What features to look for in a hand held hoover thingy?

[canichangemymind]

Since having stair gates up our narrow stairway is an even bigger ball ache to clean these days so have decided to buy one of the above. Plus whenever we get the Betterware book they always look like one of those things we should own.

Any suggestions for features that are ace? We have no pets but since DD arrived 1.5 years ago my own hair is molting like a very hairy dog.

Having to type and run to nip out but promise will visit soon!

Thanks xx

Check the operating time on the rechargeable ones. We bought one with a power cord, and there aren't many of them, because the operational time on some is about 20 minutes on a full charge. That would be my only piece of advice.

I know this isn't quite what you're asking, but I have the Dyson Animal hand held and it is brilliant. It has 6 minutes of battery time on full charge, but more than enough to clean the stairs (this is what i use it for too).

I have had about 4 hand helds and the Dyson one is the only one that has had enough suction to worth having if you're using it as a proper hoover (rather than for just picking up the od crumb).

Thanks!Off to look at the Argos book now