Recommended, but with some caveats
I purchased the Philips Norelco T980 Turbo Vacuum Trimmer a year and a half ago, so I now have some experience using it.  Previously, I've owned two Panasonic trimmers/clippers.  Both worked well for a number of years, but eventually suffered from the same problem; the battery lost the ability to hold a charge.  When this happened to the first trimmer, I had the battery replaced locally; the replacement battery did not hold a charge as well.  When the second failed similarly, I purchased the Norelco.<br /><br />It was a tough decision to purchase the Norelco instead of another Panasonic.  However, the Panasonic models readily available differed from those I had used previously and the Norelco had good reviews and a nice price.  I was also a fan of the understated styling and Japanese build of the Panasonic units, so this Norelco was a bit of a departure.  I don't recall the exact model number for the Panasonic, but something similar to the ER389K or ER205.<br /><br />Overall it's served me well for the past year and a half.  So, time to share my thoughts. The Norelco is built in China; I haven't noticed any quality problems as of yet.<br /><br />Positives:<br />---------<br /><br />Vacuum is a great improvement.  It's much less messy to use this trimmer than those I used in the past.<br />Power is sufficient, even without the boost.<br />Battery (still pretty new) holds a charge for a long period of time and recharges relatively quickly.<br />Comb stays in position (one of the older Panasonic could switch to a lower position under pressure).<br /><br />Negatives:<br />---------<br /><br />It's loud.  Bothersome enough for me that I put insert earplugs before using.<br />The circumference is large; it's a pretty large clipper.  I'd prefer something more narrow.<br />Difficult to replace to guard if you remove it.<br />Brush falls out of small compartment in case (will be easy to loose it someday).<br />Possible for pressure to turn on clipper when in soft case; it's happened to me.<br />Gaudy looks.  Why does it need shinny highlights?
Rating: 4 stars