Although the models without on-board tools were never that popular, I have to say the way in which the hose connects is, in my opinion, one of the best designs ever seen on an upright cleaner. I think I even prefer it to that of the Electrolux 500 series, though quite how easy it is to pull round a cleaner like this with the hose on the side rather than the middle, I don't know. Can you tell us, Alex?