Fan of This Machine

Author's Rating:

Pros: Manuverable
Powerfull
Reliable
Easy to clean canister

Cons: Semi-short Power cord
Weak power cord retraction
Wand extension lock takes some elbow grease

The Bottom Line: 
I like canisters over uprights for many reasons, performance being #1.  Dyson makes a machine that is worth the price by far.

Author's Review
We bought this Dyson on the recommendation of a friend.  We’ve had it for almost two years now and have no real complaints to speak of.
The canister style means less back work and more maneuverability than a full upright.  The wand can be extended from about two feet to five feet pretty easily.  It does take a bit of strength to get the friction lock to keep the wand from collapsing mid work.  However, it is adjustable and the switching of attachments is done pretty easily.
Being a canister also make stairs a breeze.  I just put the full power head on, shorten the wand and vacuum each step.  Once at the landing, I bring the canister up and continue the process.  No fuss, no muss.
Canister vacuums are also known for having better suction and this thing is a testament to that fact.  The vacuum pulls a lot of dirt from within the carpet, instead of just the surface.  The spinning brush doesn’t have a lot of weight over it like your typical upright vacuum, so it may seem like it isn’t doing a good job on the average pile carpet; however, look back at the canister to get the proof.
If further proof is needed of this machines prowess, vacuum with your old machine or a friends, then immediately go over everything again with the Dyson canister and see the results.
Canisters work better by design.  The location of the motor and the distance to the suction chamber are almost nil on a canister vs. upright meaning the same watt power lever results in better performance.
The filters are hand-washable for repeated use and this vacuum works beautifully on our hand-made Turkish rugs.