iRobot Scooba experience

[bakasa2002]

Paranello Vacuum Robot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAqOLYw1-vk
Funbeat Vacuum Robot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPP3iRScv10

After careful look at Paranello website, I double confirm with chop that it's from same factory as Funbeat. Only the top panel is different, everything else is same.

Hahaha. We are seeing so many clones. How abt iclebo?

 

[thewiseone]

iClebo is unlike these chinese clones, especially the iClebo Smart model. Its visionary mapping seems decent, though its rather pricey.

Hahaha. We are seeing so many clones. How abt iclebo?

 

[uno_bliss]

Woot is selling Neato XV-11 today. Price is not bad. Dead Weight 8+ kg, Volumetric Weight 12+ kg (box is extra big).
As we know Woot is usually helping people to "clear excess stock", does it mean XV-11 will phase-out soon? New models in pipeline?

There's heated argument between Roomba vs Neato on many forums (eg. Youtube comments, Woot comments, Robotreviews, even HWZ this forum), and YES, Fanboys can get agitated (me included).

Here are my reviews in July 2011. I'm quite honoured that my "Edge Cleaning" Youtube video has gone micro-viral with ~3500 views & a Woot forummer posted my video.
20-07-2011 Roomba vs Neato: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=57852200&postcount=8328
20-07-2011 Neato vs Roomba handling curtain: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=57874674&postcount=8331
21-07-2011 Neato vs Roomba handling curtain: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=57880933&postcount=8333
22-07-2011 Neato vs Roomba edge cleaning: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=57921142&postcount=8361
25-07-2011 Neato stuck: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=58015997&postcount=8380
30-07-2011 Neato lost & confused: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=58154508&postcount=8416

My own experience is that Neato isn't good with sandy debris, never tried large debris like in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJJ_SIhDsvs
I once used Neato to clean my parquet floor with sandy debris, I was still stepping on sand after Neato completed.

Roomba on the other hand picks coins, raisins, jigsaw puzzle... Yup, those were the things my customers throw on floor during my demo.
Yah! Go ahead & use Roomba after Live Firing exercise... It's the 21st century soldier! Don't do mundane things like take helmet & torch light to pick empty cartridges.

 

[android]

I heard that neato breaks down easily? Is that true?

 

[Vachel Chan]

This is because Spring Singapore is cracking up on sellers with modified charger which is unapproved by them. They are conducting spot check now as I think John Ackerman might have felt the pressure.

Bro Uno, you might be next............. I'm already being audited and I guess so is Auto***.

Yup, Spring Singapore is indeed clamming down on unapproved chargers. In any case, the original worldwide Charger though it comes with the safety mark is expired and not valid. Spring Singapore disapproves of that too. It had to be retested and renewed to conform with the regulations.

In any case, now all our robotic vacuums adapters only come with an approved and valid safety mark.

For forum members who are unsure as to how to differentiate re manufactured Roomba with brand new, always look out for the serial no.
Re manufactured Roomba in any case has the word Re-manufactured on it, and it serial no. would begin with "PRR" New sets would begin with "KYN" and for Scooba "JEN". Do keep a lookout before purchase.

I am well aware that our prices may seems good. But it does not mean if we are offering a competitive price, the Product is of any difference. I am sure our warranty coverage has not disappointed anyone either.
All our iRobots are definitely 100% brand new and original, Sealed in packaging and are all sold within 3-4months of manufacturing date (which can be found in the serial no. on the box and robot too.) You can always register it with iRobot.com to verify.

Thanks for your concern. Cheers and good day.

 

[uno_bliss]

I heard that neato breaks down easily? Is that true?

I bought my Neato in late July 2011, I use it together with Roomba, each gets their off day.

My Neato will get stuck for absolutely no reason 6/10 times. It just reports "Clear my path so that I can navigate", there's nothing in it's way, and how I rectify? By tapping the bumper, or by pressing "Ok" to get out of pause mode.
There were couple of times it navigated back to the dock, but didn't go fully in to charge, it just parked about 1 ft from dock. Weird...

As for the broken catch which holds the spring loaded driving wheels, mine is still intact.
I've also never encountered RPS error before. My firmware is probably 2nd latest, the latest was out on Neato website ~2 mths ago, but I lazy to download & plug to USB. Also no confidence that latest firmware no new bugs.

 

[thewiseone]

Not true. Just because u may have come across issues raised by people in the forum does not imply that the product breaks down easily. There were just as many (if not more) issues raised with Roombas throughout the different generations. If u've gotten an earlier Neato, there were indeed problems with RPS errors and such. With the latest Neato using FW2.4, most of the issues have been resolved.

I heard that neato breaks down easily? Is that true?

 

[ktee]

Does anyone have lobang for cheap Roomba 400 series battery? Thks.

 

[uno_bliss]

Does anyone have lobang for cheap Roomba 400 series battery? Thks.

I sell original 400 series APS yellow battery. I can also built 400 series battery using 3rd party 500 series battery.

If u want real cheap, I can build u a salvaged battery. Salvaged battery is combined from my huge stash of weak batteries. I select the best cells & combine them into one useful battery pack. I call it "Cream of the Crap".

U can PM me, or email me unobliss@yahoo.com

 

[tokyofanboi]

So which brand better? Basically timber, tiles flooring with carpet. I need something efficiency and cheap. Lastly who got lobang?

 

[uno_bliss]

So which brand better? Basically timber, tiles flooring with carpet. I need something efficiency and cheap. Lastly who got lobang?

U're asking the "Million Dollar Question", cheap, good, efficient, lobang... ... ... Error! Does not compute! Error!

I'm afraid there's no such thing as cheap & good.
The no-brand vacuums will only leave bitter aftertaste, and a bagful of regrets.

If u're interested in the "Real Thing", pls visit my iRobot store here: http://shop.ebay.com.sg/uno_bliss/m.html

Queries just PM me, or email unobliss@yahoo.com

 

[Jubooo]

So which brand better? Basically timber, tiles flooring with carpet. I need something efficiency and cheap. Lastly who got lobang?

iRobot & Neato would be the main choices. Both does a great job in maintainence using different approach. IMO, iRobot is more realiable. If you are worried about furniture getting bumped & damaged, Neato is a better choice. If you want a more through clean on the edges, roomba does a better job with it's sidebrush. I would say the roomba rules in a carpet environment with it's counter-rotating brushes working with the vacuum.

Feel free to browse my store Robovac iRobot Store

 

[Vachel Chan]

So which brand better? Basically timber, tiles flooring with carpet. I need something efficiency and cheap. Lastly who got lobang?

The neato Xv-11 is definitely more powerful and cleans in a more systematic way, and if you are talking about efficiency, it should in most practical cases finish the job in a shorter time.
But however the neato Xv-11 would probably costs more than the older 500 series of the iRobot Roomba.
The newer 700 series Roomba is however more pricey than than the neato. So do consider all options.

Its always good to read reviews in more forums, both locally and overseas to get a good idea of what is most suitable for you. Try not to make a hasty decision, But I am sure both should serve you well.

 

[Vachel Chan]

Not true. Just because u may have come across issues raised by people in the forum does not imply that the product breaks down easily. There were just as many (if not more) issues raised with Roombas throughout the different generations. If u've gotten an earlier Neato, there were indeed problems with RPS errors and such. With the latest Neato using FW2.4, most of the issues have been resolved.

Agree. The newer batches of Neato are less prone to the navigation, RPS and Critical battery error, and the upgrade to the 2.4 is very useful.
But however the wheel spring problem in which the spring falls out still occurs pretty frequently and in some cases, the spring may have already fallen off upon unpacking of the Neato, which can be pretty frustrating. But it can be easily fixed and there are guides on how to do it available online. All you need are stable hands and nimble fingers..

Useful tip: If you are finding that the Neato is unable to pick up dirt or hair that your Roomba can pick up, or you are finding that the neato traps more hair and derbies in its rubber brush like the roomba, its probably time to replace the filter.
The Filter of the Neato is best to be replaced after 3-4 months of use. A clogged up filter would greatly affect its suction power.

 

[bakasa2002]

Any robot fan boy got and have a review to share on the new bots being sold in Sitex? The Agait robots, the iclebo besides the Ackerman booth.

http://bootstrike.com/itfairsg/site...-ec-mini-ec01-price-list-flyer-brochure-8143/

 

[thewiseone]

No worries with the filter....used mine for more than 8 mths still good. Nothing twined around my brush ...almost maintenance free. For better cleaning and a better filter simply swap over to the VR100's brush and filter when these items are available.

Agree. The newer batches of Neato are less prone to the navigation, RPS and Critical battery error, and the upgrade to the 2.4 is very useful.
But however the wheel spring problem in which the spring falls out still occurs pretty frequently and in some cases, the spring may have already fallen off upon unpacking of the Neato, which can be pretty frustrating. But it can be easily fixed and there are guides on how to do it available online. All you need are stable hands and nimble fingers..

Useful tip: If you are finding that the Neato is unable to pick up dirt or hair that your Roomba can pick up, or you are finding that the neato traps more hair and derbies in its rubber brush like the roomba, its probably time to replace the filter.
The Filter of the Neato is best to be replaced after 3-4 months of use. A clogged up filter would greatly affect its suction power.

 

[thewiseone]

No experience owning them but i do have some thoughts to share regarding the iClebo Smart (as i have posted at Roomba review forum) and the AGAiT EC02.


I have gone through MANY demo sessions with the iClebo Smart. I came very close to buying it if i could not get my Neato fixed.



iCLEBO SMART

Pros:

1) Visionary mapping system appears to work fine, unlike that silly Samsung bot. It is aided by front sensors along the bumper which helps it to detect near field objects. The only drawback is that it cannot work in the dark. Not an issue for home use unless it is intended for use in the office after office hours.

2) Bumper made of soft silicon-rubber... very gentle on furnitures and other delicate stuff in the house. U dont need to plaster the bot with bumper protection.

3) 2 counter rotating side brushes

4) Strong suction. I was really skeptical at first since its powered by a relatively small battery that needs to power the side brushes, the main brush, the vacuum motor and the visionary mapping system. It does all these and yet its capable of close to 70 mins of run time. The demonstrator put the set in (diagnostic mode i suppose), running only the brush and vacuum motor. He turned the unit upside down and i placed my hand onto the rotating brush. Sucked my entire palm onto it!!!!!!!!!!! U cant even get this type of suction with a 18V cordless vacuum cleaner. In addition, the vacuum suction has to go through 4 layers of filtering and two long chambers!!! I couldnt figure out where the exhaust air goes out to, couldnt feel any air coming out from the bot??!

5) Cliff sensors that works in our local environment. Roomba and most other bots require a height difference of around 4-5 cm to recognise a drop. The iClebo recognises anything with 2cm and above (verified it myself). I suppose its able to shorten the distance since it has a separate user selectable CLIMB mode for going over obstacles.

6) Modular design... u can even remove the front wheel for cleaning without a screw driver.

7) Relatively easy maintenance.

8) Belt driven main brush .... not plastic gears like (the Roomba. )

9) It appears to be quite well made judging from the quality of the plastic and finishing. Even the rubber squeegee is a high quality item (the Aussie fellow complaining about the poor quality squeegee must have subjected the bot to something really sharp on the floor).

10) Local on-site servicing, great for dads and moms who are not inclined to DIY repairs and/or troubleshoot.

11) Can be easily retrofitted for mopping with a mop attachment unit.

12) Relatively quiet operation.

13) Low standby power, under 1W compared to the Neato (with FW2.4) using 7W.


Cons

1) Pricey. S$838 is a lot of $$$ to shell out for a robotic vacuum cleaner. Its more pricey than the Roomba and Neato.

2) Replacement Li-Ion battery dont come cheap. Unlikely to find any 3rd party replacement accessories and spare parts.

3) Layout of brush and vacuum is typical of many other robotic vacuum cleaners. The driving wheels are IN FRONT of the brush and vacuum => dirty driving wheels. In addition, its not possible to remove the drive wheels for cleaning without disassembling the unit.



AGAiT EC02

Only seen it in operation once at Sitex. Seems comparable to the Roomba 5XX/7XX series. Essentially a dumb bot with pre-programmed cleaning patterns. However, the vacuum suction is really strong and looking at the design, it works more as a vacuum cleaner (like the Neato) instead of a sweeper like the Roomba. The suction passage is comparable in size to the Neato but it has the advantage of 2 rotating side brushes. The down side appears to be a relatively short main brush. Operation is VERY quiet and it has a very low profile, easily fitting under low cabinets and tight areas. Its powered by a Li-polymer battery. Its slim and comes with all the pros of using a Li-Polymer battery but i doubt the replacement will come cheap. I took a quick glance at the dirt bin and the filter appears to be rather flimsy.

Any robot fan boy got and have a review to share on the new bots being sold in Sitex? The Agait robots, the iclebo besides the Ackerman booth.

http://bootstrike.com/itfairsg/site...-ec-mini-ec01-price-list-flyer-brochure-8143/

 

[maisatomai]

I am very new to this robot vacuum and wanted to purchase one for my family.

1) My house has those door-step like this, wondering whether the robot will be able to "jump" over it to another room.

2) Will it be able to climb to go up the carpet?
3) Will it go into the toilet to clean the toilet?

 

[uno_bliss]

I am very new to this robot vacuum and wanted to purchase one for my family.

1) My house has those door-step like this, wondering whether the robot will be able to "jump" over it to another room.
2) Will it be able to climb to go up the carpet?
3) Will it go into the toilet to clean the toilet?

Gosh! "Roomba Jump Over The Wall"?
Anyway, Roomba can climb ~2cm, designed to go up thick carpet. But ur toilet kerb is about 1.5", so Roomba won't go in & out of toilet.

Pls visit my iRobot store here: http://shop.ebay.com.sg/uno_bliss/m.html
Queries just PM or email me unobliss@yahoo.com

 

[maisatomai]

Gosh! "Roomba Jump Over The Wall"?
Anyway, Roomba can climb ~2cm, designed to go up thick carpet. But ur toilet kerb is about 1.5", so Roomba won't go in & out of toilet.

Pls visit my iRobot store here: http://shop.ebay.com.sg/uno_bliss/m.html
Queries just PM or email me unobliss@yahoo.com

Thanks, I was worried it will commit suicide inside toilet.

Btw, I can see that you are selling 530 and 560. What the difference between them? I wanted to get something that can clean my small 4 room flat only.