People say the DC18 Slim is expensive compared to other Dyson Vacuums and other cleaners of course.  I can't comment in the US but here in the UK the Dyson DC18 Slim is no more expensive than the DC03 when that came out in the lates 90's.  That retail at £279.99 when it first came out and the top model £299.99.  The only difference between the 2 was the Zorb kit!  They both had x2 HEPA Filters.  To say the DC18 is a complete improvement on the DC03 to retail around the same price is very good!  Yes if you compare it to some other Dyson models (depends which one) it can retail more!  The Dc07/DC14 Animal in the uK retail normally at £299.99 where as the DC18 is £279.99!
 
If you shop online that price can change.  A well known Supermarket was retailing the DC18 Slim at £154.00 at one point!  Well over a £100 off the RRP!
 
Yes it can be more than other Dyson Models like the DC07/DC14 but so was the DC03 compared to  the DC01 and even when the DC04 came out after! Yet the DC03 still sold because the main facter was the light weight compared to the DC01/DC04.
 
The DC18 slim has more power (1200 watt) to the (700 watt) DC03, better brush bar, and weights about the same give or take a bit, has to be good value to retail at the same price in the UK!  It has the ball technology but a simple version of it!  Alright the DC03 laid flat on the floor to go under furniture and you could hang it on the wall but the DC18 is a much needed replacement here in the UK for the DC03.  I think it is one of the best Dyson uprights Dyson has produced for the UK.  It certainly is selling well here!  My Mum is impressed with it!
 
The DC18 head is I believe the same size of the DC01 that James Dyson launched into the UK around 1993/1994!  Like the DC01 the DC18 fit easy into smaller places unlike other Dyson models.
 
I personnally think the DC18 suction is the same as the the DC15 when using the tools!  The main cleaning head is probably better! Why?  I think that is down to the fact:
 
1: Central air intake from the brush bar area
2: Head is samller
3: No large debris channel at the front so no suction is lost there
 
People didn't moan here in the UK when prices for Vacuums started to rise in the late 80's and early 90's to over £100 if not the £200 mark.  They paid for a good Hoover TurboMatster or Electrolux 600 series!  Yet there was nothing special about them other than the motor wattage increased.  Dyson comes along and retails his technology over £200 and some people start to question it!  I have to say since Dyson came onto the UK market the vacuum market has gone down hill here in the UK.  Other brands like Hoover and Electrolux are knocking out 'cheap' vacuums compared to there 70's, 80's and earlier 90's models!  Mainly all cheap bagless models that look cheap!  No wonder Dyson and models like the Slim are doing well in the UK!  UK people have realised you have to pay for better technology and Dyson at present fills that gap!

So Carmine are you saying Constant suction as measured by Air watts should be the number one criteria in measuring vacuum performance?  For what it is worth I think it is more important than many in the industry would admit but should still only be a piece of the larger puzzle.

Quote from JimB on 04/07/07 at 9:23am:

 
Sounds like dyson (and you) are trying to have it both ways.  
 
This is exactly what so called "dyson-haters" have said all along.  It's taken 5 years for "dyson-lovers" to agree.  Chalk one up for the "dyson-haters" thanks to the DC18 and DC21.  
 
Carmine D.

Hi,all these airwatt ratings are taken at the motor out of its enviroment,probally with a 240 volt charge put into it.
 
  O.T.

Quote from JimB on 04/07/07 at 10:23am:

 
Hello JimB:
 
I already did.  You're not paying attention.  
 
Quote from Carmine_Difazio on 04/07/07 at 9:45am:

 
Quote from Carmine_Difazio on 04/07/07 at 9:57am:

 
 
Carmine D.