This machine is great!.  I have arthritis in my hands and shoulders and it is very difficult to handle a full size vacuum , especially going up and down stairs.  So light weight.  Picks up everything from lint to dog hair and goes from hard floor surfaces to carpet with a push of a button.  The hand vac does an excellent job on the stairs without having to hold onto a canister. I also like the fact that it doesn't have a flexible hose.   Love, love, love this vacuum!