Where to start?

[stangri]

First of all, kudos for creating a site/wiki/forum, it seems to be filled with the quality reviews and information from owners/enthusiasts.

However, looks like the site is most beneficial to the enthusiasts who are keeping up to date with recent developments but it's not quite clear where should a newbie like me start.

For example, I would like to research what robotic cleaners are designed for the laminate/hardwood flooring but I failed to find a good comparison page. Anyways, if anyone can help me start in a new direction (without reading thru many threads in all vendor sections) I'd greatly appreciate it.

-Stan

[keybounce]

Similar here. I'd like to ask which robot is best for a small house with 2 short hair cats, one long hair dog, and carpet everywhere -- except for two bathrooms and a kitchen.

But that's not asking about any one robot, so there's no clear "where to post this" location.

[piokrza]

For hard floors - all robotic vacs available at now on the market. If you own carpet/rug, then the list of robotic vacs will be shortened

[stangri]

For hard floors - all robotic vacs available at now on the market. If you own carpet/rug, then the list of robotic vacs will be shortened

Right, well it's like saying that if you want to print in black color only, any printer will do. While true, there's more to selecting a printer (and a robot) than that.

The point we're trying to make is that there's no comparison section and the vendor/product specific topics are too specialized for a newcomer to consume.

[Fraggboy]

Hello. I must apologize for not scrolling all the way down on the forums and I missed this post by you and another new member.

Welcome to Robot Reveiws!

There are a number of factors that need to be addressed before we start making some suggestions. You state you are looking for a robotic cleaner for hardwood floors. The 5xx/7xx Roombas will work great on both carpet and hardwood floors.

The Neato XV-11 does well at both also. There is also some Samsung robotic vacuum cleaners that do great on hardwood floors, but don't fare well with carpets.

The Roomba/Neato are easily available all across the World. The Samsung/other robotic vacuum cleaners are not as easy to obtain in the US. I don't know where you live, so that should be a factor that needs to be factored in. Then there's the price range you are willing to shell out. Then there is if you like/want the "Latest/Greatest" Model. Then there is a factor if you have pets. The Roomba will need some modifications done to the CHM (Cleaning Head Module) so it will last longer. The XV-11 is still new so I can't comment on the longevity. All of the robots have their Pros and Cons. If money is no object, I would check out the Karcher RC3000. You will find very little information here due to it having little issues, but it does cost a lot of money.

Phwew!! What a mouthful! I know, I really didn't help you, but there is information that needs to be answered so we can (somewhat) give you information that could benefit well in your home.

[keybounce]

OK:
1. In the USA.
2. Carpet is more important than hard linoleum
3. 2 short hair cats, one long hair dog
4. House rooms are not simple boxes; master bedroom/bath area has a cul-de-sac of carpet and a small linoleum floor section. Second bedroom has an opening to the hall bathroom. Living room has an opening to the kitchen cul-de-sac (also linoleum).
5. Expected budget was $400. I probably could go a little higher, but money is an object.
6. I don't necessarily need the latest, but if the latest is better than the previous, I'll want the latest. I'll want what works well.

[Fraggboy]

keybounce,

Check out the Roomba and Neato forums. You will want to stay away from the Samsung robotic vacuums due to you having carpet and you live in the US.

The 7xx Roomba does pretty well, but since you have pets, you will more than likely want to perform the CHM modification so the pet hair doesn't enter the gearbox and play havoc.

The Neato XV-11 does pretty good, but it too has it flaws due to it being a new contender. As far as I know the only modification that should be done to is buying HEPA filters from Vic7767, or make them yourselves. The new version that Vorwerk does have a side spinning brush, and a HEPA filter. It's not available in the US (yet).

[stangri]

Fraggboy, thank you very much for your reply!

Since I've got laminate (and tiles) everywhere -- are there robots which vacuum but which I can also put the wet wipes on?

I'm also a bit concerned that most robots are round -- how well do they deal with corners (which I've got a lot of -- support beams)?

thanks!

[Fraggboy]

There is the Evolution Mint robot, but that's only designed to sweep or mop (Dry or wet "Swiffer type" cloth. You can check out that forum. Mint is coming out with a new model that will keep the pad moist during the mission.

The round robots do OK in the corners. The Roomba has a side spinning brush, but it still won't clean all the way up in the corner. The XV-11 has a square front, and it does a little bit better, but it can leave some debris very close to the corner as well. The Roomba will do good navigating around the beams as the side spinning brush will wisk the debris into the vacuum/brush path.

[keybounce]

The 7xx Roomba does pretty well, but since you have pets, you will more than likely want to perform the CHM modification so the pet hair doesn't enter the gearbox and play havoc.

Does the 7xx have HEPA and those side spinning brushes?

How easy/difficult/involved is the CHM modification? Does iRobot make a pet model with these already done?

Is the improved Neato going to be released in the USA soon?

[vic7767]

Does the 7xx have HEPA and those side spinning brushes?

There are two 1 & 1/2 in hepa filters used in the dust bin in the 700 series Roombas. There is a single side brush installed on the right front side.

How easy/difficult/involved is the CHM modification? Does iRobot make a pet model with these already done?

You can read about the procedure here: http://www.robotreviews.com/chat/viewto ... =1&t=11591
iRobot does not offer a pet model with the CHM modification. That is something owners either purchase or perform after market.

Is the improved Neato going to be released in the USA soon?

Probably next year.

[piokrza]

Also, there is new LG LRV5900 HOM-BOT available in US and new Samsung Navibot VCR8845 (before: SR8830) in Canada. Both are great for hard floors and low to medium carpet/rug. Navibot has "Pet Hair Care" system which removes pet hair better and clean the main brush itself.

[questor]

Hey guys,

I'm warming this thread up because I feel absolutely like the initial poster.

I am looking for a robot for laminate floors - and I'm not prone yet to a certain model.
For issues as such, there is no board around here. Have you thought about a general Q's/purchase advice/newbie board?

My thoughts are that laminate is easy to clean, so I probably don't have to spend as much as ppl looking for a robot to clean tougher surfaces.
On the other hand, I want to avoid buying a too outdated model that has other issues (navigation, batteries etc.)
which is the way to go? What models would you point me towards to?

thx!

[questor]

hehe - noone reading down here?

[robotreviews]

Sorry, most members don't look in the site suggestions forum. I've moved it out to the iRobot forum so it will be seen by more people.

[vic7767]

The answer to your robotic quest can be provided by what are you willing to spend. These cleaning robots have different price ranges so in order to help provide you with some insight, if you have an idea of what you're willing to shell out for a cleaning robot will help determine an answer.

[questor]

I understand your approach - and surely with more expensive - and rather less functional items it makes sense.
If I were to buy jewelry for example, I could see if real gems were in my budget, or if fake ones would have to do.

With such a cleaning robot though, I'd start from the exact opposite end.
In short, I am willing to spend what is needed to fulfill my requirements.
Because if an item defined by it's capabilities - a cheaper one that doesn't cover my needs for what I'm willing to pay without knowing how much I'd HAVE to pay to get what I need is useless.
In the same way, a technical item that's way over the top for what I need and is therefore premium priced is in the same way bogus in my opinion.

- So first I'd define what is needed and which robots can provide with just that - and little to nothing more that would be prices additionally-

- Then I can estimate how much I need to spend to get what I want and see if I need to make concessions to pay less - ore if that's still in a range where I could see me spending a little more for a nice but not vital extra here and there.


So my basic requirements would be really limited as followed:
- Being able to clean my 80sqm flat during the day when I'm away.
- Being able to clean on wooden laminate - no need for extra (expensive) power for carpets etc.

And secondary requirements that would be nice depending on the price for one that offers such:
- I'm not a fan of machines dying because of exhausted batteried, so an exchangeable one, preferred one with little memory effect and maybe even a standard battery to replace easily would be nice.
- As the dust often collects in the corners with the laminate, one that cleans acceptably in the corners would be great
- From how the robots navigate, I'd prefer one that doesn't bump against objects...
- An option to mark areas where not to go could be beneficial

[questor]

umm - did I confuse you all?

[vic7767]

I purchased my first floor cleaning robot over 10 years ago. It was a Roomba. Over that time frame (Then until Now) I have purchased every Roomba model change that has been introduced to the buying public. The present 880 model Roomba with a 4400 mAH LI-ion battery installed will be your best option of dependability for both operational performance as well as battery runtime. It is a superior robot IMHO.

It does use all of its sensors to determine cleaning time and area coverage. The Light Touch bumper sensors slow the Roomba down when approaching objects. There are Infrared emitters (Virtual Walls) that can be used to define (Do not enter) or (Do not exit) areas.

[Roombascoobatastic]

I have the roomba 770. With my chocolate lab and shedding cat, I absolutely love it... and at $450 it would give you the best balance of quality, utility and budget. Not a spec of dirt on my floor, ever. The 800 series goes against the beginners goal of affordability, at $800 it's just ridiculous unless you're a one percenter... In that case go for the 880