Roomba question

[RedLollyYellowLolly]

I'm increasingly interested in getting a Roomba. Gradually getting on top of a "project" of a house and the plan is to have wooden floors downstairs which I know need a lot of sweeping - and obviously the idea of all that hoovering being done by somebody who isn't me tends to appeal!

Have read threads on here and have gleaned:

I will become very attached to "him"

My cat will probably be a bit (he's only just forgiven me for introducing the toddler to his previously quiet existence)

Aforementioned toddler will try to ride him.

The part I'm struggling with is how to manage across two floors. Do you programme for different days and remember to carry it upstairs before you go out (assuming I set it for when I'm at work)? Doesn't it panic if it runs out of juice and can't find its way home to feed?

Any Roomba advice or feedback most welcome. Thank you!

Ooh, just posted this then spotted a whole bunch more Roomba posts since I looked last week. Off to read and hope nobody has answered this very question

Thanks jura.

I guess I may also stick mainly with downstairs as our upstairs floors are generally covered in crap require less maintenance.

at the cannibalism!

I don't think these things should be marketed at mums. We are far too inclined to worry....

But beware, mine attacked me today and tried to vacuum up my foot! And as I hopped out of the way, she (it's a girl, Felicity) went for the other foot - I had to fend her off with a bargepole!

you will get used to toddlers sgrieking 'robot robot' be gutted when he dozes off half on half off a bar stool...etc

i bought non programming type

he sleeps downstairs but is dumped on top floor most days - the underbed cleaning is a joy

he luuurves playmobil but much less likely to bin consumed bits than with conventional vacuum

Ours loves eating toes - and chasing a giggling DD around the kitchen .

In answer to OP - our Roomba has a (semi-regular) rota and he takes his bed with him and does one 'floor' (we have lots of stairs) a day.

Thanks for the replies. If he has a portable bed then that sounds like a practical option - and gives him a nice change of scene.

I'm now worrying how you tell the sex of your Roomba. Is there a definitive test or do you just know...

Roomba's bed is v. portable - the power supply is a bit of a pain, though. DD would obsess worry if our Roomba didn't take his bed with him - should he ever stop not on his bed then she tries to boss him back to bed ("Roomba, that's your bed. Roomba back bed. Roomba bed now")

How to sex a Roomba - not sure - I think you just know.....

So bed and power supply are different things? I suppose I don't (often) eat in bed.

TBH I think I'm so excited now that I think I'd buy one even if 100+ posters told me they actually don't clean at all.

Bed is also actually a charging base but it has a separate 'power brick' between it and the plug (think laptop power supply)

and whatf you havewooden floorrs and rugs/?

Roombas love wooden floors (and tiled floors) and rugs, Aitch - or are you asking about Scooba?

phillip loves hard floors
he gets all nasty grit in his filter
today he ate all ds's cannon balls from playmobil

but how does he climb up from a wooden floor to a rug? or is that small potatoes for such a talented 'bot?

I want one now! How much are they?

I don't have the Roomba but bought a cheap version for £40 last week and love it.

Mine doesn't do rugs though, my rugs are on their way to the loft as he has priority as he is making my life so much easier.

My living room has never stayed spotless for so long.

Mine doesn' program, but I just put him on when I go out, put him on charge when I get in and then let him have another go somewhere else later on before bed.

Mine doesn't have a docking bay either but just a little plug in wire, but I find this better as I can put him on a shelf on charge, rather than having him on the floor near cats and children.

I have 3 cats and they don't care about him at all. They will move if he comes towards him but they are used to my DD so the hoover is nothing.

DD is facinated by him at a distance but at the mo, still scared of him if he comes towards her.

I love him and we are talking about getting a second for upstairs. The £40 one again though.

Chloe, where did you get the £40 one? What's it called?

another question....Do you have to constantly empty your roomba (or the cheaper alternative!) we have hairy dog - or rather not so hairy dog but hairy carpet, can they cope with this?

I got my £40 one from a website called ebuyer. Came the next day! I think he is called Auto Vac? Let me know if you can't find it and I will check on the box.

Yes I do empty it every time I use it, but it is VERY easy to do and you can't really expect it to hold much as it is so small. I do have 3 cats and a baby and I childmind though, so I might have more dirt than some.