 [Larger view] | iRobot Roomba 4210 Discovery Floorvac Robotic Vacuum, White
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| The Robots are Coming! The Robots are Coming! | |
| I remember enrolling in an elective class at USC called "Robot Choreography" some 10 odd years ago and being amazed at the advancements being made back then. Spawned from the popularity of Transformers, anime, industry production, and medical innovations, the `90's decade encompassed the increasing use of the robot. American movies such as "The Terminator" were revving up for their encore presentations, while cult classics like the Japanese film, "Tetsuo: The Ironman," were quietly gaining momentum. I'll never forget the hilarious metallic phallic scenes in "Tetsuo," or the disturbing, black and white rendition of a man, literally morphing into metal. Today, robots and machinery have become even more prevalent in our everyday lives, inundated in such a way that our children hardly recognize the wonder of technology. Films depict robots taking over our very existence, sometimes replacing mankind in frightening, violent ways and/or complimenting life and offering up a future that we can all appreciate and aspire to. Surgeries can be done non-invasively today, thanks to advanced technology and man-made mechanisms that can reach where the human hand cannot, and see where the human eye is blind. There seems to be no limit to what robots can do, and the possibilities we foresee in the future are likely to fall short of what the future can actually bring.
Remember that one "Rocky" movie where the Balboa's were finally sitting pretty in a huge new house, and Paulie had a robotic companion equipped with a sexy voice that called him by name? Well, iRobot's version might not talk, but it's compact shape and sleek design surprisingly gives it a personality all it's own! I love my little Roomba Discovery! A robotic vacuum that works like a dream, the Roomba Discovery combines cutting edge technology with every day practicality. Relatively lightweight and only slightly bigger than a breadbox, I can easily cart my Roomba from room to room, even up and down stairs, and leave it running `til it literally can't anymore. I wish I could be a fly on the wall sometimes, because I swear the little bugger is doing more than it lets on when I actually watch it! My floors are so clean when the Roomba gets done with them, both the hardwoods and my carpets, and it frees up my time that would have otherwise been spent working up a sweat and fighting with the bulky, upright vacuum I've since donated to Goodwill! Our relationship began two years ago when my obsession with gadgets brought me across this nifty way of making my life easier. I had just moved into a new condo and was having a fit over climbing the stairs lugging my huge vacuum just to clean the bedrooms, and was considering buying another one just to leave upstairs, when I found Roomba. I had been looking for more funky gadgets to add to my collection, and there it was. It was soo perfect! Not only was it cool and up-to-date, but cute, efficient, and able to operate under no supervision. At first I was worried that it wasn't big enough or it wouldn't clean as well as I could, but I was pleasantly surprised! Roomba actually cleans BETTER because it's designed to get under my furniture and more importantly, to places I can't! First time I used it, the collection bin was jammed pack (it holds a deceptively large amount), and it hadn't even initially looked like the floors were that dirty! It's got a homing device in it so when the battery's going to die, it docks itself back into it's little recharger and quietly prepares for it's next use! My particular model came with a recharging wall mount as well, so when I'm not using it, I can get it out of the way in a flash! Not that it takes up much room anyway- it's super compact! Now, Roomba cleans for me every day, something I would never have had time for if I had to do it myself. If there's anywhere you don't want Roomba to go (can't imagine why you wouldn't, though), it comes with two virtual walls that mark the territory off limits. And as for my stairs, my Roomba is so smart, she can even detect where they are, and not fall off! What more can I say? This thing is hip, it's cool, it cleans. In a world of modern changes and the struggle to keep up, Roomba steps up to the challenge. For anyone who has at some point, wished for someone else to clean their house (who hasn't?), or for those drawn in to the temptation of modern gadgets, I would highly recommend Roomba! | |
| Met My Approval !! | |
| I thought long and hard before deciding on this Roomba Discovery,
after all it's not inexpensive. I TOTALLY LOVE IT! It cleans WELL. Nap of carpet is pulled up, it's gets to the edges, it gets itself out of throw rug tangles, partially blocked pathways and the remote is a nice touch. I vacummed using a ORECK and then put the Roomba on and it got up more dirt, so again it does the job well. It "bumps" into things with a considerable bump.Like when it knocked down my snack tables, so anything just leaning against a wall may be topped over, so adjust for that. I empty the cup every other cleaning and I'm very pleased with it. Would reconmend to keep your place daily clean. | |
| The Future Is Here and It's Clean (At Least at My Apartment) | |
| If you're anything like me, you have a billion other things to do on a daily basis besides cleaning your house. Only in a few weeks after you've realized that an undeniable layer of filth has infiltrated all your possessions do you admit that it's time for a fresh, hygienic change. Yet, you still have all your other tasks to contend with, and still not an inclination to push a relic around. That's why the Roomba Discovery has changed my life the way Guns and Roses changed the character of 80's music.
In the past, I had been discouraged to vacuum because the chore always contained a ton of operational pitfalls. The cord wasn't long enough, the unit was too big to work its way under or around furniture, it would suck up too much hair and all hell would break loose to keep the vacuum from exploding, you get the idea. The Discovery surpasses all such hassles because of nifty robotic technology that I certainly can't explain, except to say that it moves all by itself. Through the magic of the Dirt Detect feature, the vacuum finds grime in a room and hones in, even self-calculating the time it will take to clean the room. I've had endless fun inviting friends to my house so we can watch the Roomba and place bets on where it will travel next. If you think that's dorky, how many times have you successfully entertained company while cleaning at the same time? It's a simple thrill, let me tell you. As far as cons go, I have read other reviews that caution all owners of rugs with fringes or tassels to look out for their Roombas. Since I possess no such frills on the lone area rug in my home, I cannot vouch for the truth of these claims other than to say that it's probably something to keep in mind. Also, although the Roomba has the all-knowing properties we like in robots, it can only do so much as the dirt cups hold. I would not recommend using the Roomba for cleaning up large masses of mess. As a guideline, cat hair gets swept up, cat hair balls do not. But you all ready know that vacuums of the non-robotic stamp can't pick up just everything, so make sure to take away your loose change and socks. Also, the battery life has been pointed out several times as the product's major disadvantage. Honestly, it is not a big deal to me when it has to rest for a while because the little thing works hard. Plus, the Discovery model is so darn clever that it returns to its Self Charging Home Base when the battery is running low. I could understand some level of frustration if you have a huge surface area to clean (i.e. you lucky people with big houses), but the Roomba suits my modestly-sized apartment well. You can extend the battery life by making sure all the parts like the filter are cleared regularly, which is a much easier process than having to dismantle a bigger vacuum. And while it recharges, you can crank the G `n R on your stereo and rock out to "Paradise City," since the Roomba passes no judgment on your performance. |
