re: iRobot: Roomba 870 or 880

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Neato better in every way

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Neato did have one flaw. The XV line could only get so close to a wall and leaves about a 1 1/4" strip right at the baseboard uncleaned. I believe the newer Botvac line addressed this by adding a spinning side brush like the Roombas have.

Unless iRobot completely changes the aesthetic of their robots, be aware that they will ALWAYS leave corners uncleaned. A circular robot cannot fully get into the depths of a square corner; Mathematics is a cold-hearted bitch. This is precisely why Neato's front is square.

Mine is awesome - not sure what model but it's a newer one. Prolly the best purchase I've ever made. Don't get the mop one though it's pretty crappy

I have a roomba (dont remember the model number, but it was for pets). That MF'er destroyed some furniture legs. It also is completely random. You will have zig zag lines all over any carpeted rooms and missed spots on hardwood/tile. The little brushes that are supposed to get against the walls just threw dog hair around and it never picked it up.

Two weeks ago I got the Neato XV 21. MUCH better. Goes off everyday while we are at work. Cleans the whole house. If the battery runs low, it will drive back to the base and charge, then pick right back up where it left off. The carpeted bedrooms look like the maid came every day. Perfectly straight lines. We dont notice dog hair or anything at all anymore. Its much more gentle on chair legs and end tables compared to the roomba as well.

So if you want a roomba, I have one you can have for free. You just need a charging base. I dont use it at all now that se got the neato.

The remote is only useful when it stops in the dead middle of your bed and you can't reach it.

I have a Roomba 595. Works great on our hardwoods and short carpets. I'm always amazed at the amount of cat hair it picks up.

Get a neato botvac. If you still want a roomba, get the one at Costco.