Review (4/5): 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.
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.
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.
Positives:
---------
Vacuum is a great improvement. It's much less messy to use this trimmer than those I used in the past.
Power is sufficient, even without the boost.
Battery (still pretty new) holds a charge for a long period of time and recharges relatively quickly.
Comb stays in position (one of the older Panasonic could switch to a lower position under pressure).
Negatives:
---------
It's loud. Bothersome enough for me that I put insert earplugs before using.
The circumference is large; it's a pretty large clipper. I'd prefer something more narrow.
Difficult to replace to guard if you remove it.
Brush falls out of small compartment in case (will be easy to loose it someday).
Possible for pressure to turn on clipper when in soft case; it's happened to me.
Gaudy looks. Why does it need shinny highlights?