pghmike,
In my opinion these are one of the WORST things that a person learning to fly can use. Because they never learn to fly the plane. When learning to fly a plane the student builds skills that allow them to recover the plane when they get into trouble. If the student is using one of the "co-pilots" all they have to do when they are in trouble is release the sticks, and the co-pilot will right the airplane. By doing this there is no way that they will ever develop the skills they need to fly unassisted. I've heard arguments from people that they only let the co-pilot take over when they can't recover it themselves, so it gives them the confidence to try new things. This is nothing but a load of hogwash. These co-pilots are a crutch for weak pilots. When I have students show up for me to train them and they have these on their planes the very first thing I have them do it disconnect the co-pilot.

I'd say to save your money and get a good instructor. An instructor will be the time tested best way of learning to fly.

Hope this helps

Ken