Got my Dyson for $189--Target had the one with the ball on clearance about 2 years ago. I couldn't let that kind of deal slip away, so I bought it. Before using it, I had my sister bring hers over (she paid $500+ for hers). I vacuumed my bedroom thoroughly with my old vacuum and then went back over it with her Dyson. Unbelievable the amount of dirt & dust the Dyson picked up that was still left ater using my old machine. That clinched the deal for me & I unpacked my own new Dyson. Other posters are right about the tools on board being awkward and the short hose. But it works great! If you can find one, definitely get the one with the ball--it is soooo much easier to maneuver than the standard vacuum style. One tip--when emptying the canister, slide the bottom of the canister down into an empty plastic shopping bag, then push the release button to empty. Doing it this way significantly decreases the amount of "dust plume" when the dirt is expelled. Keep looking for a good deal-Target (usually better deals instore vs. online), Lowe's, eBay, Amazon...you'll find one that is available at a great price! And if you can't find one at a reduced price that you can "live with", just use my sister's rationale when she bought hers--1 Dyson @$500 will keep her house cleaner for many years vs. buying 3 or more $150 vacuums in that same amount of time, so it's a wash when you look at the big picture (and that's if you don't count the aggravation and time spent hunting up another new $150 vacuum). Happy hunting!

I tried doing the slightly reclined trick and it just didn't work. Maybe my stair are less deep. Also, the one I got was a DC17 (not the ball) which is the heavier one that they make. It is a all floors one and I tried it in the kitchen floor, really worked well. I guess I need to get the mini turbine, are they air driven so the brush spins because of suction? There were two that I found, is there any difference, yikes, about $70. Purple one: http://www.abt.com/product/21113/Dyson-MINITURHEAD.html?utm_source=scnextag&utm_medium=sc&utm_campaign=nextag Gray one: http://search.govacuum.com/search?keywords=mini%20turbine%20dyson They have slightly different part numbers.

This points up something we know but often forget: just because a mfg makes a few good models, doesn't mean everything they offer across the board is going to work for you. I hated my old Hoover corded upright. It was heavy, clunky, and jammed every single time I used it - and what a pain to take it apart and clear the jam! I swore I'd never get another one. Replaced it with a Sebo and was much happier. But eventually the Sebo started to malfunction, and two different shops have been unable to fix it. I did some homework and ended up with another (gasp!) Hoover, this time the new cordless upright. WHAT a difference - it's lightweight (9.9 lbs., Amazon only lists shppg weight but this is the actual appliance wt.), very maneuverable, and has more than adequate suction. It's not perfect; no. Weak on corner/wall edges, and no battery-powered engine is strong enough to suction through multiple extension hoses, which I need upstairs for 18' cathedral ceilings. But for everyday cleaning - I am a convert to the Hoover cordless. And yes, I'm still somewhat shocked by that [smile]! I bought mine from Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IT5L49E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

I LOVE my Dyson Animal cordless. In my experience, no other cordless compares in power. Its true that the battery doesn't last long but because it is so quick and easy to use, I vacuum more often therefor it's not as dirty therefor it's much faster to do a good job. I just saw the same model on sale for $399 CAN at Canadian Tire (I paid $599 for mine at Sears last year) so I"m going to go get a second one for upstairs. My house is very large (4000+ sq feet) with a mix of floor surfaces along with three small kids, a dog, and two messy guinea pigs. I can do an excellent job of vacuuming one floor of the house on a charge. Having one unit upstairs and one downstairs means I won't have to wait to charge or carry it around. Honestly, I haven't used my central vac or full size canister vac a single time since having the Dyson cordless stick. If you don't mind a cord, I also have a little brown Shark and it is fantastic. Cleans just as well as the Dyson or a full size vacuum for a fraction of the cost (under $200) but it has a cord. Like the Dyson, it also has a power head (beater brush) which to me is essential if you really want to get your money's worth.