I have to admit Oreck is not a machine that has been on my wish list (and I don't know anything of this latest halo thing), although I do have to say I had an opportunity to try that top of the line one like Morgan has, and thought it seemed fine. It's much quieter than the others. If it were any, that would be it, although price wise I don't think it's too far outside the neighborhood of the new Miele upright I just bought, and in that range I can't picture choosing the Oreck over the Miele unless weight was that big of a concern.
My friend Roger did have one he bought used once, a commercial model. It was loud but ok. Terry was there too and pointed out that it would likely be an acceptable choice or nice thing to have available for someone where weight would be an issue, and I can see that.
The Dyson I've not tried enough to have an opinion, but most likely I would avoid it as I simply do not care for bagless cleaners of any sort. I seem to recall something with using the hose portion being awkward or cumbersome, but it's been awhile.
Much as I love my Miele canister, as Morgan pointed out both the hose and cord are too short. I'm hoping they take a cue from their new upright which I also own and feel is very well designed, and lengthen both on future canister models.
I am curious to know what is up with the Lux J and Kirby Tradition? I've used both in the past, but they didn't seem markedly different than other like models of their brand. Did I miss something?
I don't know that I or any of us would find a machine that we would like everything about, and some I suppose will always be better than others. I'm not particularly disturbed by people having their opinions, one way or another. I can listen to them, do my own research and decide what is best for my situation from there.