My girlfriend and I both got iPod's and acccessories this holiday season.. we then proceeded to return them so we could get this Dyson instead. It was the best decision we made! The DC17 picked up more dirt and cat hair from our carpets than we ever thought was down there.. and we just vacuumed with our Bissell last week! It is truly a wonder.. finally I can make lines in the carpet when vacuuming, and I love the hose that detaches and you can get in the small crevaces and beneath the couch with the low-reach tool. If you're looking for a vacuum regardless if you have pets or not, this is the one. Well worth the investment!! Especially with their new 5-yr warranty. Go Dyson!