Have you looked at the new Bosch? Similar price to the dyson but when I had a test drive of them both in the shop, the Bosch won hands down. The Dyson seemed tinny or very plasticy compared to the Bosch. They are not available in all shops but I got mine at Harvey Norman. If you are interested, give me a PM and I'll let you know about the variation in prices.
we have a dyson thats about 6 years old. It does a good job of the floors but is very clunky to pull around behind you, and the wand is thick and difficult to get into spots like beside of the fridge. The newer models look better, but I'd get a Miele if i could afford it.
Harvey Norman was advertising a bagless vacuum cleaner tonight for 59.00. Might be ideal for someone wanting a lightweight one. Will have a look myself, always wanted a bagless. Have run out of bags on my one which I have had for at least 10 years, only cost about 79.00 back then.
I am trying to buy bags for my vacuum cleaner. Its a Panasonic. Tried Retravision in Childers, no luck. Have to wait now till I can get into a big city. Makes Bagless more favourable.
A little tip if you ever decide to clean out a photo copier with a vacuum cleaner... the toner is fine enough to go through the bag and filter and enter the motor. Being a mixture of carbon and plastic powder with whatever else, it makes a lot of smoke and will catch fire... I had to throw the cleaner out into the yard before it caught my workshop on fire. Pretty funny looking back on it though.