Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I'm a very big fan of the iRobot line of benevolent android helpers. In the last 3 years, I've owned 3 roombas and a Braava mopper. You are probably wondering if it's worth buying the more advanced/expensive Roombas, or if this one is good enough. Biggest PRO: -These machines actually make YOU more cleanly. Because you can't have socks, cords & clutter on the floor when the Roomba is running, a side effect of owning this machine is that you get trained in improving your general tidiness. it sounds funny, I bought a Roomba because I'm lazy and don't want to vacuum ... but I've never been more tidy in my life than when I bought a Roomba to do the work for me. Here's my takeaway for 900 vs 600 series: PROS 1) This 600 series is much better value for money if you are price sensitive. 2) Battery life is almost the same as the 900 series...but the 900 series docks itself, recharges and continues with the job. If you've got a smaller area, this one will do just fine. 3) The towers are compatible with both the 690 and 980, in case you own both. 4) Suction is great, performance is great. Comparable to the 800 and 900 series. I didn't notice any difference. 5) Wifi enabled. While not a "must have" feature, it means you can connect both Roombas to the iRobot app and schedule/get notifications/start remotely. CONS 1) Basic sensor array with no camera. The 900 series has the camera that maps your home and makes the cleaning job more accurate. I really love this feature, and I think it's worth the extra cost. The 900 series is better for complicated layouts & whole level cleaning. 2) Doesn't have the Aeroforce design of the 800 and 900 lines. While not really a big deal, you do have to detangle the brushes...I never have to detangle the Aeroforce brushes. 3) Uses a different dustbin configuration, and a different filter ... making it a bit complicated if you own different lines of roombas when refilling. 4) Size is SLIGHTLY bulkier. It's like 1/2 inch taller. The 690 will not go under my couch, but the 980 does. Nothing at a few $5 risers can't fix, but it would be nice if it had the same height profile as the more expensive roombas. OVERALL: As silly as it sounds, these Roombas have had a positive behavioral impact my life. A few years ago, "Robie the robot" as my daughter named him, turned out to be one my best purchases. Originally I got my wife an 800 series after doing plenty of research & reading reviews. However, after a year I got drawn into the Roomba 980's top-of-the-line siren song. I gave the 800 series to my inlaws, and now the 980 is serving as the primary autonomous cleaning agent of the main floor. I use this 690 for my basement. So is it worth buying? IF you are looking for value, and you have a relatively simple layout - this 690 is worth the money, and just as good when you are looking at base features and "value for money" IF you are looking for best technology, or if your house is larger and has a more complicated layout, and are not sensitive to price, I recommend iRobot Roomba 980 Robot Vacuum with Wi-Fi Connectivity Either way, buying Roomba, you can't go wrong.