They're pretty much all the same to me. We didn't have one with DS except for a car seat frame swing, which was very handy when leaving/returning home. I plan to use that again. Otherwise, I grabbed a second hand swing that goes both directions. Seems most do that.
We registered for the Fisher Price Starlight Papasan Cradle Swing, Nite Nite Monkey swing and our cousin got it for us :-) My BFF had one for her daughter and LOVED it. You can change the swing direction from either front to back or side to side. It would soothe her to sleep every time. I'm super excited to use it with our LO!
I recommend getting one that plugs into the wall as well as takesbatteries, then when you are at home you can plug it in and don't have go through hundreds of batteries. Also read reviews to see how long other people were able to use it as far as weight. Some swings can't handle much weight and start slowing down when your baby is still relatively small.
Re: Swing
I like it because it swings both side-to-side and back-and-forth. And it plugs in, so don't have to buy tons of what.
N14 Nov. Siggy: CELEBRATION!