Alex, what you seem to be forgetting here is that Which? reports are aimed at the general consumer. As collectors, over time, we all of course find out own preferences in things purely through using a shed load of different vacuums. A general consumer doesn't give a flying fig about brush rolls and motor noise and other things mentioned. A general consumer does not always enjoy vacuuming. In 1995, your average house cleaner wanted something that did a good job, easy to use and quick.
Look at my Mum for example. We had a Kirby - far higher performing than the Panasonic she used but being a single Mum of 4, she simply did not have the time to be lugging around a big heavy vacuum when she could whip round with the Panasonic in half the time.
Look at the DC01. We all know they're pretty poor but they sold like hot cakes and people loved them. Why? Because the carpet looked clean and it was quick and easy to use.
Stop thinking like a collector for a minute. For your average vacuum buying public Hitachi, Lux and Panasonic of 1995 were ticking way more appealing boxes than the T2. Do you really think a busy working Mum walking in to Comet to get a new vacuum really gave a toss about the brushroll as long as the carpet was clean?
It wasn't the 1950's anymore. Women didn't stay at home and have hours of time to spare vacuuming. The cleaner had to be good and it had to be quick! And whether you like it or not, the Hitachi is lighter and a lot easier to use than the T2.
Also, in 1995, £20 was a full weeks family shop. National minimum wage didn't come in until 1999. The value of the pound was a lot higher than it is now. To put in perspective, I remember a bar of Dairy Milk being 25p in our local corner shop. A day rider on the bus was 50p. Rob is spot on with regards to the price difference. You also have to remember that any price difference doesn't represent value for money. Even if the T2 was "only" £20 more expensive, it was still £20 less better value than the Hitachi.
Finally, regardless as to how you have taken what Rob said, your comments about him being on a low paid job are totally inappropriate and offensive. Regardless of what Rob does or how much he gets of paid (neither of which are any of your business) we should all be thankful and proud that Rob is out there working his arse off and not taking a penny off the state. Him and his other half have also completely self funded their collection of 300+ vacuums, so he's obviously doing something right! I think somebody is owed an apology.
)
