Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Apparently there's a new Dyson model that will be launched in February at the VDTA Convention.  I don't know any further specifics on whether or not it's going to be a canister or upright, but apparently all attendees of the show will be able to see it and place their orders.  I wonder if the $899 pricetag will be a detriment to sales, or are Americans willing to pay a premium for superior performance and space-age motor technology?

Has anyone else heard anything yet?  I'm curious to know what it is as I bought the DC21 right when it came out in March.  That and the DC17 are the only ones that impressed me so far, it will be interesting to see how this one is.

M00seUK wrote:

M00seUK:

That would be my suspicion too: The existing hand held DC16 with the motorized nozzle.  Looks like a new marketing spin tho:  Billed as a gift for the man with a boat that has rugs.

Carmine D.

I read that Dyson is now going to supply the DC16 Handheld with a car charger so you don't have to wait to recharge the machine, and you can use it while it is connected to the car charger, charging.  I'm not sure which model it will be included with (I think the basic DC16 model), but it mentioned the price to be £129.99 so could be the base DC16.  It is going to be sold as a separate item for though who already have a DC16 at £29.99 I believe!  Not seen any pictures of it yet!

Just found the link:

http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/17125/18149/dyson-dc16-car-power-adapter.phtml

DC18

Hello DC18:

Interesting.  Thank you for the Web Site.  I'm wondering tho: The DC16 charge unit is for cars equipped with 12 volt batteries [according to the article].  Are new European cars still using 6 volt batteries?  Or now 12 volts like the USA?  And, if I'm correct and may not be, most US boats are powered by 2-12 volt [24 volts] batteries. 

Wondering if dyson plans to offer different DC16 charge units for these 3 battery venues?

Carmine D.

Hi Carmine D

Your welcome. Thought it might be of general interest to everyone.  I'm not sure what volt battery European Cars use, UK cars use 12 volt batteries!  It interesting this has come about, as it coinsides with a Boat Show they are appearing at in the UK!  I asked the Dyson Rep on the Dyson stand at the Motorshow in London as I've heard rumour there is to be a corded hand held from Dyson, but I was told no what would be the point, it wouldn't be as vesitile as the cordless one!  See their point but I would like to see one!  The charge unit contradicts the idea that the Dyson Rep said to me and Dyson original idea for this model.  Used for quick cleanups and spills.  I think people are wanting to use it for longer jobs and find it easier to use therefore wanting longer than the present 6 minute charge!  Hence the car charger where you can use it constantly without having to charge it up, effectively like it having a mains cord!

I do like mind for quick jobs around my home and car!  It comes in handy!

Be interesting to see if they plan to offer different charge units!  Probably not at first!  

DC18

DC18, M00seUK:

Good information.  Thank you for sharing. 

To my knowledge, no USA vacuum maker has ever marketed a car/boat hand held vacuum cleaner using power from the battery, save some specialty models but no name vacuum brands.  Usually these were not very good performers and didn't have very good sales.  Dyson is bucking the trend.  Interesting to see how well the DC16 with the car battery charger/power actually performs.  Do you have any knowledge of its operating worth using this venue?

Carmine D.

I too would like to see Dyson introduce a corded hand vac, or at least an optional adapter to run the machine full-time.  Would certainly justify the price a lot more, for most applications.  As much of a Dyson fan as I am, I can't see paying $160 for a glorified Dustbuster, i.e. a vacuum that only runs for a short time.  My thought when the DC16 was introduced was that it was going to be a "real" hand vac that could be used for a lot more than just quick pick-ups.  The DC16 Motorhead could be a very good contender for upholstery and car cleaning (perhaps even mattress cleaning), as well as small jobs, if either the run time was extended or it was corded. 

-MH

P.S.  Sorry I have not posted in a while, I'm sort of disappointed at the lack of activity here lately.  We need to get more interesting discourse going, both Dyson-related and non-Dyson-related

Motorhead wrote:

Hi MH,

I have always wondered how many of the DC16 sold.  I see them on store shelves but can't believe that they selling well as I don't see them as a practical expense -- especially due to the short operation time. 

Does anybody know how long you might run one off your car battery without it being a serious drain on juice?  Better yet, how much is involved in making a vesion that has a built-in voltage adjustment like some electric razors and laptop computers?  A built-in adapter that could handle voltage input between 12v and 220v would make the asking price a little more easy to take.

Best,

Venson

Dyson missed the boat, pardon the pun, with the DC16's operation and marketing.

Recently, I did some work at my daughter's house and made a mess before and after the job was complete.  I took along my 1970 HOOVER Swingette to do the cleaning up before and after.  Tho I would have preferred a hand held non-corded like the DC16 for the tasks.  Not with a 6 minute charge for $150 [straight suction] and $200 [revolving brush]. 

I think dyson missed the market for its hand held: Contractors and home improvement repair persons.  But before the DC16 can survive in this venue, it needs a longer run time.

Carmine D.

Venson wrote:
Hi Venson,

I've wondered the same thing, I would think not many.  I wonder if the main buyers of the DC16 are those who want a hand vac for quick pick-ups and want the novelty of owning something with the Dyson name on it, but do not want to shell out $400+ for one of their full-sized cleaners.  That might be one of the reasons for the Issey Miyake special edition version. 

When I'm using the car vac, I don't run it for long periods of time as it really does use power, about 10 minutes at the very most for me which is really all it takes for a good quick cleaning.  It could also be used with the engine running but that would be a major waste. 

I like the idea of the voltage adjustment.  120/240 doesn't involve much as Norelco was doing it with their electric razors in the 1980's.  Not sure what it would take to produce a variable 12-240 switch, can't say I've ever seen one of those before but with this technology there's no reason why it couldn't be done. 

At any rate, I would definitely like to see some improvement to the DC16 in the future.  *Definitely* a corded version, or longer run time on a cordless, however that is accomplished.

-MH