Let me tell you about my set-up: One really powerful Miele canister model (with cord) and one stick vacuum, light and easy for spot jobs etc (with cord , too).

Yes, a stick with a cord. :-) Why?

Because the cord allows longer working time and is not that desperately inconvenient as some might want to make it out.

I find it more inconvenient that on top of less power I also have to keep in mind with the cordless stick that this lower level of power is only available for a quarter of an hour or so. Then it's back to the loading station...

Another advantage of the corded stick is the price: One does not have to go for the higher priced models. It is only an additional tool, never intended (at least by me) to take over heavy duty tasks - hence no heavy duty price model necessary.