Roomba Opinions

[BCV2003]

I have been wanted a Roomba for some time now and I received a Roomba 440 as a Christmas gift. I haven't been able to find many reviews on it and am not sure whether I should keep it or return it and add money to get the Roomba 530.

I know that the 440 was does not have the charging base to return to but it does have two virtual walls.

Any opinions? Would you add $100 to get the 530?

 

[sherry7]

I have the Roomba 535 model. Mine has the charging station and 1 virtual wall. I really wish I had another virtual wall, as I'm continuously grabbing a laundry basket, etc to block the Roomba's way. My 1st floor is fairly open though, so it really depends on the layout of your house. The charging station is nice, but honestly...I'd rather have another virtual wall instead of that.

I saw that you live in SW PA as well...check out Big Lots. They get refurbed Roomba's from time to time. I bought mine at Woot.com, but got my parents the same model at Big Lots.

 

[FLAngie]

I have the 535 model. Like the PP, I wish that I had a second virtual wall. I am always looking for a step stool or laundry basket too I do like the charging base. I like that I can start my Roomba before I leave the house and when I return the floors are vacuumed and the Roomba is charging for the next time. Once and a while I will return home and have to hunt for my Roomba when it does not make it back to the charging base. I am not sure that the base is worth an extra $100 however.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I'm not sure about the Roomba but I have it's sibbling, the Scooba. I just got it for X-mas. I have only used it once but so far I am VERY happy! I love that thing!

 

[cbmstephanie]

I love my Roomba! I have the one with a charging base and 2 virtual walls. I can't imagine not having 2 walls although I could live without the base if I absoutely had to. The PP just reminded me that now I need the Scooba! Gotta get my DH on that!

 

[las3888]

For what it's worth, I use the 2nd eye all the time. I also have the docking station, but I usually pick it up and do a room at a time so it isn't all that helpful to me. I do like the longer batter life that the newer model is supposed to have. I usually put it in a room and let it go for quite a while. My room is usually very nice and tidy then. I will say it doesn't do a great job on my area rugs nor does it do a good job on carpets that show vacuum marks (it is a very randon vacuum so you will have all kinds of crazy lines going everywhere). It is wonderful on our berber and hardwood floors.

We got ours at Kohl's when I finally finagled a 30% off coupon plus it was on sale. It took several months for everything to line up price-wise, but it was worth it.

Good luck!

 

[BCV2003]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I think I have decided to keep the one that I received. My house is small (approx 1000 sq. ft.) so I think the one that can do two rooms on a charge is fine and I also think I decided that the charging base won't be a big issue because I'll probably carry it between the two floors at times anyways.

I almost bought myself one on woot a month or so ago and would have gotten a much better price. That's what he gets for waiting until the last minute. I hate to pay full price for anything.

Thanks again!