Samsung SC96P0 Canister Vacuum Sucks in a Good Way

Back when I was a super-stoked college student who also happened to be super broke, I used a small hand-me-down canister vacuum to clean everything from my apartment to my car. I loved that underpowered little sucker until the day it could suck no more. Several years later, I find myself trying out another canister vacuum, Samsung’s new multichamber SC96P0 bagless vacuum.

It’s like my old vacuum’s long lost twin in the sense that Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger were twins in that late ’80s movie. Not only is the Samsung bigger, it’s more powerful and loaded with more tech. It looks the part, too, sporting a jetpack-like design that makes you want to strap it on your back.

With a power rating of 12 amps and suction rating of 200 watts, the SC96P0 sucks pretty well. Its regular motorized brush has five height settings and transitions well from carpet to hard floor. It also has a motorized assist for easier vacuuming plus a silent mode. Attachments like the Parquet and Mini Turbo brushes round out your options for hard surfaces, fabrics and upholstery. The dust bin and HEPA and anti-odor carbon filters are easy to remove and clean. The vacuum also works well with pet hair and comes with a tool for removing pesky strands from the roller brush.

Issues include a high price tag. The vacuum’s capacity is also smaller than its bagged counterparts. Overall, though, solid features and performance make this sucker a winner.

Cost: $469
Samsung SC96P0 Site

Spartan Reviews: Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Doubles the Mayhem

Reviews in 300 words or less...

The King of the Iron Fist Tournament returns with double the action once again in Tekken Tag Tournament 2.

Like the first Tag Tournament, this game tries to spice up the traditional Tekken recipe by throwing in some two-on-two tag team action. The mechanic adds an extra level of strategy to the game, including tag attacks and life bar management. Fail to tag in a partner with full health when your other fighter goes down, for example, and you will lose the match. Tag in a partner at the wrong time and you could see the poor sap eat a combo on the way in and lose chunks of health.

Folks who like eye candy will love how well this game looks. The graphics actually are beautiful and tack-sharp, even on my ridiculously large 83-inch TV (yes, I know). The fighting itself also is fluid and fast. Button mashers might get far against scrubs, but the folks who master the timing for attack chains, bounces and juggles are the ones who still rule the day. You’ll need those skills, too, as the last boss in this game can be King-of-Fighters cheap (though a bit susceptible to the Law family’s somersault kick). Otherwise, you can test your might online, though just how smoothly that goes depends on the quality of your connection (or your opponent's). 

Offline admittedly could use more extras though the Training Lab mode with Combot and the cheesily "Excellent!" Lee can be fun. Ultimately, your enjoyment of this game largely hinges on whether or not you still enjoy fighting games. If your answer is yes, then you'll be happy to know that Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is an excellent, polished 3D fighter that’s even more enjoyable with a group of friends in your living room. "Excellent!"

Recommended if you like: Virtua Fighter, Dead or Alive

Cost: $60: PS3, Xbox 360
Official Tekken site