Consumer Savvy
Dyson nicely reinvents the vacuum
By MARK PAVILONS Editor

The Ball

For those who say you can't build a better mousetrap, just have a look at some of the products created by forward-thinking Dyson.

Keeping our living spaces as clean as possible is vitally important to every family, more so if anyone suffers from an environmental allergy or condition.

Vacuum cleaners have been considered lackluster household necessities - they perform their function adequately, but need to be replaced every few years because they fail, lose suction or simply frustrate the users.

Bring technological prowess to bear and you can reinvent the wheel - literally.

Dyson has done just that with its relatively new lineup of machines that never lose suction.

Dyson's Root Cyclone centrifugal system, coupled with brilliant design and assembly, is pure genius. You will never look at a typical upright or canister vacuum in the same way again.

Great inventors of the past, like da Vinci, tried to mimic or improve on nature and what God gave us. The fluid movement inherent to Dyson models is reminiscent of human joints, only much more refined.

The Stowaway

In the DC15, The Ball, the patented technology replaces the traditional, rigid twowheeled design with a ball, allowing the vacuum to twist and turn effortlessly around furniture and obstacles. It moves in a totally different way; turning a corner is as simple as a turn of the wrist. The fluidity achieved means that you are no longer required to use your entire body to steer. Many will enjoy the precision of the joystick-like response.

What strikes you right away is the appearance - unique. Aside from the funky modern colours is a design that's quite inviting, almost alluring. When was the last time you heard that description of a household appliance? The revolutionary designs of both The Ball and Stowaway don't disappoint - they're as down-to-business as they are attractive.

It's obvious designer James Dyson, award-winning engineer, spent a lot of time coming up with the ultimate marriage of form and practicality - surprisingly in an almost artistic way.

The Ball took three years to develop and has 182 patents and patent applications worldwide.

While substantial, it's not a behemoth, and is effortlessly manoeuvred around every corner, every piece of furniture. It's also surprisingly light. One of the keys is that the motor is inside the ball, keeping the centre of gravity close to the ground for stability. Unlike almost every other upright, this will never tip over and follows you quite easily while using attachments. Another outstanding improvement is the quick-draw wand, which is easily removed and extended. Again, this operation is quite simple and takes only seconds once you get the hang of it.

When upright, the head is disengaged. One of the neatest features is a folding wheel assembly - up when in use, down when the unit remains stationary. It reminds one of an aircraft landing gear assembly - smooth and practical.

Without the need for a manual, initial assembly and setup out of the box was quite easy - another testament to its sensible design.

The dirt container, while quite large, is light and very well thought out - mounting and dismounting as well as removing the dirt over a trash can can be done with one hand. The hepa filter doesn't require replacement, just a wash every six months.

All in all, this changes the face of upright vacuums. Your money (it retails for $699) is well spent because it's bound to outlast all others.

The DC21 Stowaway is an exciting little critter, which made its debut in Canada in February. The nuts and bolts - the canister - is unbelievably small considering its power. Reminiscent of a reclined R2D2 of Star Wars fame, it faithfully follows you around with ease.

The power head and brush are seemingly small but mighty. This thing can glide around and under anything in its path. One convenient feature is the automatic cord retractor. Time will tell if this mechanism stands up to constant use.

All of the tools and accessories fit nicely in cubby holes around the canister. Its big draw is that it's easily broken down and stored - a very big advantage over all other cumbersome canister models.

The Stowaway does not rely on bags or filters - Dyson's patented technology uses centrifugal forces to remove the dust. The removable clear bin is very user friendly.

Pet owners, asthma and allergy sufferers and parents will appreciate the difference the Dyson makes in their home. Offering the best pick up and retention of dust, the air expelled while cleaning contains up to 150 times less bacteria and mould than air in the indoor environment.

The Stowaway retails for $599.

We have a tendency to force things into place, more so when we become frustrated. The sign of good build quality is when everything slides and clicks into place with ease. With both of these Dyson models, you're second guessing yourself because it's just way too easy. Most everything is made out of plastic parts to cut down on cost and weight. Yes, the Dyson machines are plastic, but of a quality you come across in automobiles, not appliances.

These models aren't cheap. But if a Dyson outlasts two or even three average units, it's worth it in long run. They also have great warranties and the company has a toll-free number to call if you experience a problem.

They not only revolutionized the vacuum's form and function, they put the fun back into this chore.

They're available at major retailers. For more, visit www.dyson.com.