With an unexpected short term lay-off, I have some time on my hands. I'm going crazy since I've never been laid off before, so I'm having to find things to do to keep me occupied. I'll have some other reviews of go-fast parts tp test for the Supra, but for now...here's a vacuum review.
I have previously owned the first Gen Dyson DC07 vacuum and loved it. I like most Dyson things...this guy is a gifted engineer...and the engineer in me is really appreciative of his efforts! My review for it is here:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,52777.0.htmlThis new Dyson DC18 is their lightest model, and has several improvements from the old model.
1)First...it's about 5 pounds lighter. No biggie for me...but Import Queen appreciates this. It's also about 25% narrower I'd say. The biggest thing here is the "Ball" mechanism. Instead of riding on wheels like a normal vacuum, it rides on an oblong ball. The head is jointed. So it moves effortlessly and swivels into areas very easy.
2)Next is the powered head. On the old version, the head used the same motor as the suction motor and powered the head via a clutch. This new version has a separate power unit for the head and one for the suction. This can be turned on/off on the fly via button for easy switching between carpet and solid flooring. On the old version, you had to stop, put vacuum in upright position and switch off the clutch/head before continuing.
3) Ergonomics are much improved. The shape of the handle closely matches the angle your hand/wrist is in while vacuuming. And the way the handle/extension comes off is much improved. You simply pull on the red handle tip, and the whole unit comes off the base so you can quickly put on attachments. Easier than the old model and quicker too!
4) Filter location is improved. The Dysons have 2 filters. One HEPA and one pre-filter. On the old model, the pre-filter was on the bottom. It's on the top now and access is via a single button. Nice.
How does it work? As with all Dysons, amazingly. It really sucks..but in a positive way. I thought the smaller size might means less suction, and it isn't. Ok..well is IS slightly less powerful than the DC07..but not that I could notice. Item was also purchased locally from a vacuum retailer...and we got it cheaper than the big box places too. $479 isn't cheap...but the quality of the unit, 5 year warranty, and we got a bonus "spring cleaning kit" (value $115) which includes dusters that go onto the wand/hose of the unit. It actually works too..I dusted several pieces of furniture and they came out dust free. Cool. Oh yea, the vacuum is also certified by the Canada Asthma organization too...so my allergies and Import Queens asthma don't flare up.
Here's some pics...though I didn't take these.
