This vacuum sucks (which is AWESOME)

Wow! I can't believe how a) quiet and b) powerful this vacuum is. I was really skeptical when my wife bought this because it doesn't have a "power head" with a separate motor for the carpet beater. However, after using the vacuum several times on our carpets using the vacuum-driven beater, I'm a believer--this vacuum is awesome.

I was really surprised to see other reviews stating that the beater head is not effective--our previous vacuum had a motor driven head and I can definitely say that this one is more effective. That said, we only have berber carpet in our house, so perhaps if you had shag carpet or something similar it would be a different story. (If you really want the power head, there is a power head model available for extra $$$.)

Anyway, the great things (other than the suction) about this vacuum are that:
1) it is very quiet,
2) it directs the airflow from the motor up, rather than back, so it isn't blowing dust all over the place while you are cleaning, and
3) it is very lightweight and compact
4) it has a small slot on the back that holds the wand upright when you are storing it

It comes with a nice floor attachment, a rug beater and a combination duster/upholstery cleaner. I thought it was surprising, however, that it does not include a crevice tool. (Not a big deal since the crevice tool from my small Shop Vac fits.)