Going to buy a second Roomba ... but which

Scoobalvr · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 14

Hey there!

I have an older Roomba elite I use it daily and it's great actually.. it gets all kinds of dirt and my battery runs an hour sometimes more, I know lots of people here don't fancy that model much.. anyhow I have two Scooba 5800's and they get used daily as well.

I'm thinking I really need another Roomba.. we are moving to a two floor townhouse soon so I know I will need a vac for each floor, I figure the Elite can be delegated upstairs but I want something new for the main floor.

Lots of kids and one non shedding dog.. The only thing I would love to do is less babysitting of my Roomba.. that's my only complaint with the Elite.. I have to watch it sometimes and rescue it.. also it cannot charge itself.

Suggestions? should I buy the most recent model? I don't even know what it is ... I'm out of the loop! LOL

Thanks in advance. :D

Boomerang · Joined: 15 Jun 2008 Posts: 36

I have the iRobot Roomba 580 (which is the 570) for 2 months now. I love it. It does a great job! So far I have not experienced the common problems mentioned on the forums. :D

Boomerang · Joined: 15 Jun 2008 Posts: 36

Check out this sale on Amazon for the 560:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/ref=nav_tdpop_gb

8)

fancyfreewv · Posted: July 1, 2008, 3:37 pm Post subject:

I have the 535 (home shopping network) and a 560. Both are working fine with 3 long haired dogs after 9 months and I love them. Frequent cleaning is necessary but the models now are modular and can be fixed by the consumer if necessary by popping in a spare part.

Buying the latest models would get you a year (minimum) warranty too. Costco $279, HSN $239 (I think) and other discounts available.

One caution you will definitely have problems with is dark rug borders or patterns. The 5xx series cannot handle that but does handle tassles and cords better. There is a "fix" for the issue by taping off the cliff sensors but then you can't have stair landings for it to negotiate.

Boomerang · Joined: 15 Jun 2008 Posts: 36

Quote: One caution you will definitely have problems with is dark rug borders or patterns. The 5xx series cannot handle that but does handle tassles and cords better. There is a "fix" for the issue by taping off the cliff sensors but then you can't have stair landings for it to negotiate.

I don't seem to have a problem with dark rugs. I have 3 rugs that are dark and the 580 does not have a problem with them but it does on occassion with the tassles. I now try to put the tassles beneath the rugs. :)

Scoobalvr · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 14

We don't have any rugs.. which I think is why my old Elite Pro is such a killer cleaning machine in this environment :lol:

fancyfreewv · Posted: July 1, 2008, 5:26 pm Post subject:

Boomerang wrote: Quote: One caution you will definitely have problems with is dark rug borders or patterns. The 5xx series cannot handle that but does handle tassles and cords better. There is a "fix" for the issue by taping off the cliff sensors but then you can't have stair landings for it to negotiate.

I don't seem to have a problem with dark rugs. I have 3 rugs that are dark and the 580 does not have a problem with them but it does on occassion with the tassles. I now try to put the tassles beneath the rugs. :)

The problem with dark areas is especially noticeable on borders. These type of carpets are normally placed under a formal dining table or are Persian style. The patterns of the dark then light carpet or a dark border will sometimes confuse Roomba into thinking it has reached a stairwell or "cliff" and the cliff sensors make it back up instead of going forward.

I have a small black mat in my kitchen in front of the stove that Roomba just refuses to clean. It will push it but not get up on it as my floors are light maple and the mat is such a contrast to them.

It's supposed to handle tassles fine now just backs up until it can negotiate them. It has "anti-tassle" technology in the 5xx series.