uhm... if you're vacuuming for the pretty pattern, that's one thing.

but if you're actually trying to suck up the sand and lint that's been ground into your carpet- one of the nice things about the Dyson is that you can SEE it build up.

DH and I did all the tests when we got ours... poured a cup of playground sand into the carpet, vacuumed the spot to see if we would get a cup of sand collected. it did. something that only my dear darling old Kirby ever came close to.

but you might try 'lowering' the head one more notch, to get that 'brushed' pattern that you're looking for.

Joiful,

I also have the Dyson from Costco. And I've also noticed what you mentioned. Consumer Reports also noted that it seemed to skate across carpet. I keep wondering if it is fluffing the carpet pile enough to get the ground in shumtz.

chinacat,

How do you lower the head a notch? Mine has only two settings, carpet and hard floors.

In general I'm happy with the Dyson. In a perverse way, it is good to see the dirt build up in the canister.

Susan

Susan, my (Costco) vacuum only has the two settings as well. I have tried everything and this vacuum just does not give me a good vacuumed look. (Yes, I like a clean carpet with a good vacuumed look) Also, there is less "stuff" being sucked into the canister than my Hoover.
I was really excited about getting this vacuum after all the good comments...now I don't know what to think.

Why the distinction about Dysons purchased at Costco? I thought all DC07 vacuums were the same and all DC14 vacuums are the same. The only difference is the attachments. Is the Costco somehow different?

I am considering the Costco DC14 Full Kit. It is not that much of a better deal but I like the "bare floor" brush. I have used one for many years with my ancient canister and it good for small areas like bathrooms and my small tile entrance. I can't see me maneuvering the entire vacuum into the tile and vinyl areas of my baths.

I have found all the Dyson attachments available separately except the bare floor brush. Does anyone know where I can purchase it separately? That would encourage me to look at other Dyson models and retailers. I am tempted to try BB&Beyond or Linens & Things cupons. I know the exclude Dysons but some have reported success in using the cupons anyway.

I think the fixed price on Dysons sucks more than the vacuums. I am not used to not being able to find a sale or other deal.

Thank you for your help.

I am also considering buying a Dyson vacuum. I had a dog that shed but we had to give him up 3 months ago. Now I have a dog that does not shed. So, I would like to go with the Dyson that glides across the carpet since I assume it's much easier to push. Does anyone have this model? What do you think of it? Which color is it and how much is it?

Bring it back to Costco for a full refund.

Spend comparable money on a Simplicity or Sebo upright and enjoy one of the best uprights money can buy. The Dyson uses a nice Panasonic motor, but the brushroll is cheap, flimsy plastic like the rest of the machine. The Simplicity and Sebo use metal brushrolls and their motors are outstanding.

Dyson does have a nice marketing campaign and pretty colored machines, however.

Granite, is the Sebo the same as the Windsor Sensor?

I have the Sensor XP12 and love it. It automatically adjusts depending on what kind of floor I'm on. I took a Dyson back to Costco because I just didn't like it. I think I got sucked in by the cool marketing, but that's where it ended for me.

Here is a link that might be useful: Windsor Sensor XP12

I have the DC 14 Complete (the violet/grey one sold at Sears) and it does a carpet pattern on all of the carpet we have, including the horrible old brown stuff that was *crispy* when we moved in.

Check to make sure that the roller at the bottom is firmly in place and that the belts are attached as they should be. Also, my mothers DC 14 animal roller gets clogged with my SIL's long hair in a couple of weeks. It won't start making the clogged noise, but the performance generally goes down so check to make sure you don't have a similar issue.

The only time mine ever had suction issues, I took it apart and found that a pen had gotten sucked up and stuck right above the right hand side wheel part. Once that was removed, it was back to its full suction power.

FWIW, all Dyson accessories (including the new style hard bristle brush and the bare floor tool) are available at the Dyson site.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dyson accessories

Ah, this is another reason for me to like my Dyson. I am one of those weird folks who doesn't line vacuum lines.

All I can say, is with 3 shedding dogs and a long hair cat, I LOVE my Dyson.

jerri