Vacuum question

We are in the need of a new vacuum. What do you recommend, canister style or upright. We've had uprights for a while, but are considering a canister. This will be for carpet, some rooms with thinner carpet than others, but none will be shag. Would love to hear your opinions and experiences. Do canisters last longer then uprights? Do they have better suction? What brands? We know we can't afford the top of the line, but do not want the bottom of the line. We are figuring at least a couple hundred dollars???????

We are finding that our uprights last only about 3-5 years. Our wheels are shot on this one, totally. We just had it repaired for other reasons earlier this year. sigh.

thanks