1--oreck xl, with or without hepa bags.
This is the lightest vacuum I've ever found. The bags, even the cheaper, non-hepa ones, help filter the dust a lot more than bag-less anything.
Warning, the suction is impressive, but bothersome on those sticky, muggy days, when it causes more drag.
2--Dyson V6 Hepa
Handheld vacuum for cleaning up on furniture and walls, window sills, etc. Very lightweight and extremely well set up for simple cleaning of filters and canister. Cordless with three speeds, according to your suction needs.
Warning, when they say 6 minutes on the highest setting, they aren't kidding. The lowest setting is enough for 16 minutes and seems to be enough for the amount of energy I can bring to any job these days.
Warning again. The ad that shows them emptying the canister again and again is true, especially for those of us who fill our house with pets of varying fur length.
Prices: The Oreck usually advertises at about US$300, but I found my latest one at Big Lots for $99. US$299 is the current sale price on the Dyson cordless. I went through Paypal, and got a bunch of attachments for free, most of them not really necessary.
Both Oreck and Dyson offer payment plans.
Pricey? Yes, but lightweight and manageable, even if using a cane or walker.
