Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

It is most definitely a surface cleaner.  And most robots these days are that: surface cleaners.  That's the reason in part I said they are used to supplement full sized user required vacuums.  As a supplement, I would not expect the sales to rival full sized vacuums.  They are not counted along with vacuum sales.  But in a specialty category for household appliances. 

iRobot for 14 years was in the business of making robotic bomb detonators.  Still does.  But it was unprofitable all the time.  Why? Because there was no pervasive demand for bomb detonators among the buying US public.  When it used the robotic technology to mass produce the Roomba in 2002, the company's profits soared.  First time in 14 years it did not run a loss.  The following spring, the privately held company went public at $12 per share.  Prices of the robotic vacuums went down with subsequent generations of models, due in part to the influx of investors' capital for the purchase of its stock.  Sales are and have been brisk [at least here in the USA].

iRobot owns the market for robotic vacuums in the USA.  And will I suspect for the near term.  There is no viable competition even close in performance, price, or sales.  All this in the same time [actually 6 months less] than the time dysons have been in the USA.  Roombas are number 1 in their class.    

Carmine D.

If you haven't seen, here is a link on the various household and garden products offered.  More importantly the number of products, on-line customer support to maintain all the products, and tips for use.  Very impressive to me. 

http://homesupport.irobot.com/cgi-bin/irobot_homesupport.cfg/php/enduser/home.php?clear_cookie=1

BTW, despite the economic market downturns and additional issuance of more irobot stock, which generally dilutes the stock market price, the iRobot share price has held steady at $12.50.  Not many stocks can make this claim so far even this year to date.  Most have seen stock hits of 10-20 percent.  Must be doing something right for everything wrong. 

Carmine D.

Dyson’s launched the Airblade in Canada.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080512.RDYSON12/TPStory/Business

Dyson on HSN (I have not idea what will be selling) this Friday and Saturday.

http://www.hsn.com/cnt/program_guide/default.aspx?typ=1&pg=0&disp=0&usai=0&date=5/16/2008

Ace,

Yes, I saw your link, thanks.  I happened to catch the broadcast live, I hope to see the DC24 demoed soon too.        DIB

If my count is correct this makes 9 in 4 weeks.  Will I get 10?  Week ain't over yet!

Carmine D.

video demo:  http://home-solutions.hsn.com/dyson-the-ball-dc24-all-floors-lightweight-upright-vacuum_p-4115424_xp.aspx?web_id=4115424&ocm=sekw

schedule:  http://www.hsn.com/program-guide_xh.aspx?typ=1&pg=1&disp=0&print=0&date=05/16/2008

Thanks for your opinion once again.  You are certainly a loyal dyson admirer and fan, which preempts you from objectivity.  My sense is the research marketing companies seek an honest broker who has no vested interest in dyson/dyson products.  [Did I mention I've received several telephone calls too for the same purpose?]

While I have the time and the wherewithal, unfortunately I do not have the inclination.  The dyson DC24 doesn't interest me at all.  Saw it, tried it, don't like it.  A downsized DC18 Slim which are $399 retail before discounts and incentives at the big box stores which stock them. 

By last count there are 5 different companies and 9 offers of a free DC24.  

Carmine D.