RAT, suppose it had been the same as it is - a 5-6 minute run time - but also had the option of running it on a cord from a 12V transformer plugged into the wall, or from a cigarette lighter socket?

I came across this one poster's review of the DC16 hand held and thought it was very well written and informative.  
 
Since the reviewer is a self-professed dyson fan (unlike me), I thought it was a "Fair and Reasonable" review to post on this thread.  To balance out the perspective of the reviewers' negative criticism of yet another overpriced dyson failed product.  
 
I was especially interested by the user's account of his  pet's reaction to the dyson's.  My English lab, who you would assume have an inclination to like dyson, ran from the room whenever she saw the DC07 pink, especially during use.  I presumed it was the gawdawful ratcheting noises that were the cause.  But maybe not.  In any event unlike the poster who returned his DC16 to BEST BUY (as you will learn many others did) I gifted my DC07 away.  
 
Ironically whenever I use my other vacuums, including my HOOVER FloorMate, my lab is right there to help out.  (Fortunately the FM dries the ceramic tile floor very well or I would have little doggie paws all over my finished floor.  We live in the desert and my lab still forgets on occasion to clean her paws when she enters the house).
 
http://www.epinions.com/content_278485110404  
 
Carmine D.

The other option would have been to make the battery packs removable and interchangable with some popular brand of cordless drill like DeWalt or Makita. Then the owner of the drill, who always has a charged battery pack or two would be a natural buyer, plus they could second-source the product with the other brand-name. They could also have then sold it without a battery pack or charger for a lot less, and would probably have moved a lot more units.

Quote from Carmine_Difazio on 04/26/07 at 8:52am:

 
Kind of funny as Sears has yet to carry the DC16 in their stores.  Or is this another one of your purposeful mistruths to "punk" someone.

Quote from JimB on 04/26/07 at 9:32am:

 
Hello JimB:
 
Several of the SEARS GRAND store locations did "try-out" sales of the DC16 (to test the market demand) before going store-wide.  Obviously, you know the result.  
 
Carmine D.