Anne, I have tried and failed with quite a few vacuum cleaners over the years but found I really like my Dyson. The particular model I have has probably been superceded by newer ones because I don't see mine on the Dyson web page anymore. However, you may wish to touch and feel any machine you choose for weight and portability. What I like about mine, first and foremost, is the amount of suction it draws and it has not diminished with the years. The other thing I like about it is that it is bagless, so I pull the canister, turn it over a garbage can and let all the dust bunnies from my sewing fall out! It is expensive but I've had mine well in excess of five years (I'm pretty sure it's about eight years, actually) and it is still going strong. The filters are washable--I keep two, one in the vacuum cleaner and the other one ready to go. The only reason I keep two is because when you wash the filter, it has to air dry and takes 24 hours. Finally, my particular model was the lightest one in the series at the time and I can carry it up and down the stairs without trouble. It was a bit expensive, but it has not been serviced yet. I'm sure you might be able to find something comparable today, if it turns out you like the Dyson too. Good luck!