My wife could never get the hang of pump, hold, release (Not what your thinking, I am talking about brake bleeding). If I get frustrated enough explaining the problem, she says to buy the tool that makes it easier and then I won't need to yell so much!
yes, thats why i bought the mighty vac also at autozone for about $25, the plastic one, but it works good...
i never could relay how to pump the brakes when under the car and just about gave up..until the mighty vac..
you might also be insterested in the :
Speed bleeders:
http://www.speedbleeder.com/ 
