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Inexpensive - Yes! / Cheap - No Way!New Roomba Model 610 *SALE*
Although Roomba is certainly a triumph, it's hardly the first robot to appear on the scene. It's not even the first advanced robot meant for the home: that title belongs to the Aibo, Sony's $3,000+ robot dog that does almost everything a real dog can, but for a whole lot more money. Yet if an Aibo has ever done anything remotely useful around the house, no one has ever recorded it. Arguably, iRobot's greatest triumph isn't that they introduced the first viable household robot: it's that they produced the first viable household robot that's affordable. That's a major distinction, because if Roomba cost $3,000, iRobot surely wouldn't have sold over 1.5 million units by now. Roomba starts at a mere $199, and goes up to $330; for the price of an Aibo, which is surely a wonderful toy, you can buy 10 or 15 Roombas, enough for several houses. And don't confuse affordability with cheapness in the "tawdry" sense. Roombas are highly sophisticated robots for their size, a fact that technology geeks of all ages have long since realized. There's a whole community of folks who love to take Roombas apart and experiment with them, since for the price any Roomba is an ideal robotics experimentation platform. They call their souped-up models Zoombas. Like all robots, Roomba needs some occasional interaction. For example, it hasn’t figured out (yet) how to empty its own dust collector, which is where all the dirt and goodies like crayons and pennies end up. You'll have to do that yourself every once in a while; after every room is good. Otherwise, Roomba can handle itself, up to and including knowing where it's been before, where to stop, and where to go to plug itself back in. However, Roomba can't fix itself or replace worn out parts (yet!) so you'll have to help with that, too. Fortunately, iRobot's not one of those companies that lure you in with a great, inexpensive product, only to nickel-and-dime you to death with replacement parts. It's rare that a Roomba part or accessory goes for more than $50, and then you're talking about big items like the Virtual Wall and a new cam.
On to part six :: Cool Add-Ons and Accessories :: Back to Roomba Guide Index |
Roomba Reviews Review of the Roomba SchedulerClick here often to see updated consumer reporting from a new user who has absolutely no previous experience with anything robotic! Read her humorous and honest account of her ongoing experiences with Roomba, iRobot Customer Care and much more. A Message From The Editor
Feature Articles Roomba Parts and AccessoriesClick here for best prices on Roomba parts for all models. Including Roomba batteries, replacement brushes, filters, accessories and much more!
This specially designed upgrade kit increases Roomba's® capacity to tackle pet messes such as hair, litter and tracked in dirt. It's a snap to install and includes a special brush and brush cleaning tool for easy, effective pet hair removal. Kit includes Easy Clean Brush, Easy Clean Brush Tool, wire bale, beater brush and side brush.
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