I have a nice vacuum pack machine, but I almost always use the method that yakrider turned me onto a few years ago:
The original bags are hard find now but I can use my electric pump with an adapter and then use the Ziploc bags which are easy to find any where
Here is a video showing the Reynolds pump / adapter and the Ziploc bags:
http://www.reynloc.com/
Works freaking great
The electric pump is from the Reynolds system
The bags are from the Ziploc system
The Ziploc pump is a hand pump that also works well, but the electric pump is faster and easier
I made my own adapter.