Black & Decker CHV1568 15.6 -Volt Cyclonic-Action Cordless DustBuster with AccuREACH

Comment: Just got this thing today but just found out that it uses archaic NiCd batteries, the technology you may remember from crappy cordless phones and toothbrushes that after a few months of use completely lose the ability to hold a charge. No wonder the unit is so freakin' heavy. I assume that in just a few months it will no longer perform the way it does today. It also scares me that there are so many posts about the filter getting clogged, even though B&D provides a nifty filter cleaning lever on the side. Just a non-functional gimmick, I suppose. You know, NiCd batteries have been outlawed in Europe for about 10 years because they are especially toxic when dumped in a landfill. My beef with NiCd is mostly that they are much more poorly behaved than the lithium-ion batteries that are in modern laptops and ipods and whatnot -- they have annoying memory effects, lousy power density, and unimpressive lifetime when cycled. Maybe I should have spent another $150 and got the Dyson...

Comment: This new "Dust Buster" is much improved over past models. Much more sucking power.

Comment: I bought this to replace a previous dustbuster that lost battery power. Unfortunately the old model is no longer made. I like the idea of the extending nozzle, but as it does not lock in place it just pushes back in when you use it. The old model had an extending nozzle attachment that stored in machine body. Not as convenient, but when clipped on it stayed in place. B&D clearly tried some new ideas but not well executed. If not in immediate need, I would wait until next model corrects the design flaws.

Comment: This dustbuster worked fine for a few uses, but after that suction stopped. Cleaned filter which didn't help. Junk.

Comment: We have 3 cordless vacs for quick pick ups in house and cars. This is the most powerful, easily used of the three. The plastic housing is rather soft so it scratches easily. Merely a cosmetic concern. When the older vacs die, we will replace them with this design.