Review (5/5): Very good with limitations
I've owned this toothbrush for nearly a year now and have no problems. I do, however, recognize the limitations of the design. If you expect to be able to rinse off the handle or submerge this toothbrush, you will be one of the many disappointed reviewers. Now, I owned two previous sonicare toothbrushes and I was never really happy with the life of the internal batteries. This is the reason I decided to go with this unit and I have not regretted my decision. My 12 year old daughter has also had this toothbrush for almost a year now and NO problems. While I do believe there could be inconsistencies in quality control, I think one can work around these shortfalls.
Here's how I believe I've managed to keep my sonicare running.
1. I don't put the handle under water, only the part that goes in my mouth
2. I ALWAYS make sure to place a little vasoline on the O-Ring when I replace the batteries
3. I fling the water off the brush after I rinse the end off.
4. I don't leave the brush standing up. This prevents any residual water from running down the handle. I always leave the brush laying out flat/horizontal.
Now, I realize one shouldn't have to do all this stuff to keep the brush working properly but, for me, it's a small inconvenience considering I have the ability to change the batteries.
Bottom line. I really like my toothbrush but the design is not bullet proof.