I have been using this vacuum for 10 years.  It's light weight, it's very portable, and it's great in a big house with pets.  I even gave my husband one for work.  He's a carpenter and always needs something to do a quick clean up, and this works so much better than a big, huge shop vac.  I have two dogs and two cats and only rugs (no carpet) and I just couldn't live without this vacuum. Being older, I just don't have the strength to lug around a big heavy machine, and I rarely use my very expensive upright anymore.