Jay to answer some questions....
1. Q.I have been told by two people that the silver non-electric telescopic wand, part #05658811 will NOT fit the hose for the capricorn and s5 series models with electrified hoses because the electrical sockets on the ends of the hoses keep the non-electric wand from fitting all the way onto the hose. I have been told by two people that this non-electric wand WILL fit and that there is no issue. Can you clarify this for me?
a. As far as I know, the silver, telescopic, non-electric wand (should) fit.... I will try at work tomorrow to see if that will be or not be the case. Since I'm home I cannot do that right now..LOL. There should be enough space between the power socket, and the actaul ferrule that inserts in the wand for clearance I believe.
A part II : If that is the case that you cannot use the non-electric wand,with the electric hose; you could opt to purchase the hose that is used on the S5280 Pisces model to use when using the suction only attachments. It is not nearly as convienent, but will save the wand and or hose from becoming damaged if it's not possible to use with the electric hose.
A part III : Finally, none of the above need be nescesary. The SEB-236 comes with a wonderful quick release mechanism on the PowerBrush neck, so there is NO need to bend over to disconnect anything. So whomever uses it, can do tool changing without hurting themselves, including you. No balancing act's neede here. Simply tap the wand release pedal with your toe, and the whole wand comes out of the PowerBrush neck, no wires to disconnect of course. Simply slip on your Parquet II floor tool and do the job set forth. In this case no extra attachments are needed to buy. Also, the 236 also stands up alone wiht a release pedal to put the wand in "operating mode", has a quick brushroll jam reset button, has a brillant "flourescent" headlamp, and a rug "height selector". And the motor and brushroll and built to tackle any carpeting that you may have in your home. That is a plus when you want to make fast ansd easy work of your vacuuming tasks.
2.Q Re: pricing:
As I stated you may find a dealer that will give you a trade in allowance, and or sell you a floor model machine. Some dealers keep an example ready on the floor, never been used to hand the customer, and some use all the machines as demonstrators. I'm glad to see that your willing to keep you local in business. That is a great thing. However if your dealer is being unscrupulous, and selling for more than MSRP, you should report him also.
Mieles policies do fluctuate from dealer to dealer, at of couse the dealers discretion. However our five stores hold to the small trade in allowance policy, along with the floor model policy when it comes to price reduction. When people call us we quote ONLY the MSRP price, and inform them that special deals can be "had" in the store. If they do not wish to come in to find out what "we" can offer them, it is felt that it's their loss. Our stores all are Diamond Dealer status, so we tow the line. Many of us in Southern Lower Michigan do have that status, and thus do so . Your dealer may or may not do something for you on price that we won't do. I.E. a larger trade in allowance for example.
3. Q. I looked at the Gemini and I love the color. I have also tried a friend's Callisto for a few days and the rotary dial seems solid and robust. The 217 power brush wouldn't quite cut it in my house.
A. The SEB-217 featured on the Calisto S5280 is purpose designed to clean low to medium pile carpeting. It has a smaller stance meaning reduced cleaning width, and a lower profile to get under furniture. A Pro and Con. If you have a large home, over 800+ square feet of cleanable carpeted floor space, this tool is not suitable for that type of task. It would take you forever to clean you house with that tool. This tool is better still for people who have a mixture of bare floor surfaces, and carpeting of lower nap status as described.
Also, the motor is smaller, and the brushes are softer. In thick carpeting it doesn't really "bog down" per-se, but it doesn't have the oomph IMHO to dig dirt out of thick plush carpet. That said, if your carpets are not thicker than 1/4 inch depth, or less, berber style, frieze or just plain old low nap, that powerhead may be for you. Also the powerhead does not stand up alone. You must remember to use the floor tool "park position" slot located at the back of the machine and or on each side along the wide rubber bumper. also you have to release the 217 from the wand by lifting it off the floor, and releasing the button, or bend over to do so.
The dial (unlit) is very robust, and should never cause problem. I've never had one in to repair the power control dial anyway...
That is why most people choose the Gemini, which is a Diamond Dealer exclusive. I'm not super wild on the color..(melon yellow) not the actual name but what I think it reminds me of anyway. This model, the Gemini, is is not available on the internet thru Miele; and is most all respects similar to the Aquarius model S-5580. The lit dial, and the Sentry warning "overheating lamp" light are featured on this model.
The major difference concerning the Aquarius, lay in the Power Control. The Gemini has the dial, and the Aquarius has a touch control on the canister, large + and - buttons to select the suction speeds as needed plus an AUTO setting to provide the proper suction, no matter what the task. It also has a lit control panel as well.
Which leads us to the final stop the Callisto. If you really desire touch and go performance from your Miele, this is the one for you. It should come complete with the SEB-236 PowerBrush, Parquet II, all three major attachments and etc. It has the "overheating lamp" light, and a filter change light. It's the ultimate in Miele simplicity of use and control.
My only concern with this model is the electronic's needed to run the whole thing. Too much electronica in a vacuum cleaner can have bad results. I have seen, and have worked upon a few older Miele's that have control board issues, and hose 'touch control" issues. And sometimes both. Electrical surges can harm the until as well as static electricity.
This is no problem for the first year of ownership and All Miele's come with a bumper to bumper One Year Warranty. The only thing that is warrantied after that period for another Six years, is the motors.So if you Do have a problem with the electronic's your looking at a fairly pricy repair. All the machines have electronic's of some sort, but there is more to conted with in the Capricorn.
Like to old adage says.... "You pay's yous monies, and yous makes your choice!"
