Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Here's the details of a trademark that Dyson has filed for a to-be-launched project, the 'Digital Slim':-

http://www.ipo.gov.uk/types/tm/t-os/t-find/t-find-number?detailsrequested=C&trademark=2552353

As usual, the trademark covers a multitude of product categories. Personally, I'd reckon the most likely candidate is a 'slim' upright vacuum, with a 'digital' motor. Dyson have used the 'slim' name before - on the DC18. The upright range has long been missing a product with digital motor. I would also be good if by slim, they mean as thin in profile as the DC03 - which could be hung on the wall and take up next to no space inside a storeage cupboard:-

The major downside was it's small, weedy motor. But if replaced with a similar model using a digital motor, it wouldn't have that same issue.

mole wrote:
Oh god no, not the DC03 again! I had three of them and each time it was either the motor or the filtration system that let it down. This was in the days when I was open to British engineering and design. I loved the DC03's weight and often thought it would have made a good rival to Sebo's Felix or a smaller compact upright.

Dyson will continue to price their products as per their design format. Replacing motors with the DDM isn't such a bad policy and up until now Dyson have always commanded a premium price. I for one would welcome a budget bargain Dyson, particularly in light of Vax's Mach series other than the "Air" model which is lighter than Dyson's DC25, Dyson must know that there's a market for a cheaper Dyson given the success of Vax's Mach series.

vacmanuk wrote:
Hi Vacmanuk, interesting comments. When I first brought a Dyson cleaner, I was offered the choice of the DC03 or DC04. I went with the DC04 as it was more traditional looking (for a Dyson) and the clear bin was bigger. I don't have any direct experience with the DC03, but it certainly sounds like many people suffered problems, back in the day. The review Carmine quotes from mentions problems with wand / handle - this is the same part used on the DC04 and I too had this issue - although it was quickly replaced by Dyson for a new, improved, part.

I can't personally see Dyson going down the 'budget bargain' pricing, as least on the current watch. 'More affordable' - yes, but price themselves too low and they'd risk diluting their status as an aspirational, high-end brand.

The DDM has typically been reported as being more noisey that a standard motor. If this product *does* use a digital motor (seems likely), I wonder it it would be the full size (as used in the AirBlade) or the smaller version (as used in the handhelds).

CarmineD wrote:
You're right - it could even have a format that's more like a stick vac and / or cordless - they certainly have the knowledge to do this, if there's a good case. Using the DDM would increase the performance and decrease the effective weight. There needs to be a good reason for the product, if it's undoubtly priced above the competition.

M00seUK wrote:

Of the 29 DC03 reviews, 8 [eight] specifically say the handle/wand broke.  6 [six] reviews [seperate from the 8] call into the question the product integrity, feel of plasticity, durability, cracks in plastic and question the longevity of DC03 useful life.  In a group of 29 reviews there is no doubt bias imputed by the users and buyers.  So I included ONE review NOT included in either of these 2 other categories which is from a dyson call center worker.  [Interestingly the dyson worker says dyson DC03 is more reliable than DC07].  One might argue that the worker has an ax to grind.  That's possible.  Nonetheless, the dyson worker's review and at least 14 others are all in sync. I've quoted the dyson worker's review verbatim here. 

Carmine D.

Overall Rating

I work for dyson in the call center. We get thousands of calls a week. The main fault with the Dyson dc03 vacuum cleaner is that the clutches may go and the handle can snap. Also there is a big problem with the power cables failing (although dyson would never admit this). All in all more reliable than the dco7 but not as reliable as the dc04.

I posted this link above and included here again.  All 29 reviews for DC03 are here:

 http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews679.html

Carmine D.

M00seUK wrote:
Dyson will not fail if it provides cheaper pricing. They are not a company in my mind who provide premium built products; they have always prided themselves in engineering and design. Their products could be a lot better made if "premium" was really at the top of their requirements.

vacmanuk wrote:

I second your view vacmanuk.  All companies, regardless of their products, understand they have to reduce prices from MSRP and offer sales/incentives to be competitive and maintain/increase sales year over year.  Similarly, they have to offer a range of products and prices to meet the budgets and requirements of all users/buyers.  To the extent that their budget/more affordable models are product worthy performers for the prices, they build future brand loyalty for their higher priced models and even other same brand products.  Using this broad pricing approach to brand/product sales grows the brand name, increases the company/brand customer base, and conceivably maintains and even increases sales over time.  Allowing the company to be competitive and profitable over the long haul.

Carmine D.

mole wrote:

HI MOLE:

It's all about marketing.  Sir James has successfully altered [some] peoples' thinking when it comes to vacuum purchases.  He's made people buy vacuums at premium prices to products based on emotions rather than practicality.  He took a page from Steve Jobs and apple.  How's that working out for Jobs, apple and the iPhone4? 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

My 8 year + old mac is still being supported and running w/o any viruses thus a FAR more quality and intelligent purchase than any Windows machine. It's working out great. You don't have to upgrade even as 1/3 as often as a windows machine, and yet it's still FAR more efficient and better designed/stable, reliable, and secure. Similar to Dyson; the point is lest cost to the user, easier to use design, and great performance. Yes, they're premium priced, but worth it if you want better quality (besides Kirby and such).

Hertz wrote:

I'm sorry I'm confused by tour statement.  Are you saying you have an 8 year old dyson DC03 that is still running as good as new?  Or just saying it could because apples do? 

Carmine D.

Hertz wrote:
Ugh. Dont compare an Apple to a Dyson. You have no idea.

Dyson reliability is below par in the UK even if Dyson would have his customers think differently. Less cost to the user isn't quite right when the "Brush Control" models break their belts and a call out charge has to be paid for EVEN if under guarantee. I know that - Ive paid for it! Easier design? How can it be easier to clean under low furniture when the bin gets in the way? Or if the ball gets in the way? How can it be easy to clean with a hose that is permanently attached to a bent handle? Then there's the useless Bacteria Plus filters - total rubbish - dust forms on the rubber seals that barely keep the paper pleated cone filter in and cost replacements are more expensive than Sebo or Miele filters.  Yes, Dysons are certainly premium priced but they're not as well built as Sebo or Miele, or latterly as "easy to use." As for "great performance," well, its all in the eye of the beholder / hand of the owner; the noise levels are far too noisy for me to cope with!