I have a B&D; PHV1800 for what seem like a couple of year now and it still perform flawlessly . even still hold a good charge although I think the battery be just begin to show it be age . contrary to many review on this and the fhv1200 , these both do exactly what I expect they to do ... be there and work when I need they to pick up dust ball , and other small job around the house . they be not design to be whole house or even whole room vacuum . Run they for a few minute and put they back on the charge for the next use . they be not shop vac . it be unfortunate that B&D; find it necessary to force we to buy a new probuct and not be able to replace the battery for less than the cost of a new vac -lrb- on Amazon -rrb- . what company do not realize when they do this be that they open up the door for we to look at other product . there go what may have be a loyal customer . the fhv1200 be just what I have be look for to supplement the 1800 . it be perfect for desktop , hobby area cleanup . I have a lot of tech equipment clutter my desk -lrb- actually it be bigger than a desktop -rrb- which I can not move or get around with the standard hand vac -lrb- even the 1800 -rrb- . this one with the flex hose be more than perfect . it be great for clean around the equipment as well as clean those keyboard , dusty equipment air vent , etc. . just be sure all you key be secure or this vac will suck they and anything else that might be loose in to its innards . bottom line ... it be a great product and do more than I expect it to do . one last point . clean the filter . a prior reviewer be upset at the difficulty of clean the pleated filter . I agree that if you do not figure out how to clean it , you might not get everything out of it . here be how I do it . once you have open the compartment and remove the plastic shield and carefully remove the filter take it to a trash can . best use you big one . hold the filter loosely with you thumb inside and the remainder of you finger loosely hold the outside , start tap the filter against the inside of the trash can . as you can see , the open end be up . as you tap , rotate the filter so you wind up tap every area of the filter . you will learn that you can tap it pretty good without damage it . the key be to never hold it tight . you will damage it . keep do this until it be free of all material . if you be persistent , you will completely clean the filter -lrb- unless you be try to pick up anything other than dry material . if you be try to use this as a wet-dry vac , all bet be off . -rrb-