Review on Shark DuoClean IF201 Ultra Light Cordless Vacuum Cleaner by Charles Julian

UPDATE: My shark is almost 2 years old and gets used 2-3 times a week and always works still flawless. ******************************************** ***** * ********************************************* *** ** ****************** This may be an apples to oranges comparison, but I have a Dyson Cordless V6 motor head that I have been using for a little over 2 years. Dyson V6 Motor Head cordless vacuum cleaner. I have a 1200 square foot apartment, all on the same floor, with carpet and vinyl. >> Although the Shark is considered lightweight, it is still heavier and more difficult to handle than the Dyson. This might seem like a plus to some, but when used on carpet it feels like it's self-propelled (there are settings for carpet or floor, and then you can also choose a suction setting that increases runtime or maximum power extended). In Carpet/Extended mode it literally pulls itself forward, but then I struggle to bring it back to itself when it tries to pull forward - it gets a bit tiring (I'm a bit of a wimp though ).>> But I'm amazed at how much dirt it collects. I vacuumed with the Dyson just 2 days before the Shark. I have 2 cats and today when using the Shark I had to empty the dirt bowl after cleaning the carpets in each room. It really shines about Dyson. >> The shark has a latch where when you open it the wand bends so I can get all the way under my huge bed to remove all the rug. My cats love hanging out there and there's always some Maine Coon cat dander to pick up. I can't reach the end of the Dyson because the wand is motionless. Of course I can't get under the bed on one side, I have to get under the bed on both sides. >> This is great for vinyl floors. There is no "sense of self-movement" on vinyl. Also, anything you try to pick up will be picked up. For example cat litter on vinyl, which my other vacuum cleaner "scattered" forward rather than collected. The shark wins.>> It's very quiet and doesn't scare my cats. Much quieter than the Dyson, although it seems a lot more powerful.>> Since the Dyson is lighter overall, I still prefer cleaning my car to a handheld vacuum, but I do like the attachments that come with the Shark. The pet multi-tool really sucks hair out of sofas and chairs, and the anti-allergenic dusting brush in the corner is great for cleaning blinds. >> 2 batteries included, one can be used in the vacuum cleaner and the other can be used as a reserve. It takes about 3 hours to charge up to 3 full blue bars. I vacuumed my whole apartment twice and it only went down 1 bar. Things I don't care about: >> I think it was a waste of plastic to include a charging dock. I prefer to remove the battery and just plug it in to charge. The battery can also be charged without removing it from the vacuum cleaner. Shark gives you 3 options. I broke the charging station. >> I'm only 5ft 3in tall; Vacuum cleaner tube seems to be too long. For example you have to step on the bottom of the vacuum to lower the tube and it's like it's not that much longer than the Dyson V6, but I don't have to clear the bottom of the Dyson to use it. Overall I think this vacuum cleaner is very good, but not perfect. If you live in a small house, apartment, or apartment like me, it can serve your needs well as a SINGLE vacuum cleaner.