MOST Powerful Cordless Handheld
January 6, 2009
I have never written a Product Review before but decided to write one for this product because people were giving it unfair reviews.
This vacuum has the strongest suction power when compared to any other cordless hand held vacuums in the market. I have owned and tried many, including several Black and Decker, and they don't compare (in terms of suction).
It is true that it has a short battery life when compared to other vacuums, but people should be a bit more understanding. Battery technology is fairly consistent across all brands; battery efficiency does not vary greatly. Having all that suction power comes at a cost, less vacuum time. If you need to vacuum for extensive amounts of time, I'm not sure a cordless vacuum would be the best option. I estimate that I can get about 3 minutes of continuous vacuuming from the DC16.
I love the power of this vacuum, and I love the fact that it doesn't loose suction power when the battery is running out - the suction power always stays constant. Some other vacuum brands can brag about longer battery life, but it would be unfair to compare their battery life with that of the Dyson's. Other brands will start loosing suction power at the same rate that the battery looses its power, not so with the Dyson.
I love this vacuum and strongly recommend it for anybody looking for a quality hand held vacuum.
Simply an awful product.
January 5, 2009
Rarely do I take the time to review products, but this Dyson DC16 handheld vacuum is just so awful, and such a regrettable purchase, that I thought I could save others from spending $150 dollars on a product that is not worth of quarter of that. This is my first Dyson product - a whim purchase - and I will never entertain buying anything again from Dyson. It's funny how you can assume a value from a product based on it's price, and once you use this vacuum for 2 to 3 minutes and it shuts off - and you being to go about replacing your defective unit - only to realize that in the manual it states (proudly) "Up to six minutes of sucking power!"... you quickly realize that you totally wasted your money. I dare Dyson to put their "up to six minutes" claim proudly on the outside of the box and see their sales dive. Ignore these "I don't plan to clean my whole house with it, so battery life is no problem for me" glowing 5-star reviews... Not only could you not clean a house with it, or a room, but you would be lucky to clean up a single small mess. Seriously. I have never before used a product where you hold your breath, praying it keeps working for more than a few minutes. Absolutely ridiculous.
Probably the worst purchase I have ever made, and solidified my researching a product before, like a damn fool, I impulse buy.
Bottom line is this... Dyson should have at least included the ability to plug this in and use it, because the battery life is so tiny, that it's "sucking power" is totally negated. Product should be recalled and refunds given - Yes it IS that bad. Virtually any very basic handheld vacuum will preform better than the Dyson DC16 suck machine. This thing will sit on the charger sucking power for 99.9 percent of the time, and crash on you *quickly* when you need it... then back to its throne on the charger. Virtually every small job I attempt requires another cleaning tool or method to finish the job after the Dyson. Total failure.
Just like they say!
January 2, 2009
This machine has great suction and you can feel how well it is made when you use it. The battery life is about 6 minutes, which is what the box says it should be. But you get 100% suction for those six minutes, unlike most cordless vacuums I have used that start losing power immediately. If you need the machine for more than six minutes, you may be using it for something better suited for a corded vacuum. And, you never need to worry about ruining the battery by charging it too soon...it completely shuts off when the battery dies: time to recharge!
Poor Dyson Handheld
December 31, 2008
I completely agree with the other poor ratings. This Dyson handheld just can't cut it! I have to continuously hold the trigger (it quits, I hold it again, it quits, etc.) and my hand is sore after a brief pick-up (which took much longer than needed due to the poor battery life). Would not ever buy one again. The battery life is awful I will charge it to complete charge yet it can not run for more than 3 seconds without having to ignite the trigger constantly. Come on Dyson, you could have done better, much better! Going for a good ol dust Devil next.
Excellent for what it is
December 24, 2008
My husband finally purchased me this as a semi-present. I had a Shark handheld before this, and of course a dustbuster. We read bunches of reviews, and were somewhat nervous about spending that much money on a handheld vacuum. I am so glad we purchased it! I have wood floors and tile in my house, and use the vacuum to sweep on the piles of dust and debris on the floor. I have also used it to suck up a broken glass, and even use it for crumbs. I have NEVER had a problem with the battery; I think as long as you don't continuosly run the vacuum for over 3 or 4 minutes, you will be fine. And you need to remember, this is a vacuum for small spills, messes, etc. I don't have a problem with the weight, and I love the fact that to empty it requires only pushing of a button. I have recommended this to many friends and family, and am very satisfied with my purchase. Would highly recommend.
