I think it is probably just a personal preference for each person, but we bought a Dyson probably a couple of years ago. We love it! It is expensive, but I think it was well worth it. We have had a Dirt Devil and an Oreck in the past and they didn't work all that great. We had the Dirt Devil, I think for 1 year, and the motor burned up. The Oreck did ok for awhile, but then started not to pick up very good. We have 2 dogs and 5 cats which is why we bought the Dyson Pet vaccum. It seems to pick things up well. It does have attachments (I believe there is 3 or 4).
The only thing negative that I can say is that it is somewhat heavy compared to others we've had. I can manage with it, but it can be hard to carry up the stairs. You do have to clean the filter every 6 months also (and probably your canister also if you have a dusty house like we do).
I don't really know for sure about hardwood floors as most of our house is carpeted. We do have one room with tile and one with harwood. It seems to do well.
Hope that helps you!
The only thing negative that I can say is that it is somewhat heavy compared to others we've had. I can manage with it, but it can be hard to carry up the stairs. You do have to clean the filter every 6 months also (and probably your canister also if you have a dusty house like we do).
I don't really know for sure about hardwood floors as most of our house is carpeted. We do have one room with tile and one with harwood. It seems to do well.
Hope that helps you!