I beg to differ on the miele here.
I have used one and it didn't suck better than my cheapie electrolux or phillips or whatever it was.
The thing that really put me off was the ongoing cost of the Miele-branded bags. So expensive, and apparently no generic replacement bags on the market.
I think I've used this one and it was pretty good.
http://www.godfreys.com.au/vacuum-c...s/bagless/hoover-dog-and-cat-powerhead-vacuum
Not sure if it was this one exactly, although it looks like it. The one I'm thinking of was reduced to $99 on their infamous frequent sale days.
I can't believe they would reduce the price to $99 on sale days, that's such a deep discount.
This one did die eventually. Probably when it was choked with pet hair. However, for the price, I was happy with its lifespan.
I've never used a robot (the disc-looking ones). People say they don't suck as well as traditional vacuums, but are handy to use 2 or 3 times a week to cut down your cleaning time.
I'm waiting for the prices to drop from the current exhorbitant $500-$1000 rates. Also waiting for the technology to improve. Currently, reports are that cleaning times are slow, battery life short, and the discs have some trouble navigating rooms.