for starter , consider that high-quality consumer vac be run $ 200 - $ 300 , and substantially more if you go with a Dyson or something . we seriously consider a Dyson canister , and I be very , very happy that we skip it . it not only would have be a waste of money , it would have be less convenient . we have a triplex -lrb- 3-story -rrb- apartment in New York . all hardwood floor , and lot of stair . this thing be absolutely , totally perfect for it . the suction be huge , even after week of use in a apartment full of dog hair . it be design so effectively that all the hair get suck deep into the bag , and do not block the airflow . the bag be a long-lasting cloth bag that be very easy to remove and empty , and there be no additional cost for consumable . however , if you would prefer a paper bag that you do not need to empty , you can use those instead . either way , it work great . it also work great on we area rug , because the suction be very good . it be very lightweight , and come with both carry-handle and shoulder-strap . so you can range all over the apartment , over and around thing , up and down the stair , carry it comfortably all the way . my wife be a little smaller than I , and also find it very light and great to use . the long , super-strong metal tube , with rotate head , work its way really conveniently underneath and around the table , chair , and other furniture . it come with great attachment for baseboard and other need . the metal tube have a secure lock mechanism , so it be both easier to disassemble than a plastic one that often get stuck , and easy to reassemble and snap together . it be go to last forever . the flexible hose be make of really strong material , with a rigid , springy coil inside . it do not crimp , fold , bunch or otherwise cause problem . it also shrink nicely when you be not put any tension on it . which make it very convenient to store : it be super-compact to start with , and you can quickly pop the hose & tube off the main body of it , so you can store they wherever they fit best . incidentally , Hoover also include a very rugged strap to snap the cord in place when you be not use it . the power cord , by the way , be just incredibly long , so I can do a whole floor of the apartment , and get 2\/3 of the way down the stair , before I need to unplug and move the connection . it be the longest I have ever have , even on a full-size upright . we have have it for a month now , and use it often , and I have yet to find a single flaw with it . I suppose they could round the edge a bit more , so that when I be dance around the apartment with it sling over my shoulder , I do not even notice they . but that be about it . some reviewer suggest they integrate the attachment storage into the body of the vac . but that would dramatically increase weight and size , so it would be stupid . they could give you a little holder for they , but then they would have to charge you more , and you probably have a bag or drawer or whatever for they already . if you want , you can buy the $ 20 `` portapack '' carry bag , which include a spiffier shoulder strap , and a little mesh bag for the attachment . but if you do not need it , they have save you the $ 20 . unless you have deep-pile carpet , or a dog\/cat that constantly shed fine hair -lrb- and so you need a vac with a power head -rrb- , this be a really phenomenal performer , and a amazing value , which be much more maneuverable than a upright could over be .