When choosing an instrument, it's especially important to select one that you actually enjoy playing. I have a friend who's 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 accept 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 affect other people in a positive way with your music. You can choose an instrument for its price or popularity, but I think it is most important to consider how happy it makes you.