So after the fail that was Mr. Roboto, I couldn't pass up a #blackfriday deal and ended up buying a Dyson DC35 directly from Dysoncanada.ca. I also purchased it through ebates.ca so I could get a 4% rebate.
The reg price was $349.99 with $100 off + tax = $280.54. A bit cheaper than the iRobot. Plus they had an expedited shipping deal, regularly $34.95 for freeeee. [I tried to link the model # but it appears they've discontinued it so I may have gotten a clearance deal. I tthink they are promoting the V8 in its place. Walmart.ca is still selling them but they are $298+tax)
So I placed the order on Friday, Nov 25th expecting the vacuum to arrive by Purolator on Tuesday, 11/29.
Tuesday came and went and no vacuum. On Wednesday I checked my email for a shipping confirmation and not only did I not receive one but the original purchase confirmation email stated 'regular' delivery. Ack! A quick call to Dyson's customer service line confirmed that the system did not give me the free expedited shipping but for my troubles, they would also send me a Mini Motorhead assembly (value of $35.99). She assured me that the vacuum would be arriving in 'about 5 days'. The website stated 5-8 days from Toronto to Vancouver. So I figured Dec 7th at the latest.
The shipping confirmations did not come for either order but after contacting their customer service via email, I received two shipping tracking #'s. Vacuum expected on the 7th (5 days no but we did get a bad snow storm on Monday which delayed all mail).
The 7th came and went, I called their Customer Service line the morning of the 8th and was told that they couldn't ship to my address ( a condo?!?) but it would be available at the Post Office. She gave me an incomplete Canada Post Tracking #. Purolator did show up later today with my vacuum so I was a happy camper. Still waiting on the motorhead thingy though (eta Friday but we'll see since #snowmaggedon#2 is a comin' tonight.)
So now that I have my vacuum, here is the dirty (haha) details:
It was partially charged and so I decided to take it for a spin around the condo to pick up the random bits of dust bunnies and toast crumbs (thanks Mason) that were all over the floor. It has two modes, regular and max. Regular did just fine (has extended battery life) and the motor spun the small vacuum head faster (I think) but uses more battery power. Did I mention that this thing is cordless!?
The weight was awesome, super easy to carry around and the no cord feature is a-mazing. It is easy to maneuver around and under things and cleaned my floor very quickly. I was surprised how much dirt it picked up in a quick 3 min sweep but then again, it is a Dyson. Make no mistake, friends. Their vacuums are worth every penny. I had the DC14 previously and it suction never wavered.;
The two design flaws are:
The handheld design is a bit cumbersome. The grip doesn't have indentations for the fingers (which would help) and the way my hand fit into it had the side of the vacuum pressing up against my thumb bone which after a while made it sore. See redness below:
And that it doesn't not have an on/off switch, it has a trigger button so that if you let go, it turns off. This happened frequently because of my sore grip. I have no idea why they'd design it that way. Who wants to hold a button down the entire time they are vacuuming?
I'd give it a 8/10! It would get a perfect score if it didn't mangle up my dainty hands!
I'll add to this blog once I get the motorhead assembly thingie tomorrow (...maybe).
Friday came and went. No delivery. Monday...maybe?