Dyson V8™ Cordless Vacuum

It's mixed. Dyson rates it at up to 40 minutes, and some people get through a floor or a small home on one charge. Others find the runtime frustratingly short, and one reported about 20 minutes on hard floor. Dyson notes real runtime drops with power mode, floor type and attachments.

Yes. At 5.6 lb it's light and easy to handle, and it converts to a handheld with one click for cars, stairs and furniture. A crevice tool is included. One parent found the V8 a little heavy for a young child to use, but adults handle it easily.

Not usually. The bin empties quickly with little mess, though one person finds the process a bit awkward. No bin capacity is listed for this model, so on a big clean you may have to stop and empty it partway through, which takes seconds on the V8.

For dust, crumbs, hair and everyday messes, the suction is strong. In a large home it may not replace a full-size vacuum, as one report points out, so the V8 fits smaller spaces best, or works as the quick second vacuum in a bigger house.

The Motorbar cleaner head has hair removal vanes that Dyson says clear long hair and pet hair from the brush bar as you clean.

Dyson includes a two-year limited warranty.