Bored with chores? These ambitious vacs promise new features (pictures)
With claims of unique functionality, are these modern vacuums innovative, or just plain gimmicky?
Standing out from the vacuum crowd
All vacuums promise to clean the floor better than the competition. They also all strive to be unique -- for better or for worse. Straight from our test floor, here are several that are supposed to offer new and helpful features.
Dirt Devil Dash
The Dirt Devil Dash offers a Vac+Dust extension. A Swiffer-like pad covers the bottom of this accessory, clinging to dirt as the vacuum pulls it.
Dyson DC65 Animal Upright
Dyson loves to seek the cutting edge with its products. The Dyson DC65 Animal Upright moves with a rollerball to help you maneuver easily. It uses a centrifugal cyclone to trap dirt, one that Dyson claims will never lose suction. This model also boasts a tangle-free turbine capable of grabbing long hairs without getting snagged.
Dyson DC59 Motorhead
The name "Motorhead" says it all: this stick vacuum claims to increase suction by having a dedicated motor just to turn the brushroll, increasing its effectiveness at agitating dirt from your carpet. With this technology, Dyson claims it's finally made a stick vacuum that can go toe-to-toe with a full upright.
Electrolux Precision Brushroll Clean
In an effort to help with the tedium, this vacuum will clean its brush for you. Press a lever while the vacuum is running, and you'll release what is essentially an automatic comb for the brush roll.
Eureka AirSpeed SuctionSeal PET
If you're the type who often tangles, trips on, or vacuums over that pesky vacuum cord, the retractable one on Eureka's Airspeed SuctionSeal might offer a fine compromise if you'd rather not switch to a cordless model.
Gtech AirRam
The Gtech AirRam's Data Bridge lets you connect your vacuum to your computer via USB. Thus, if you've ever wanted to see data on the number of calories you burn while you vacuum, or how much electricity you use, now you can.
Hoover Platinum Collection Linx
Having to leave your entire vacuum out while you charge it can dampen the appeal of cordless stick models. Fortunately, this Hoover Linx solves the problem with a removable battery.
Hoover Air Cordless
Bridging the gap between stick and upright, the battery-powered Hoover Air offers the configuration and power of the latter with the cordless convenience of the former.
Oreck Touch Bagless
For those who like to daydream while vacuuming, this Oreck Touch Bagless has a joystick-like handle. Not only can you pretend you're flying while you vacuum, but it allows maneuvers on a level with Dyson's patented rollerball.
Samsung Motion Sync Bagless Upright
Any full-size vacuum will struggle with corners, so most come packed with a wand connected to a hose and some attachments to help. This Samsung Motion Sync Bagless vacuum tries to take that convenience one step further by making that wand fully detachable.
Shark Rotator Pro Lift-Away
Stick vacuums that convert to handhelds are pretty typical, but this Shark Rotator Pro Lift-Away packs a wheeled canister vacuum within a full upright.