581 vs. 780

[hellotharrdude]

I've had the 510 and Dirt Dog for a few years now (got them for $200 for both on woot). They're ok, but for the main parts of the house I'd like something I could schedule, and use the lighthouse technology. I've been reading about all the improvements and upgrades and started shopping around. I came across some okay deals, and ultimately I'm torn between the 581 and the 780.

The 581 price is found is $350, new.
The 780 price I found is $490, used from an individual. But barely used and looks like new.

From what I've read, the 780 has the following features that the 581 does not:
Aerovac2 with HEPA (the 581 still has the old 500-series bin)
Back-and-forth spot cleaning vs circle
New CHM that allegedly prevents debris buildup in the gears.
Touch controls

Am I forgetting anything?

And basically, what I'm asking is if it's worth it to get the 780 at that price vs the 581.

I have two cats, and the catgenie automatic litter cleaner, which is great but the plastic litter pellets track everywhere. The vacuum will have to deal with litter pellets, cat hair, long human hair, and dust.

[MikeW]

If the aerovac makes a performance difference, then I'd bet the 780 with its improved CHM is worth $140 more. Unless you're budgeting carefully and it prevents you from buying something else, $140 in absolute terms doesn't seem like much for something you'll be using for years.

Only disadvantage if you buy the 780, then you can't use the 510 for spare parts (or can you...), but you could sell it in that case.

[poconogal]

I have had a 581 since Dec. 2009. I added the aerovac bin to it, but of course the regular aerovac bin is not hepa like.

I found that my 581 did, and still does, a very good job cleaning my extremely dusty home (we live in the country and have a large gravel driveway, which doesn't help!) The aerovac bin really helps with all of the dog hair that's around as well. We have three large dogs and a mini one now, too, as well as a cat. Aerovac is especially helpful when Roomba transitions from hard flooring to area rug, as the AV bin would mostly eliminate the brush of the Roomba from cleaning itself off on the area rug edge, a/k/a room barf, LOL!

If you read other posts on the forum, you will find that the CHM of the 780 still gets debris in it, and will still require cleaning and or a modification done by member Vic7767.

As far as the other things you mentioned, such as touch controls and back and forth spot cleaning, I don't really think those things are worth the difference in price. Touch controls look nice, but... so what?

I believe I've read that the HEPA filter of the AV2 bin is not true HEPA filtration, either, but I cannot remember what the difference is. Perhaps some of the other members of the forum can chime in on this.

IMO, I don't think the 780 is really worth the extra money, especially being used, which will of course negate any warranty to you.

[vic7767]

Only disadvantage if you buy the 780, then you can't use the 510 for spare parts (or can you...),

You can still use the 510s battery, drive wheel modules, the sidebrush module, and the front wheel. Internally you can use the front cliff and bumper sensor wiring harness, dc charging jack and the speaker.

[pomonabill221]

Just want to add my 4.99 here...
I have a 560 (did the CHM bearing mod, and the OSMO update (thanks Vic), and the bluetooth addition) and LOVE it even more!
I added the Aerovac bin as well and what a difference! Much more dust pickup and continuous vacuum performance when full!
Yes, the touch controls are nice, but if you schedule the bot, you don't even touch the controls, or I sometimes use roombastatus to start a mission (REAL lazy), so for the price difference it doesn't seem like there is a reason to spend more for something you might not use.
IF the cleaning performance was alot better, then yes I would go for it... but.....

[poconogal]

Yes, I forgot to add that I added the AV bin to my old, purchased used 560, and also to the used 535 I purchased for my mother. The cleaning performance is much better on both bots with the AV bin.