What's the big problem with a cord? Just plug it in and throw the cord over your shoulder. I've got one of those long, outside-type orange heavy-duty extension cords so I don't have to keep plugging it in and unplugging it. I've always found the cordless ones don't have nearly as much power.
Something for which I have little enthusiasm. I do it when it becomes absolutely necessary (like wading ankle-deep in tracked cat litter). Of course, I live alone in a 2500 sq ft Victorian house, most of which is unused as a living space.
We bought a lightweight pricey Oreck years ago, not only did it not pick up dirt very well, but it burned through belts for the light use it got, like crazy. A free hand held came with it that I use to do the stairs and corners, and any cat litter that's tracked around. I had a Dustbuster once that was pretty useless, rechargeable, didn't pick up much of anything.