I haven't used a benchtop jointer, but that's what Michael Dunbar of Windsor chair fame uses, and he likes it just fine. If it's good enough for him . . .
I've never owned or used a jointer in my woodworking, and IMHO I've made some really nice furniture. I just haven't found it necessary. I do find a thickness planer indispensable. It saves lots of money when you can buy rough stock, and you can tweak the thickness you need. I "joint" edges by ripping on the tablesaw, and find the sawn edges -- with a good blade -- to be more than adequate for glue-ups.
Go for the planer first.
tt