Just thought I'd make a thread to show off my latest toy... (thanks to Turbo500 for pointing out the easy way to upload pics)
I'll point out a few of the features I like about this particular machine too.
In my opionion this machine is a million miles ahead of the upright DC41 Animal I also have - much better build quality for a start, no creaking plastic, no flimsy handle, doesn't heat the room...
Had it less than a week but it's been used a lot so the bin has already started to dull...
So firstly the machine is very easy to pull around thanks to its steering mechanism... The front hose outlet along with the bin twists from side to side to allow the machine to 'turn on the spot'
The filter is of the new 'cone' design. There is only the one filter to maintain on this machine. As you can see it is already starting to get slightly dusty, however I've done a lot of DIY in the last week and had new flooring fitted so this is to be expected. I do think the monthly filter wash intervals are a little 'too much' though. The post motor HEPA filter does not require any attention at all and is apparently designed to last the life of the machine
A potential blockage issue with this machine lies within the steering design. Where the hose connects to the machine the dirt passage then narrows as you can see in this pic. If you were to vacuum up something large it would become stuck here. The hose unclips very easily though so this is nothing major
A nice feature I like about this machine is the way you release the cyclone / bin for emptying. You push the small round button and it sort of 'ejects'
When you push the button and the machine disengages from the bin the filter cone also springs up. I think this is Dyson's way of maybe trying to draw attention to the filters existence so that neglectful owners don't forget to wash it. It's as if it pops up shouting "I'm here! I'm here!"
A number of reviews have said that the head clogs very easily however I've found the opening in it to be no smaller than any other air driven brush an have so far had no issues
I'm not a huge fan of the new era style hand tools...
The stair tool looks RUBBISH but actually does a decent job (although it is a little on the small side)
I won't comment on the combi crevice and dusting brush. Would much rather have separate dedicated crevice nozzle and large dusting brush as found on the DC08
The air outlet is very low down on the machine so no air is blown towards the user.
It does however blow across the floor behind the machine.... I imagine this could cause 'dust bunnies' to be blown around on very dirty hard flooring
The 'ball' idea on this machine is mainly just for show. A lot of the steering work is done by the two smaller wheels either side of the steering mechanism. There is also a smaller castor at the very front
