When choosing an instrument, its especially important to select one that you actually enjoy playing. I have a friend whose learning the tuba, which she thought was really cool
at first because it was so big. She never really enjoyed playing, though, and now she has
to except the fact that practicing is just another chore she's stuck with. If you enjoy your
instrument, that joy will come out in your playing and you'll be able to effect other people
in a positive way with your music. You can choose an instrument for it's price or
popularity, but I think it is most important to consider how happy it makes you.