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The appliance and electronics store where I work sells two different models of the iRobot Roomba vacuuming robot. One finds its own way back to the docking station (sometimes) where it will recharge itself. The other model requires that you pick it up and return it to the docking station to be charged.

I think the Roomba is a great concept, but in reality it still needs more improvements. It has very poor suction in comparison with upright vacuums in the same price range. I've found that it leaves quite a lot behind and it also has a very small container for the dirt that it actually does manage to pick up. Also, expect to get your hands and shirt a little dirty when you go to empty it. Another problem I've found is the life of each charge. It only has enough power on each charge to do a small area, especially if it gets stuck under a piece of furniture, which it frequently does.

The whole idea behind the Roomba is that it does your vacuuming for you. Unfortunately, by the time that I set the sensors so the Roomba will know where I want it to clean and have to pick it up a half dozen times when it gets stuck in even the smallest of grooves, then I've wasted more time than it would have taken me to clean with my regular vacuum.

For areas that have no furniture, hard floors, and very little dirt, the Roomba does okay, but you should still expect to find areas where the Roomba either missed or just wasn't powerful enough to pick up the debris. Also, don't think that you can just walk off with the Roomba running and come back to a clean floor. It needs more than a little help finding its way around.

Although I'm not fond of the Roomba as a vacuum, it makes for a great dog toy. Little dogs love to bark at it and chase it around the room, which can be pretty funny to watch. That's about all it gets used for in my house these days. Oh, and it doesn't do a very good job picking up dog hair either.

The Roomba isn't a complete waste of money. It does pick up a little here and there, but I certainly don't encourage my customers to purchase one as their primary vacuum. However, give the iRobot people a little more time and I have no doubt that they will come up with a much improved version. Until then, buy with caution. I've had more than a few excited customers purchase the Roomba only to return it the next day due to disappointment.

If you're not afraid to spend a little extra money and want a vacuum that will have amazing suction, easy handling, and a very long lifespan, then you should consider purchasing a Dyson.

Learn more about this author, Kaitlyn Hamilton.
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