Thanks for the review. I'm getting ready to take the plunge and buy a high-end vacuum cleaner (I can still smell the remnants of my ex-boyfriend's dog hair in the one I have now), and I was torn between Dyson and Bissell.  I wasn't sure if Dyson was worth the $$$.

Thanks for this detailed review!  I'm considering getting a Dyson myself, and have been so confused about the conflicting opinions.