Hello Venson:
 
Wonderful article.  My sense is this is the vacuum that Mom purchased for her daughter.  If so, a good choice at a good price:
 
http://www.shopping.com/xGS-Kenmore%2025614%2025615%20Progressive?redir=1&CLT=XPO1&BSC=1
 
And this was the "leader" which the daughter thought she was buying:
 
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Vacuum+Cleaners+%26+Floor+Care&pid=02026212000&vertical=HSWR&subcat=Canister+Vacuums&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
 
My vote is for the Mother's choice.
 
Carmine D.

Hi,
 
The top-of-the-line models do have electronic speed/suction control.  Re the Progressive series Kenmore basically prices the same vacuum per the bells and whistles added on.  The machine I bought just prior to my Iridium had not only variable but a light on its telescopic wand for use when cleaning under things with just the bare floor tool on working in narrow not well lit spaces.
 
Kenmore's upper line bells and whistles are nice but not necessary however they can usually be had at good price as Sears often offers sales.
 
Venson

Indeed that would be nice for the consumer but the manufacturer is usually is hell bent on exacting every penny that can be got for every nut and bolt included in the making of the thing.  Meaning that a two-speed motor would exact a two-speed motor price since the makers are not in business to give anything away.  That's when the the public learns to live with just one speed at the one-speed price.
 
Venson