Carrol is right on about what could be wrong. My advice is to try the tools out if that is possible because there is a good chance that they will be fine. First thing to check out is the manufacture date printed on the label, month and year (11/12 being November 2012). If they are newer ask a bout purchase date and warranty. As of a year and half ago most tools started coming in the T-Loc Systainer and that adds some value over the older classic Systainer.
Try the a test cut or two id possible. The saw has a soft start and it has a bit of different sound than you may be used to with other tools. The sound is sort of a groan almost like the bearings are going. Don't worry that's normal. If everything is good you should have a very good cut in plywood, no burning or saw marks. As for the vac, it has a small diameter hose to attach to the tools so it dosen't pick up dust like your shop vac might with the larger diameter hose. You should get a good dust collection with your cut but expect a bit of dust to escape especially at the end of the cut.
Here's the sound of the TS55.
