I Need vacuum cleaner advice

 Hi folks,
 Can anyone give me some advice on what type of vacuum to buy? I have a
budget of only $300 dollars and just need something decent for carpets
and tile flooring. We have a small house and just need something that
gets the job done.

I am thinking of going to Target or Walmart to make the purchase. Any
advice on what brand to look for? Thanks!

 
We recently bought a Roomba - that little round thingy that does the job all
by itself.  They come in 2 intelligence levels (we got the smarter one that
you can program to run by itself when you are not home).  I think ours cost
about 300 or so (?) - maybe it was about 250.  Bought it in Linens and
Things.  It does a pretty good job of vacuuming, better then I thought it
was going to do.  It does both rugs and tile, as well as the vinyl kitchen
floor.  It can climb over a minor floor transformation and also onto and off
of rugs.  If it gets stuck on a rug edge it backs up and goes off in another
direction.  The only bits it does not get to are the very tip of the corners
and anywhere it is blocked from.  We have cats so it takes a while to clean
out the brushes.

Initially it did not save us any time as we followed it around watching it
like it was a new pet.  Now we turn it on and leave it alone.  It is not
quiet, so we use it when we are outside or away from home now.
Tomes

 skunker@gmail.com writes:

Consumer Reports recently evaluated vacuums.   I just bought their
best buy recommendation for $140. A Eureka Boss, of the bagged
variety.   I'd have to look up the specific model number.  Sears
carried it.  

--
Todd H.  
http://www.toddh.net/

 
I will second the Roomba. I am pretty busy so no time to vacuum. It does
a good job and it frees up time. I am looking at their robotic mopper
the Scooba now, but will have to wait. My birthday is next month! If you
don't like to vacuum and you want more time to yourself, definitely the
Roomba. Good luck with your choice.
Ewan

 I bought a Hoover bagless at Target for like $80 and it kicks butt.

I never cease to be amazed at people who things vacs should cost a lot
of money, a friend of mine spent $700 on hers.  It's no better than
mine...