I got this vac over others due to the removable 20V MAX B&D batteries that use the same ones as their tools. Only a few cordless stick vacs have that sort of option. You can even buy a battery adapter for other manufacturers' 18/20V batteries (I have one for Milwaukee M18 and Makita), so you don't have to invest in more batteries if you already have some. More importantly, you are not stuck with the 2Ah battery--if you want longer run time, you can get bigger batteries (it will of course increase the weight of the vac), or get a few more 2Ah batteries and keep going. Most of the other stick vacs have sealed internal batteries. The battery charger is clever--you can charge just the battery, or charge it while it's inserted in the vac, or place the charger into the wall mount so that it can charge when it's hanging there.As for the vacuum itself, it's pretty powerful. The brushless power head does a great job of lifting up tons of hair and dust from my carpet, about as good as my full-sized corded vac. The vac is a bit heavier than I expected, and the stick is not adjustable (so it could be awkward for short people), but nevertheless, I don't have a problem maneuvering it.Everything fits snug, so there is no rattling, creaking or flexing. But with such tight fitting components, there's no tolerance for easy "one-handed" detaching or attaching--it fits and clicks in, or it doesn't. While this is good in general, the waste canister needs a bit of effort to pop out for emptying and snap back into place. Not the best design, but effective, and the seals are tight. The unforgiving fit also applies to the battery and charger, so it takes a little bit of effort to line up and click in.As others have noted, the biggest drawback to this vac is that there isn't enough clearance between the head and the floor. While this provides excellent suction under the head, larger debris gets pushed around. And it has little to no suction around the front and sides of the head, so you'd have to use the other attachments to touch up the crevices around baseboards/walls.Still, if you want a great hair, dust and dirt vac because you have pets or wear shoes in the house, this is a far better value for this job than overpriced Dyson or mediocre cheap stick vacs. It's a great option for vacuuming in between a more thorough vacuuming session with your corded canister or house vac.