I have mixed feelings about my 5 month old Dyson. I agree that it really picks up everthing but I find it awkward to use the hose--very difficult to manoevre. Mine makes a grinding noise several times during use but only when I have it set on the carpet setting. I really need to call them about this. I also agree that most times I need to reach up inside the canister to empty it--yuck! Overall though I'm glad I have it when I see how much it picks up.