It's true, this Black and Decker Powerbuster really sucks....it sucks up crumbs, papers, popcorn, dirt, dog hair and it does it well. The only thing you can't pick up with this vac are heavier objects (nails, coins and LIQUIDS!)

We have had the Black and Decker Powerbuster VP303 since December of 1998. We bought this one to replace a few others that had motor problems (always after my kids used it and dropped it by accident).

We paid about $40.00 for this from Home Depot. It comes with replaceable batteries (VersaPak Interchangeable Battery System), which can also be purchased at Home Depot or Pergaments (I haven't had to replace them yet so I don't know what the batteries cost).

The vacuum is 7.2 volts, the batteries 3.6 volts and the charging base is 120v AC only. The vacuum I have is white, I believe it also comes in black, although I haven't seen it in the stores. You can purchase replacement filters (we keep a box on hand for when the filter really becomes dirty). You can wash the filter - which is a good idea if you are picking up alot of food, otherwise mold starts to form. It is also a good idea to empty the vacuum after you pick up FOOD, otherwise you may attract some unwanted guests (talking from experience - ants!)

The previous Dust Vacs we had were all 4.8 volts - this vacs sucking power is a lot stronger. It also comes with a 2 year Home Use Warranty, which warrants it against defects in material or workmanship.

The vacuum comes with a mountable charging base, which we have mounted on our bathroom wall behind a door. The only thing I don't like about the base is if you don't put the vacuum in exactly right, it can fall off. (Again, talking from experience).

We plan on getting another one of the powerbusters because we find we get alot of use out of it - where ever the kids spend alot of time with snacks, food, etc. - it is needed. Right now we have the one we use on the first floor of our house (kitchen, tv room, dining room). We will need to get one for our basement since that is now the official play room.

I also think any of the Dust Vacs are a great gift for kids who are looking to help around the house (4 years old and up). If they know where the Dust Vac is, they can get it themselves to clean up whatever crumbs they drop. These work alot better that the Childrens Dirt Devil Vacuum (which uses regular batteries). We had one of the Red Dirt Devil Kids Upright Vacuums and it didn't pick up anything, it was very frustrating. Our kids know that they can get the Dust Vac and clean their own messes up.

Recommended: Yes