We put in central vac when we redid the kitchen 4 years ago.  Were able to retrofit the whole house at the time, although some of it was a bit of a challenge.  I love it, wouldn't be without it, if this one dies, we will replace it.  Our power unit is a "Dust-Care" brand.  We bought it thru someone who installs units in up-scale homes in the Atlanta GA area, and this is the brand that he recommended.  We've had no trouble with it at all.  I have no knowledge of the Hide-a-hose brand at all.   You say you have hard-surface floors......you'll probably want the dustpan option in the baseboards.  Makes for a quick sweep up with a soft bristle broom and they're very inconspictuous.  Can still do an intensive cleaning with the hose and floor tools when necessary, but a quick sweep gets ya by day-to-day.  Did I mention I love ours?  And would replace it in a heartbeat if it died?   :-)