tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13417295.post6494792810201023379..comments2023-09-02T07:51:39.805-07:00Comments on Traveling Tech Guy Blog: Gadget Review - iRobot RoombaTraveling Tech Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01547838190628135925noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13417295.post-54309064996874397712008-11-14T13:12:00.000-08:002008-11-14T13:12:00.000-08:00Been using the old Woot-purchased model for two ye...Been using the old Woot-purchased model for two years. Replaced battery once -- the cheaper/stronger DIY-pry-apart-the-battery-case version. We have a cat and there's really no other way to vacuum key kitty confines, i.e. under beds & in corners. It also allows our cleaning lady to focus on the real messes created by a personal chef mom, work-at-home dad, sickly aging cat, and 9yo boy.<BR/><BR/>Being an old AI guy myself, I'm impressed by the heuristics for getting itself out of tight spots (tho' floor registers are still a problem), but not so impressed that it cannot maximize coverage in minimal time/energy. It's far to random after its "opening sequence" of spirals and edges, but eventually gets the job done. <BR/><BR/>My feature requests: <BR/>- Separate receptacles for dust/dirt/hair, Lego pieces and coins <BR/>- Cleaning the brush & rollers etc is a bit tedious. It should just cough-up a hairball when done. <BR/>- Text alerts when it's done or stuck<BR/>- Climb stairs & use multiple bases <BR/>- Activate when house is quiet during day (i.e. no-one at home)<BR/>- Generate a floorplan during usage to optimize coverage/time during subsequent uses.<BR/>- Email me about problem areas (i.e I'm getting stuck [here] or there's cat shit I can't suck-up [here] with icons on the floorplan.<BR/><BR/>As for keeping it out of the bathroom...use the invisible blocker devices...or a pair of shoes end-to-end at the threshold.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com