I just purchase this item from my local Brandsmart for $ 74 , and needless to say , I be quite impressed . compare to other expensive brand that I have own or research , this vacuum 's performance exceed my basic carpet and floor cleaning demand . I actually do not have to wear a dust mask to vacuum , sneeze , cough or sniffle . the carpet even appear cleaner make it easier for my Bissel carpet steam cleaner to do its job without be clog up with dust leave behind by poor-functioning vacuum cleaner of the past . assembly of this product be quite easy . it literally take my hubby 5 min to screw in 2 screw at the back and assemble the additional detachable cleaning handle . it be very light for a small woman , like myself , to push and carry up and down the stair . the noise level be mediocre . the suction be powerful and grab up every piece of dust possible in you carpet . the efficient hepa system will leave the air clean . there be absolutely no dust cloud from this model when start up ! I notice a significant difference in air quality in my home almost immediately . so far the only con regard this item be noise level and what I believe be a engineering flaw in the multi-use function . let I explain . there be no button to shut off the air pressure push to the floor cleaner at the base when the hand-held apparatus be in use . therefore , if you decide to use the detachable handle for stair , furniture , or tight corner cleaning and do not pre-vacuum the floor area under which the base unit be rest while you clean , the one open-end loop system push air not only through the pipe lead to the hand-held apparatus , but also through the pipe lead to the base -lrb- floor cleaner -rrb- not currently in use . since there be a open hole at the base which be where the hand-held apparatus be design to be store while the base floor unit be in use , the air to the base now have no place to go but through the open hole and into the atmosphere of you home . this result in the dirt on you floor spew out off the hose detachment at the base . the key be to either stuff the hole with a rag to create a closed circuit system and thus force all air to the hand-held apparatus instead . you can also just remember to clean the floor area in which the base will be rest as you clean the step , furniture , etc. prior to remove the hand-apparatus from the open-end pipe holder . the only reason that I be not give this product 5 star be because like any other home appliance , it be the long-term product performance and longevity of the equipment itself that will be the ultimate determining factor . I strongly recommend buy this vacuum cleaner .