I talked to my buddy today - He also recommended Miele.

I've had a Kirby for 15 years or so. It will do hard floors, carpets, edges, blinds, dusts, even use it to blow the dogs dry, and I just shampooed all the carpets, too. At the time, it was the only machine that I knew of that could do all that and last forever. There are more, less expensive, and perhaps better choices now, but it does a thorough job. I would not buy another because it is heavy, but I don't expect to need another for a couple of decades yet.