when you get down to it , despite all of the marketing hype a vacuum need to do two thing well . it need to have great suction to pull up dirt and , depend upon you need , must have the flexibility to deliver that suction conveniently and consistently . this Hoover , if the form and function fit you need , deliver on both count ! we own a Dyson upright for most thing and love it . but as easy as the Dyson be to get around , it , like all upright , be not the thing to reach under bed or low furniture . the Dyson have the flexibility to pull out its handle and configure it to do some of this with a bit of work , but for some thing it be inconvenient , at best . -lrb- again , this be not a knock on the Dyson , but a reality of upright . -rrb- we really do not want another ` regular ' vacuum like a canister , so after research thing we settle on the Hoover Portapower unit to give it a try . what be the verdict ? highly recommend , as long as you understand that it be not a canister on wheel or a upright ! if what you need be something that be relatively lightweight and very easy to move where it be need , can reach under the furthest reach of you furniture , include bed or cabinet , and can suck with the best of they , this unit deliver . also , the build quality be far above most product that it might compete with . it really feel solidly build , all the way down to the heavy duty and long power cord . some have comment on the hose , but we have have no issue with any attachment or with the quality of the overall unit . the only reason that I give it 4 star instead of 5 be that the cord be not retractable , which would be nice . but have live with this for more than a year now , that be a easy trade-off to make for this level of product quality !