RE: Roomba and Scooba

["White, Peter" <peter.white@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've just bought a new 5th-generation Roomba, to answer your
questions:

1. Yes :-)
2. Yes, on the higher-end models. I've got a 535 which allows the use of a
separate wireless scheduler module. The 550, which is close to the current
top of the range in the US, has this feature on-board. I was in Costco at
the weekend, and they're selling them for $279 (might have been the 560,
not
completely sure).
3. Yup, on all but the cheapest models. My previous Roomba was a series 1
from the bulk-buy I did with Mark; they've come on a LONG way since then.
4. Very well. I've only had mine for a few weeks, but it has no problem
going from carpet to tile and vice-versa.  The better models have
'lighthouses', which you put at door openings (if you want to).  These act
as intelligent Virtual Walls, in that they'll stop Roomba from going into
the next room until it's spent enough time in the previous room.  They'll
also help guide Roomba back to the charging base.

I can't answer for the Scooba, but I do know that they cannot be scheduled.
You can go here for a Roomba model comparison:
http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=336
... the difference between a 560 and
a 530 is that the former has the scheduling on-board (i.e. buttons on the
unit), the latter has no scheduling.  My 535 uses a wireless command
centre,
its was a special for around $220 from one of the shopping channels over
here.

Pete

-----Original Message-----
From: Ho Yin Ng [mailto:architect.hoyin@xxxxxxx]
Sent: 22 January 2008 04:41
To: ukha_d
Subject: [ukha_d] Roomba and Scooba

I am considering buying a Roomba and a Scooba for washing my rubber floors.
My idea would be to set it up and let it trundle around and clean the floor
whilst I am at work.

The problem is I have never seen one and don't know of anyone who has used
one.

1. Does anyone on this group have either a Roomba or Scooba?
2. Am I able to program them as described previously so they can clean
whilst I am out?
3. I assume if they run out of battery power they will return to the cradle
to recharge then carry on cleaning?
4. How does the Roomba cope with crossing door thresholds from one room to
another?

I have seen the Roomba 560 on sale, is it worth it over the 530 - am I
right
I needs the 560 before I do scheduling? My rooms that actually have carpet
is minimal my main areas are rubber. I cannot find a UK seller that sells
the Scooba.

Thanks

Ho Yin