Oreck machines are actually OK. They are designed to be light-weight and easy to use, which they are. Originally Oreck marketed their machines to the Hotel and service industries because of ease of use and its light weight. Then the machines eventually ended up in homes. Because they are light weight they have a smaller motor in them than a full upright would, which translates to less suction. They are a direct-air motor which means everything you pick up goes throught the fan in the machine; which can mean breaking the fan if you pick up anything large. Older models have a metal fan, but newer machines just have a plastic one which is more prone to damage. The Oreck machines are an upright vaccum only, they have no ability to add a hose or tools. Overall an ok machine, but its really meant for someone that just cant move/carry a full upright. (like David Oreck)