I'm curious as to how much they cost. I don't have pets inside, but do have horses and a barn. So the kids bring in lots of dirt and stuff. My carpet is new and I'd like to keep it looking that way. I have a Dirt Devil Wind Tunnel (or something like that) and it does ok.

The one I found at Costco was around $420, which seems like a lot, but I have bought 3 in the last 4 years and have probably spent that much in total...if not more.

Thanks for the info!

How are these compared to a Kirby?

Cbu, as KC mentioned, there is no discernable vibration. I think that only the weight needs to be considered. If you have to carry it up and down stairs, it's heavier than some vacuums. I carry it with one hand, but that's by the hand and wrist, so perhaps that would be an issue for you? Get the hubby to handle that part The nice thing is that on stairs I just leave it down at the bottom and use the handle to do the stairs, so no weight while actually vacuuming

I'm not sure if this link will work, but it's a Dyson comparison. http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/productcompare.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=APPL

The animal has a couple attachments that are specific to it and the most expensive one (the "Complete"). One that is particularly important is the small beater bar attachment for stairs, curtains, bedding, etc.. I use this on all of the furniture to pick up hair, even on suade and cheniel (spelled that wrong!) that fuzzy stuff cat hair sticks to.

I've had a Kirby, (it's in the garage now) and a Dirt Devil Wind Tunnel (garage as well) we combined houses so we have too many of these Anyhoo, The Dyson is SO MUCH better than both.

But as to cost, all of the Dyson's have the same motor size (all new ones you can buy now) and the same hepa protection, etc for allergies. The animal just has those special attachments that folks with animals in the house can use. You wouldn't want to use the hose alone on your curtains...you'd suck the heck out of them Plus the beater bar on it really makes the difference for picking up hair.

We paid about $470 on sale at Sears a few months ago for the Animal. I highly recommend waiting for a sale as they tend to mark them down quite a bit. Costco had a model (it's purple and blue) which was a few years old model. It does not have some attachments but the motor size was the same. If you don't have animals, I think that one would be fine, but if you do, hold out for a sale, or look on the internet. We found some good deals on the Animal, but they didn't want to ship to Alaska (people still think we live in igloos or something)

I got my Animal on Saturday. I couldn't wait to get home and vaccuum! It works so good! (And I didn't notice any vibration either, cbu). I emptied the canister twice and I only vaccuumed upstairs! You should have seen all the dog hair! Gosh, I thought I kept my house clean. I was wrong! I haven't had a chance to try all the attachments yet but can't wait to try it on the couches.

As I sit with a persian in my lap and 2 dogs at my feet, (the other cat is mia at the moment) I'm convinced. I'll start watching the sales!

LOL Croak, humbling isn't it. I thought we were relatively clean too. I always gather up that must hair when I vacuum even after we've had it for a while. I guess they leave us more fur balls than I thought

I went online to Dyson.com. it explains all the different models and what they do. I have the yellow one, buy wish i had purchased the purple animal. I am going to buy the attachment.

Dawnie and Croak, THANK YOU for the information! I appreciate your comments and well-thought out reviews! I'm going to watch for a sale! While I wait, I think the first thing to do is to buy some Dyson stock!!!

I'm not sure if it's a nationwide thing or not, but I bought mine at Linens-n-Things; I signed up for their credit card and saved 15% ($75.00). If you have a LnT, you might want to call and see if they're running this special. It's well worth it. I'll just cancel the card after I get the bill.

Sears would have done the same thing if we applied for their card (but we used that trick on the dishwasher so it didn't work)