Neato Botvac Connected or a iRobot Roomba 980

[Farseer]

Hi everyone!

I've been pondering lately on whether or not I should buy a robotic vacuum. Naturally I've narrowed the list down to the two top competitors: Roomba and Neato.

I've read a lot of reviews, but most came out when the actual robots were released so most of it is simple, logical comparison. Maybe someone here has already tested one or maybe both of the products to allow for a much fuller review?

I'm not a picky person, I understand that during our currect age there aren't any extremely intelligent robots (ones from for example the movie iRobot) so it actually doesn't vex me that for example, you have to "robot proof" the floors, I find it logical and pain free (sometimes people make a problem of anything). I also do not have a lot of furniture clustered together in small spaces, so the robot wouldn't have any huge problems navigating the floors.

I have five cats and one dog in the house, so with all honesty I can tell you that after the day I vacuum, the floors look like I haven't touched them. That's why it's imperative I get a robot vacuum, but I still see the need to use the good old dyson every once in a while. Also dust is a huge issue, it basically starts flying all around the house two days after vacuuming, so i believe a daily use of a robot would GREATLY decrease the amount of dust and allergies.

The differences at first are minimal (excluding the price range) and both vacuums have outstanding performance capabilities, but I've heard that the while the Botvac is a better vacuum, the roomba is a better robot, so to speak.

There have been cases that the Botvac malfunctions often, probably because of the price while the roomba is much more sturdy. Customer service is also something that iRobot wins with.

I was thinking of getting the 880, mainly because of the price, but I just don't see how the chaotic "drunken sailor" movements can be efficient with six animals in the house all day. I also believe that with the roomba 980 I won't have to actually buy another robot for.. well, forever. I mean it's intelligent and does it's job, I think it's completely future proof. Sure, more and more sophisticated vacuum robots will be available in the future, but what actually will be changed apart from the intelligence and suction power? Not much really, unless of course they make a flying vacuum.

Any thoughts guys? I'd love to hear your own opinions/reviews.

[vic7767]

I have purchased and use both the Botvac connected and the Roomba 980. The Botvac uses a Lidar system for navigation and the Roomba 980 uses VSLAM equipped with a digital camera. The Roomba surpasses the Botvac for daily operation and does not navigate like a drunken sailor. You are confusing that type of movement with the earlier Roomba models that had absolutely NO navigation abilities at all. iRobot has a much better robot with a lot of modular components to help the do-it-yourself-er and as you mentioned, a much better support platform. Also any software performance improvements are accomplished via a WiFi download to the 980 firmware and is totally transparent to the owner.

[Farseer]

Hey vic, thanks a lot for your reply and insight. I must admit that I went and bought the roomba 980... and so far I have fallen in love. I was wondering if I should start a new thread to write a thorough review for other people or just continue on with this one?

[vic7767]

I was wondering if I should start a new thread to write a thorough review for other people or just continue on with this one?

Yes, please write up your experiences with your 980 in a separate thread. That way it won't be hidden within the comments of a different topic.