I like these little Shark electric (battery operated) sweepers. My last one lasted for many years. They do a better job on indoor-outdoor carpeting than a big vacuum does, so I use mine every week on the front porch. It's also VERY light, so it's easy to carry down to the basement and do the carpets there too.
This new one isn't as powerful as the old one I had, but it still does a very nice job. For $30, you can't beat it:
They have one that's a little more powerful for $50:
