I just wanted to thank everyone for their input. No better people in the world than quilters.

We love our Dysons. The one we currently have is the Dyson Ball which pivots easily. I can't handle a heavy vacuum so I appreciate that it's fairly light. It does great on pet hair. I like the telescoping feature for cleaning along ceilings, high curtains, baseboards, and steps. We found ours refurbished probably 6-8 years ago for under $300 and haven't had any trouble. It converts easily with a button click from carpet to hard wood. I like the see-through canister which is super easy to empty.

I don't know it it is the same over the pond but here in the UK once you have bought a Dyson you never have to buy another one, unless you want to change your model because every single part of a Dyson is replaceable, available online and easy to install. http://www.dyson.co.uk/spares.aspx?&...c44xoCMjbw_wcB

My present one is nigh on 16 years old and has 2 replacements, filters which cost a tenner or so! Go Dyston go :)

I bought the Shark at Costco after we moved out of the house that had a built in vacuum. This is one that does not need a bag -- its great.