Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

A James Dyson t.v. commercial was parodied on Saturday Night Live.  James, in his lectures talks of an early decision to make his bin clear even when a focus group said seeing the vacuum debris was disgusting.  James said that’s the point and it was kinda like “taking a good look before flushing”(it got a big laugh at Stanford).  I think he’d like the parody.        DIB

I've uploaded a Kenmore Premalite tv commercial here.  Any comments?        DIB

Hi DIB,

Thanks for the Premalite commercial.  It's still in the plan to get one but postponed until more necessary things are seen to.  I did come across one disgruntled buyer's thoughts at epinions.com.  The complaint was that despite Premalite's good hose suction it was it did not produce the same when used as an upright.  This of course was interesting to me because the issue was somethng I'm not much aware of the average user taking note of.

I wondered at it but remembered that it was just about the same with a Royal Powercast I once purchased for someone. It's tool suction was terrific but delivery at the floor end turned out to be far less.  I tested this by turning off the brushroll and setting the cleaner on a large plastic bag.  The seal was easy to break indicating that the level of suction at the floor was nowhere near the same as that available via the hose.  I'd also note that I noticed no indication of a significant air leakage around the cover of its suction port for tools when closed.  Nonetheless, I'd match the Powercast's rug cleaning ability with any good machine out there.  It did a marvelous job on wall-to-wall that had been carelessly tended to by my friend's household helper.

Thinking on it further, I began to wonder if this may not have been part of the design scheme.  With a decently fashioned brushroll you really don't need tremendous suction to clean carpets well though high suction may aid in accomplishing thorough carpet cleaning faster.  I'd also assume that an intended suction bleed might allow the cleaner to be easier to push in general and easier to handle on throw rugs and small area rugs.  Great performer that it is, the Kirby G5 I also have presents a problem when going over small, light rugs.

Anyway . . . I'll get to see for myself soon.  Thanks again and all the best for the holidays.

Best,

Venson

Disney / Pixar    "Wall-E"         Here    Here

DysonInventsBig wrote:

I saw this during the super bowl.. :)

Dyson DC24 and others shown.  Here and DC24-Slow Motion.        DIB

DysonInventsBig wrote:
Great videos, thanks for sharing.  The DC24 appears to be the best out of the lot as far as the vacuums covered on that segment are concerned.  I've seen the Intensity in person and it appeared to be very cheaply made; I also know someone who had one at one point and they didn't care for it either, one of the plastic segments in the baseplate broke off somehow.  The Kenmore canister isn't bad, I'd say that was second best.  I always thought they were a bit big, but they've always been good performers and a decent value.

And there's the WindTunnel bagless canister that has been mentioned here many times.  I had never seen one out of the box until now and had no idea now big it was, though I never thought it would have been this big.  What a monstrosity.  I bet that oddly-shaped dirt cup with the nasty bin filter is a mess to empty on top of that.  Hope whoever has one of those has a large trashcan...

-MH

Motorhead wrote: You are welcome.        DIB

Silver winner of the Dyson Design Challenge interviewed on CanadaAM: http://www.ctv.ca/canadaam  > video link “Micha Wallace invented Braking devise”.  This video looks like it is about ready to be rotated off the video play roster.  Try also the video’s direct link if found (below).  It opened and played in my Windows Media Player.

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http://esi.ctv.ca/datafeed/urlgen2.aspx?vid=45316

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More of the awards linked below…

http://www.jamesdysonfoundation.com/jda/winner2008.asp

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91221-1312250,00.html

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DIB.

James Dyson at a press junket (presumably) for the DC24/25 launch.  http://video.yahoo.com/network/100000023?v=2353824&l=3442554

Dyson guys:  Since locating, linking videos and posting here are at times time consuming, let me know if you want me to continue posting videos.  I'd hate to be wasting my time.  Thanks.        DIB

DIB

Thanks for the video link on Dyson...liking the DC24!

DC18

DC18 wrote:
You're welcome.  I am glad I found this one.  It does seem James is getting less press than in the past launches.  But the DC24 and 25 are not totally new as was the DC15, did you notice this too?        DIB

Yes the DC24 and DC25 are not new in terms of the ball technology unlike when the DC15 was launched.  Although Dyson is plugging them as something new!!

James Dyson and his 2008 Innovation/Design Competition winners on Good Morning America.       

Nice video and report.  Thanks DIB.  Seems like prima facie evidence that James Dyson wants the ball technology to be his legacy for vacuums.  I have to wonder over that after the DC15 fizzled.  But who knows?  Maybe the second time is a charm?  I can't say I was overly impressed by the DC18, DC24/25 all of which are spinoffs of the original ball.  Too much bulk added to the vacuums' form and function. 

I'm impressed with the design/three wheels on the Dirt Devil Kruz which works marvelously to make the 8 pound stick vacuum feel weightless.  But the 3 wheels probably weigh 3 -6 ounces and fit in the palm of my hand with room to spare.  Of course, the draw back is it doesn't work on carpets just hardwood barefloors.

Carmine D.

Nice video and report.  Thanks DIB. 

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You’re welcome.

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Seems like prima facie evidence that James Dyson wants the ball technology to be his legacy for vacuums.

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It is one of many innovations.  The Ball is more or less a needed innovation and simply demonstrating it is easy to understand and advertise.  Dyson carved out another category all to himself…  our vacuums can turn and  pivot on a dime and our competitors don’t.

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I have to wonder over that after the DC15 fizzled.  But who knows?  Maybe the second time is a charm? 

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The DC15 in my mind was a very expensive proof of concept.  He proved people were indeed interested.  But weight and cost was not to be overcome it seems.  Although I love my DC15 and would recommend it (to men) over all other Dyson’s.

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I can't say I was overly impressed by the DC18, DC24/25 all of which are spinoffs of the original ball.  Too much bulk added to the vacuums' form and function. 

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Bulk?  Compared to what other turning vacuum?  You must remember, you’ve been using one of the lightest vacuums and using it presumably for a long time.  Pound for pound the Ball vacuums simply out maneuver all others.

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I'm impressed with the design/three wheels on the Dirt Devil Kruz which works marvelously to make the 8 pound stick vacuum feel weightless.  But the 3 wheels probably weigh 3 -6 ounces and fit in the palm of my hand with room to spare.  Of course, the draw back is it doesn't work on carpets just hardwood barefloors.

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It is just a twist on older products, it may work fine, but it’s just a twist.  This vacuum manufacturing field needs an inventive shot in the arm, don’t you think?  I find putting castors on a triangle boring and uninventive.  I have film of a Hoover Model “O” (or alike) using castors.  It indeed may move easy enough, but any competitor can feely copy it.  My potted floor plant sits on a triangular frame with castors.  Does Dirt Devil owe a bit of gratitude to my potted plant?   Just kiddin.        DIB

DysonInventsBig wrote:

Hello DIB:

I prefer the lightweight upright vacuums without on-board attachments for daily use: Like the Oreck and RICCAR/Simplicity.  The dyson ball wheel with its twisting and turning doesn't do anything for my cleaning needs.  I like the ease of getting the Oreck under furniture and beds.  The dysons can't go there with the ball wheels.  Hence the on-board attachments.  Also added bulk and weight for my daily vacuuming needs.

If you haven't used the Kruz, you can't appreciate its maneuvering on hard floors.  With the triangular floor nozzle, the Kruz virtually goes into the tightest and hard to reach areas with no hand/wrist weight.  [Like bathrooms behind the toilet and between the vanity cabinets and walls].  And cleans right up against the floorboards. 

Just like the HSN users, several women tried it in my house including my daughter and Wife.  They absolutely fall in love with it's ease of handling.  It has shortcomings but not loving to use it is not one.   Dirt Devil uses the same wheel design on the Kruz as it does on the Power and Easy glide uprights.  Inexpensive and simple.  And works effectively. 

There is a very real concept called over engineering.  Some like it.  Some don't.  I'm in the latter.

Carmine D.

Interesting video link DIB!  That DC24 is getting alot of coverage!

DC18,

It is always nice to get a response, I can count on yours.  Thanks.        DIB

Airblade,

Can you tell us how successful the DC18 was and if its success encouraged James to finance, develop and release more turning/pivoting Ball vacuums?  Thanks!        DIB

DysonInventsBig wrote:
Hey DIB,
I'm fairly certain that the DC24/25 vacs were in development before the DC18's success could be measured.  The majority of consumers that tried the DC15 thought that the idea was spectacular, but it was heavy..........there was always a plan to 'slim' it down.

Last I checked, DC18 was the #2 selling sku for Dyson, behind the DC17 Animal.

Airblade wrote:

Hello Matt:

Are you talking units sold, or dollars?  I'm not familiar with "sku."

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
Both units and dollars

SKU is short for stock-keeping unit.  It is a very common retail acronym.  According to Wikipedia, a sku is a unique identifyer (usually a number) for each of the distinct products and services that can be ordered from a supplier.

DC18 would be the model and DC18 All Floors would be the sku.

Thanks, Matt. 

Carmine D.

Airblade wrote:

Airblade.

Thank you for your response.  I was not at all expecting the 2 most expensive non-Ball uprights to be 1 and 2 in SKU’s.  With their MSRP’s of $500 and $479… amazing!  Well, it seems Dyson’s 2 biggest spenders/consumers are those who want 1) Dyson’s best - in what is believed to be best in suction and/or filtering.  And 2) Dyson’s best in maneuverability and weight, even if a little suction and filtering is sacrificed to keep the weight down.  A woman I know said she had a Dyson.  I asked which one?  She said, I do not know but I told my husband to by the best Dyson.  She described the vacuum and it was the DC17.

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James’ latest offerings have a singular "strong" look – the yellow (color for now) Ball line.  Am I to assume the DC25 is to replace the DC18?  James looks to be purposely creating a bold/uniformed signature look with the DC24/25 Ball’s.  These Ball vacuums sitting at retail are screaming “Look at me, I’m different – try me out and see if I can maneuver as good as James claims.”  I love the very simple yet ingenious DC18 ball design.  I’m curious, was launching the DC18 for the purpose of getting a quick to engineer/get in the publics hands so to finally prove a turning/pivoting market and to get feedback for the next Ball version?  To me, the DC25’s primary benefit for the user over the DC18 is the 20 extra airwatts.  The DC25's benefit for Dyson is it allows Dyson to advertise and claim the DC25’s suction is as good as full sized cousins.  My guess is the 200 airwatts of the DC18 could be a bit of a sticking point for consumers.

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Thanks again.        DIB

DIB wrote:

"Airblade.

Thank you for your response.  I was not at all expecting the 2 most expensive non-Ball uprights to be 1 and 2 in SKU’s [DC17 and 18].  With their MSRP’s of $500 and $479…"

Hello DIB:

Most big box retailers are discounting the DC17 and DC18 dyson models from MSRP.  But they don't advertise the prices. 

For example, we recently emailed about dysons not being on sale during several back to back Kohl's sales.  I noted that 2 Kohl's stores in N. Las Vegas have marked down the DC17 and DC18 models to $409 and $369 respectively.  Of course, they can't advertise the sale prices else be in violation of dyson MAP.  I don't know how long they have been discounted at these prices.  I recall also that K-mart and BEST BUY stores are selling these models, unadvertised of course, for comparable prices to Kohl's.  My sense is the lower prices account for the sales popularity too.

Carmine D.

Dyson vacuums are made in Malaysia.  Packaging for the DC21 and DC24 are pictured below.

James Dyson video interview on Fox News - 12/2007

DysonInventsBig wrote:

DIB:

12/2008?  Are you going back to the future?

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

1.21 gigawatts can do that sometimes. :)  I was in a rush,  it never pays to be rushed.        DIB

ArkansasMatters.com (consumer-styled report on vacuums) video.

Here > http://arkansasmatters.com/media_player.php?media_id=32761

Dyson targets Japanese vacuums that use the method of picking/knocking loose filter debris [to clean claim] in this DC22 commercial.        DIB

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Dyson Japanese DC22 commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-Bt949Xfw4

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Hitachi vacuum commercial shows a vibrating filter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlkRN74whHc

Thanks DIB - I love the Japanese adverts; they're a world apart from the rest of the world, with their wizzy sounds and animations!

I noticed this clip showing the DC12 (plus) being powered up :-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMqmibqVC-g&feature=related

Damn, the DDM sounds winey in use! I understand it has two power settings for this reason. Dyson sure have a challange if they want to improve on that.

Moose,

You’re welcome.  Yes, the DDM sounds a bit loud on camera, hopefully it is not too loud in person.  My Japanese neighbor tells me quiet appliances are needed for Japan’s small apartments with their rice paper partitioned rooms.  Below are some DC12 links.  If you like the Japanese adverts, perhaps you'll be amused watching the DC12 in-mall demonstrators (funny stuff).  Enjoy.        DIB

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v--Uo53zlno

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-cbAAhuvGE

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http://www.press.dyson.com/uk/release_details.asp?id=32&placement=PRESS&gid=11

5/5/08 - Jay Palmer of Barron’s Online, “loves Dyson’s latest vacuum cleaner (the DC24)…”

Video:  http://online.barrons.com/public/page/8_0007.html

 2008 Las Vegas Vacuum Dealers Trade Association trade show video.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1494779145?bctid=1472306858

DysonInventsBig wrote:

Thanks DIB:

Couple of observations: 

IRobot stole the show with the lead feature of its products.  Interesting that the iRobot rep made the same comment I did recently here: It complements a household full sized vacuum. 

Nice commentary on the importance of brushroll design, form, and function in the performance of the vacuum's operations.  Think dyson fans believe it!  I know one in particular who still doesn't despite years of proof to the contrary.  Including dyson phasing out [read discontinuing] the DC07/14 in the USA in part due to the brush rolls which perform poorly on kapok pick-up.  An industry standard test for rug demo-s.

Nice demo on SEBO Felix, despite the cornball vacuum jokes.

Only a passing glimpse of the dysons and didn't appear to be any new stuff, just the same old.

Not many persons in attendance based on this short clip. 

Carmine D.

Kyle K. on CBS "Assignment America."   Watch video.

I posted this for all the doubting Thomases.  Here's a new Oreck XL upright with a 3 year warranty and free shipping for $199.  Carmine D. $199 Oreck XL® Classic, now thru 5/28. Shop Online or call 1-800-289-5888
	Online Catalog | Bags & Belts | Outlet Store
	The vacuum that cleans a million hotel rooms a day is now only $199! But you'd better act fast. This limited time offer is available through May 28th only. Shop Now Rather order by phone? Call 1-800-289-5888 to speak to a customer service representative. Top Features of the Oreck XL® Classic: At only 8-lbs, it's one of the lightest full size vacuums you can buy. Powerful filtration traps particles as small as 1/100th the width of a human hair, with virtually no after dust. Goes from carpets to bare floors instantly. No manual adjustments are required. Long 3-year warranty. Order Online or call 1-800-289-5888 Offer includes upright only.
Order online or call 1-800-289-5888 to place an order 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Share this great offer! Forward to a friend today. Having trouble viewing this email? View this email on our website. Are your Oreck emails getting caught in a spam filter? Learn how to ensure you receive Oreck emails. Offer valid through 5/28/08. Free Shipping applies to Standard Shipping only within the continental US. (Does not apply to Express Shipping.) There is a $25.00 additional charge for delivery to Alaska and Hawaii, a $50.00 additional charge for delivery to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and a $75.00 additional charge for delivery to Guam. We don't want to send you any unwanted mail. If you'd like to be removed from this mailing list, click here. Oreck Privacy Policy © 2008 Oreck Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. All trademarks and product configurations are owned and used under the authorization of Oreck Holdings, LLC. Oreck Corporation, 1400 Salem Road, Cookeville, TN 38506

CarmineD wrote:
Thanks.  Now all can understand why hotel rooms are so dirty.

What are you talking about it cleans great for 5 or 6 rooms................then oh-oh,the belts broken,and then the room smells like someone did a burnout in it..............

MOLE

mole wrote:
Funny.        DIB

Thanks.  Now all can understand why hotel rooms are so dirty.  HARDSELL

HARDSELL:

After the umpteenth time here, your Oreck material is losing its comical appeal. 

I like Mole's characterization the best.  He used it once on this Forum and once on another [if I recall correctly]: He calls Oreck: A hokey on a stick.  I love it!

Carmine D.

Hi Carmine,the phrase is motorized hoky,I heard that one from a hoover rep in the early 80's.......

MOLE

mole wrote:

Hi Mole:

Thank you.  I love it!  HOOVER is the source of many of the vacuum industry's terms and vernacular.

Carmine D.

I would LOVE to have the stats on how many people respond to that ad who actually walk out of the store with the $199 model vs another more costly version!

Me thinks this is a classic advertising/marketing bait and switch....

Hello Lucky1:

It's an on-line order, good for one day.  Free shipping.  $199 for the upright with a 3 year warranty.  I'm considering buying another as a gift for someone. 

I bought 4 in the last year of the same model from a mailed offer to me.   $150 each, plus shipping and taxes, with a one year warranty. 

It do happen despite the doubters.

Carmine D.