bit-tech Shopping: Dyson DC17 Absolute Animal Vacuum

• Bare Floors
• Carpets
• Stairs

• Attachments
• Automatic Carpet Height Adjustment
• Lifetime Filters
• Telescopic Handle

• Crevice Tool
• Tool Storage

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Day

Strengths: Suction, length of attachment hose, ease at emptying cannister, cord length, propulsion, and floor versatility.

Weaknesses: None really except assembly instructions are vague and based on images.

Summary: Well, I finally broke down and paid some serious coin for a vacuum. Who'd a thunk it. $425.00 @ Homedepot. Sears didn't have it at the time. Their loss. You figure I spent $400 in the last 10 years on vacuums but they just don't cut it after some time. We used the thing the moment we got it and boy I feel better knowing that crap is out of my carpet. The dog can't smell himself in the house anymore it's that strong. I strongly recommend.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 6

Strengths: picks up more dust and dirt then any vacuume i have seen

Weaknesses: a little heavy and bulky coming from a Hoover

Summary: Dyson is the real deal. I was attracted to the brand from the TV commercials I saw. The product is what the commercial made it out to be. I had a Hoover, and this works way better. I have carpet so it gets a lot of allergens in it. My allergies have definitely improved since I bought this. It works better then Hoover for sure. I wish it was a little lighter and smaller, but I m not really a complainer when it comes to working a little harder ot get in the tought spots.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Day

Strengths: Lifetime HEPA filter, bagless, strong suction, pretty

Weaknesses: The user manual is worthless, canister is too tall to get under some places, it's a bit heavy

Summary: Well I bought my DC17 animal yesterday and received it today. I wondered if it was really worth all of the hype. I have a Hoover Windtunnel bagless vacuum that does a pretty good job but when the canister gets half full it loses a lot of suction. I decided to give Dyson a shot and compare it.I vacuumed with my Hoover first and then I put the Dyson to the test. It was pretty gross to see how much the Dyson picked up after vacuuming with the Hoover. It definitely did a better job.Some people have said that the Dyson is quiet. I find it pretty loud compared to my Hoover, but I'm willing to deal with it for a better cleaning job.The Dyson leaves "rake marks" after you sweep back and forth from the bristles on the spinning thing. I don't care for that, but it's not that big of a deal. It is also sort of heavy so lugging it around won't be super easy (although pushing it when vacuuming is easy because it has a self propelled brush).The owners manual is pointless. There is not much help with learning to put it together- it is mostly pictures. It took me a while to figure out where stuff went and how to get it to operate but once it was together it was good to go.I can't say I'm ecstatic like some people are over this vacuum but I'm happy with it. It seems to do a nice job cleaning and hopefully it will hold up over time and be the last vacuum I have to buy for awhile.It came with quite a few attachments and some cleaning powder and spray as well. Those are nice additions.Like I said, overall I am happy with the vacuum. It is a lot of money but I was willing to take a chance for the health of my family.