Cool Add-Ons and Accessories

Most of the price differences from one Roomba model to another are based on the features and options you want to include with your purchase. In another refreshing bit of clear thinking, iRobot has made most of the accessories compatible with all existing models of Roomba. You'll definitely want a Home Base for hassle-free recharging; fortunately, most models come complete with this feature, which can recharge your Roomba's batteries in just three hours. Or how about a remote control, so you can turn your Roomba on and off from a distance? All models have remote control ability, and the top models -- Scheduler and Discovery SE -- can even be programmed remotely, using the iRobot Scheduler.

As of early 2008, plain remote controls for the Model 400, Discovery, and original series Roombas are still available, and so is the iRobot Scheduler remote control -- but it only works with the Roomba Scheduler and the Discovery SE, models that are no longer available from iRobot. The Scheduler Remote has been replaced with the snazzy new Wireless Command Center, which you can use either as a remote control to direct the actions of the more advanced Roomba 500 series robots (the 570 and 580 models) or as a scheduling platform to program your Roomba with seven different cleaning schedules.

Another nifty feature is the Virtual Wall, a snazzy infrared emitter that stops Roomba in its tracks. Think of it as a high-tech baby gate for a robot: just like a real wall, Roomba can't get past it. Virtual Walls are great for rooms with open doorways, because you don't want the robot to just take off down the hall and try to clean every room it can reach. This might not be such a bad idea for a small apartment, but if you've got a decent-sized house, it's unlikely its battery would hold out long enough. Besides, you don't want your Roomba running wild and overeating, do you?

The new Virtual Lighthouse expands the control capabilities for the Roomba 500 series, using the same infrared technology that makes the Virtual Wall so effective. Instead of simply blocking off rooms, as the Virtual Wall does, you can set the Lighthouse to block off a room only until the Roomba has thoroughly cleaned the room it's already in. Once that's done, the Lighthouse lets the robot through into the next room it needs to clean.

Perhaps most surprising, these gadgets aren't that expensive, and are packaged with many models anyway. But if two or three virtual walls aren't enough, you can always get another one for $29.99. If you wear out the remote, a new one costs a mere $19.99. These reasonable prices extend to the necessities as well. Besides geek toys like remotes and Virtual Walls, iRobot offers a full range of filters, cams, batteries, brushes, chargers, cleaning tools, and other items you need to keep your robot in good health. For example, a six-pack of air filters will cost you $27.99; similarly, four-packs of brushes will set you back about $25. Considering that these are major parts for a home robot, that's not too bad at all. Imagine how expensive buying parts for Rosie the Robot would be.

November 2008: Latest updates are in green.

On to part seven:

• Meet the Family
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