF.