14 DAY TRIAL // iRobot really hit the jackpot when it came up with the Roomba vacuuming robots back in 2002, thus opening the way for a whole new generation of more or less intelligent appliances meant to make the people's lives a lot easier. However, as of 2004, the Roombas received only minor changes or updates, without any major changes being applied to their otherwise very reliable and sturdy platform. However, the manufacturing company has decided that it was about time to bring back the Roomba in the public eye and thus launched the 500 series, whose features have been almost completely overhauled, at least when compared to the initial models.
Thus, the new 500 series (which includes the 570, 560 and 530 models) features a solid, heavy-duty design featuring modular components for enhanced durability and easy servicing, anti-tangle technology so Roomba can extract itself from tassels and cord tangles as well as iRobot's proprietary built-in, light-touch intelligent sensing system that can detect when Roomba is approaching a wall or obstacle and automatically slow the robot for a gentler impact and quieter operation. Moreover, the devices in the series incorporate a new mobility platform that allows them to travel on thicker carpets, climb higher thresholds and transition easily between floor surfaces, a new re-designed dustbin that holds more debris and also provide certain interesting customization options, namely the faceplates in white, steel blue, champagne, burnt orange, silver, charcoal, and chestnut.
As mentioned earlier, there are several differences between the Roomba models. Thus, the 560 model, beside the aforementioned features, also comes packed with a couple of devices dubbed Virtual Wall Lighthouses. These mini-towers help orient Roomba via radio frequency (RF) communications and guide Roomba systematically through the home. The Virtual Wall Lighthouses confine the Roomba to one room until that room is thoroughly cleaned, and then guide Roomba into the next room. Once Roomba 560 is finished cleaning, or when its battery is running low, the Virtual Wall Lighthouses direct the robot to its Home Base to dock and recharge. Roomba 560 also includes an on-board scheduling function, so it can be programmed to automatically clean up to seven days a week, even when owners are away.
The Roomba 570 provides all the features of the 560 but also comes packed with a wireless command center, which allows the users to fully control and schedule the robot from a distance.
"It took three years and the latest in robot technology innovations to create appliances that can clean as effectively and autonomously as the new Roomba 500 series," said Sandra Lawrence, president of iRobot Home Robots. "Life today is so busy, we rarely have the time or the energy to clean our homes as often as we'd like. If you wish you could have clean floors every day, this one's for you."
The iRobot Roomba 570 is available for $399 (from mid-September), the 560 for $349, while their less-featured packed brother, the 530, retails for around 300 US dollars, which are actually some pretty OK prices to pay for these intelligent home appliances which will automatically take care of at least a part of those chores users simply don't feel like taking care of.
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