Initially I was very happy with this little vacuum. It's light weight and it's easy just to grab and go. I hate vacuuming, but I found it a bit easier when I didn't have to drag out the large heavy vacuum. I have pets and I myself have long hair, and I found that it did a great job of picking up hair and dust from carpets and hard floors. It's very easy to empty, just remove the filter and tip out. About two months ago the power head started to play up, starting and stopping and making an awful screeching noise. I have taken it off a few times and removed all of the gunk from the bristles, but that still doesn't help. Then a couple of weeks ago I noticed that the suction has almost gone. The power head doesn't rotate at all, presumably due to the low suction. This is the second cheap Hoover I have purchased that has given out within two years. I purchased this machine in October 2007 and live in a small apartment. The vacuum had pretty minimal use, less than 1,000 sq feet every week or two. I don't expect much for the price, but less than two years is too short. I would not purchase another Hoover.