Nothing sucks like an Electrolux ...

... that phrase has stuck in my head for years after taking a marketing class and learning that sometimes things get lost in translation.  Anyway, I'm on the hunt for a small dust-buster type of vacuum.  Not big, and preferably quiet, too, as Madeline has lately become freaked out by our full-size Hoover.  I feel bad that our budgie doesn't get much time outside of his cage but I don't want Madeline to end up with hands covered in birdie poo and birdseed shells, and I was thinking that a quick vacuum in the morning would do the trick and grant Edward some freedom.

I was at first thinking of checking out the Euro-Pro Shark.  From the Amazon reviews, i gather that it would be great on our hardwood (and suck up all of those annoying down feathers!), but I'm skeptical now because I'd want to use it on our area rug as well.  Boo. Must research.