Compare Prices : Dyson DC14 Animal -

This machine replaced a Kirby, which weighed (and cost) several times more, and it does an equally good job.
My floors are mainly laminate, with some rugs.
It has developed a tendancy to jam when you tilt it back and forward as 2 plastic parts over the wheels become misaligned, but other than that it has lasted well. Contrary to reports, it will lose suction if you are picking up very fine dust, which can clog the sponge filter in the side. It's incredible how much fine dust comes off a labrador! You have to wash and dry this sponge before it can go back, so it is a good idea to buy a spare one. I think they are about £7.
The tools are on board, which is good, but there is an extra upholstery brush with a revolving drum which will not fit on board. This attachment relies on suction to make it go round, and doesn't work all that well, really.
It is fiddly to clear the machine's floor roller of long threads or clods of dog hair wound round it, but most machines are the same for that.
Converts quickly from upright to hose, but you must have the flex completely unwound first.
The on/off button seems to be in an awkard place and I sometimes hit it by accident when cleaning with the hose.
I find that the hose is not stretchy enough for cleaning my stairs, which aren't high. It's like fighting a python!
It is also a little awkward to carry upstairs as it doesn't have a good place to lift it by. I try to refrain from using the flex holder for this as it's not up to the job!
Overall, a good machine for the money, and has lots of good features but was probably not designed by a woman! :-) Some bits look and feel a bit flimsy, but it is still in one piece so far.
The labrador is scared of it.