I used to have a DC01 and now have whatever the latest upright is. Both seem to cope very well with pine needles, in fact the kids enjoy sweeping up vast tracts of needle strewn carpet so much we give the tree a good shake before taking it down
The best bit is the wonderful pine smell that stays the next 3 or 4 times the Dyson is used.

Dyson - I wouldn't use anything else again...so much better than the competition.