Thanks, Chris!
I certainly hope to try the Vax LiFE out - when I get the chance to do so, I'll share my thoughts (and pictures!) with the forum.
So far, the main negative that I can see is the price; at £199.99, it has to be the most expensive stick-vac on the market, but if it lives up to the hype, it might be worth it. I just wish it was multi-cyclonic.