I first bought a Euro-Pro Shark canister vac with HEPA filtration from a homegoods store. I wasn't wild about it, as it had some design quirks I didn't like. One month later, a roommate moved out and took it with him (I'm not kidding).

I did more research, and found some good reviews of Panasonic vacuum products in general. I decided to purchase this model, and I used it last night for the first time. I was impressed. The suction is very good, and the tools are well thought out and easy to use. The canister rolls very easily, so it follows you around without incident. It is surprisingly quiet compared to other machines, at least to my ear. I used it on tile and hardwoods, but also did a little bit of carpet cleaning: the suction was able to pull dirt out of a low-pile carpet, but this is really a machine for bare floors, as there is no agitator brush.

One design I had some concerns about were the two plastic pieces that form the cleaning "wand". Instead of a chromed metal extension wand, this machine has two interlocking plastic pices. I was afraid that they would come apart often, or reduce the suction of the machine. Fitting them together tightly is just fine, and I haven't had them come apart while cleaning.

Two really important features, in my view, are the on-board tool storage and the ability to hook the cleaning wand and floor attachment onto the canister. Without on-board tool storage, try finding the crevice tool when you want to clean your computer keyboard or the dusting brush when you want to clean blinds: having them in the vacuum is priceless. The ability to hook the extension wand onto the machine while cleaning or for storage is great, if you've ever had a vacuum sprawling all over a closet floor. It makes storage in an apartment much easier.

This is not a high-end vacuum, but definitely one I feel very satisfied with for the money.

A Motor Protection System; this system seals the motor from particles that are picked up by the fan and directs them away from the motor and fan into the vacuum bag, thus preventing harm to the internal precision surfaces of the motor and fan. It also shuts the vacuum off if the motor gets too hot, and has a built in fuse in the event of a power surge.

Included attachments, which fit into the built in "Nozzle pocket" are, a blow-molded stretch hose, crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery brush. It also of course has a standard wide Floor Nozzle

This vacuum also has Panasonics Pause Stand Feature, and Stand By Storage Design. The pause feature allows the floor nozzle to be temporarily parked while attending to interruptions so you can easily resume vacuuming. The Stand by Storage feature allows the user to conveniently store the vacuum in a small space, and quickly begin vacuuming when necessary.

There is also a Vacuum gauge that lets you know when the 3.7 qt. bag needs to be changed, and ships with a handy carry/storage carton.