The Roomba - vacuum robot

[Jiggy_12]

Does anyone have this thing?

Im thinking of getting one, and read a pretty good review on it the other day in the paper. Does it actually work?

http://www.robotshop.ca/home/product...scheduler.html

[Otto-matic]

Personally I pefer doing it myself then having a robot clean for me, Who knows if it will turn out to be like a terminator and kill me

[Bobblehead]

I've read it doesn't do a great job, it is more of an automatic carpet sweeper; but if you get the carpet clean it will keep it clean. That was when it first came out so it may be better now.

[Otto-matic]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

I've read it doesn't do a great job, it is more of an automatic carpet sweeper; but if you get the carpet clean it will keep it clean. That was when it first came out so it may be better now.

So its like that swiffer carpet flick?

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

So its like that swiffer carpet flick?

I guess.

Really, look at it. How much suction could it generate?

[Flames_Gimp]

thinking of getting one too...probably works good on laminate flooring?

[I-Hate-Hulse]

I have one - it worked great in my single floor condo. You do have to move some furniture around (ie pull out chairs around a table) for maximum effectiveness. Overall it does a pretty good job, and definately works best if you have hardwood or laminate. I think it'd be OK on Berber too. No deep pile carpets. It even has a spinning sweeper arm to get into the corners.

In my new multi level townhouse it's not as good - too many stairwells for it to fall down, and floors means you have to pick it up and reset it every floor. It's quicker to just take a swiffer out and do the whole thing by hand.

[ken0042]

The most important question though; does it scare the crap out of the cat?

Seriously, how well would it work on things like wood shavings on regular carpet; the stuff that builders use? I was thinking it would be handy for cleaning in front of the rabbit's cage every day so I wouldn't end up tracking it through the house.

[TimSJ]

I have been looking at this as well.. We need a new vacum anyways..

There is a similar lawn mowing robot that has my eye as well.. If there is one thing i hate worse that vacuming it is mowing the lawn..

http://www.friendlyrobotics.ca/robomow/

[Burninator]

$435? that kinda seems like a lot. I would think you would also need a backup vacuum as well. I see those ads on tv for that yellow vacuum with no bags. Not sure of the name, but it seems pretty good or maybe its just the guys german accent making it sound better than it is.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by Burninator

$435? that kinda seems like a lot. I would think you would also need a backup vacuum as well. I see those ads on tv for that yellow vacuum with no bags. Not sure of the name, but it seems pretty good or maybe its just the guys german accent making it sound better than it is.

That is the Dysan.

They are expensive, but supposedly they will suck a bowling ball through a straw (figuratively speaking), and clean better than almost anything else.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by ken0042

The most important question though; does it scare the crap out of the cat?

Seriously, how well would it work on things like wood shavings on regular carpet; the stuff that builders use? I was thinking it would be handy for cleaning in front of the rabbit's cage every day so I wouldn't end up tracking it through the house.

Not sure if you mean thicker wood chips or thinner shavings (ie hamster bedding). If it's the later you shouldn't have any problem. Think of it as a self propelled dustbuster.

It's actually quite thorough - and great for amusing friends - scatter a bunch of stuff on the floor and they'll be amazed as the sucker rolls around bumping it's way across the floor, yet picking up all the stuff you just scattered.

I think the newer ones have a feature I'd love - automatic docking and recharge, with scheduled times where it starts vacumming by itself. Part of my downfall was that I was too lazy to turn the robot loose.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

That is the Dysan.

They are expensive, but supposedly they will suck a bowling ball through a straw (figuratively speaking), and clean better than almost anything else.

I think you meant Dyson. Found it on Futureshop's website, they start at $500 and go up to $650.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by Burninator

I think you meant Dyson. Found it on Futureshop's website, they start at $500 and go up to $650.

Yes, that is them.

[Eagle Eye]

We bought a Dyson from Costco about 6 months ago. It is amazing (for a vaccum). We have a large dog who sheds little dogs everyday and this is the first vaccum that we have found that it able to keep up

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by ken0042

I was thinking it would be handy for cleaning in front of the rabbit's cage every day so I wouldn't end up tracking it through the house.

Yeah, I'm sure the bunny would love that! I remember when I got a remote control tower fan and how much it freaked out my rabbit when I turned it on and it started oscillating. He'd be thumping like crazy until I turned it off.

[Flames_Gimp]

look on Ebay if you want the roomba....forget that $400 BS at that robot site. think i will buy one

[Markie]

Hey, I thought I would jump in this convo since my wife got both the Roomba and Scooba for Mother's Day from her parents. Let me tell you fellas, nothing better than these little guys. I never have to vacuum or mop and my wife doesn't complain that I don't pitch in anymore. I have to admit I was skeptical at first and thought they were just cool gadgets but after a few spins on the carpet and kitchen floor I was convinced otherwise. I think the trick is to let them do their business. Once time around doesn't always pick up the stuff but since you are not doing the work let them go around another time. I often even leave our house and let them go by themselves. I hope this helps you make a decision.

[Flames_Gimp]

cool. how noisy is the roomba? i'm going to schedule it to run at night i think.

[Markie]

I live in an apartment/flat and I never once had my neighbors complain. However I don't run it at night. I think it is all relative regarding noise. I don't think it is that noisey but if you ask my dog that is a different story.