The RICCAR Supra Lite RSL3 and/or Simplicity Freedom F3500, MSRP about $350-$379.  Approximately 9 pounds.  HEPA rated. Headlight. 30 foot cord.  Bagged.  Very good carpet performance.  Excellent barefloor cleaners.  Quick and easy to use.  Two year warranty.  
 
This company also makes the HOOVER Ultra Lightweight which is comparably appointed and priced with a 2 year warranty.
 
If you want to spend a little more visit this website for the Lux Lite and look at the Specs and Features: http://www.aerusonline.com/products/vacuumcleaners/luxlite.cfm
 
Carmine D.

I think that you should test drive the Riccar Supalite or Simplicity Freedom "8lbs." uprights.  They clean carpeting very well.  They are very powerful for a liteweight upright.  There is virtually no "handle weight" when vacuuming.  These have a looped handle which is a big plus if the user has limited hand strength.
 
Like Carmine said, you can find this vacuum under the HOOVER nameplate for about the same price.  There is another nameplate you can also find this machine under, but it is not available everywhere like the previously mentioned.
 
The only ORECK models that I would even give a nod to is their top of the line upright XL21.  They clean better than the older models.  They have stiffer bristles and better wheels and wheel placement.  I still would not recommend one at the prices they are asking.
 
I know of the Lux Lite from its original maker and find that it cleans quite well.  The bags are quite common, so they will be easy to obtain.

Specs on Aerus Lux Lite and Oreck XL Classic Model
 
                  Aerus Lux Lite   Oreck XL    
Brushroll RPM   7100              7,000
Sound (dbA)    87.46              93.29
Normal bag Cap. Liters
                    7.8                    6.9
Max bag cap.  10.1                  9.1
Air Flow (CFM)  50                   45.8
Airwatts power  36.3               12.67
Corrected Sealed base Suction  
Inches of waterlift-20.9            10.7
 
 
  Looking for other specs.                              

Tiger21;
 
I am not sure why you are comparing the Lux Lite and the ORECK XL Classic when we are talking about the XL21.  The XL21 is an improvement, but like I said, I still would not recomment it.