Momma Told Me: NEATO XV-11: Robotic Vacuum ($399) Giveaway~ 11/28

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NEATO XV-11: Robotic Vacuum ($399) Giveaway~ 11/28


Momma Told Me: When I was a child we had to sweep the floors!


Of all the chores, growing up, it was vacuuming I despised most. You see, vacuuming, like mopping, was often a dual chore. Wherever there were carpet floors to be cleaned there were surely rugs to be beaten and tile to be swept. After all, you can't just clean 1 floor, you have to clean them all. Momma, who extraordinarily managed to have enough energy to cook a homemade meal, after shopping, laundry, and childcare; did not have the energy to wander up and down stairs and in and out of rooms to care for our floors. (Those who are unfamiliar with Momma and I, I am not calling her lazy, after surviving Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma, she was literally a walking miracle.) And so I was tasked with the job of lugging the Dirt Devil and Crimson Hoover throughout our condo, and then house. It was a double edged sword, for me; I loved the pride of helping Momma out, but the vacuums of the late 80s were not the sleekest examples of modern mechanics (okay, all electronics in the 80s were mammoths compared to today!)


As much as I loved the pride and accomplishment after the task (which in reality only took about 20 minutes in our small 2 bedroom condo), I'd huff and puff, and even pout, when asked to do so. There were the bags, the stairs, the filters, the cords; and every now and then the entire device would simply clog up and 'back fire'. I'd pull that Dirt Devil behind me *clunk* *clunk* *clunk* down the stairs, and declare to Momma I was never going to vacuum again, no matter what the punishment, anything would be better. If course in true 'When I was your age' fashion, Momma had her own 'walking in the snow' horror stories about vacuuming. This included an anecdote that when she was a young girl having an automated vacuum cleaner was a luxury. As the eldest, Momma was forced to sweep the short pile carpeting and beat all of the fine rugs outdoors. Having a simple push broom would have been reason to jump with excitement.



Naturally, my generation is accustomed to the highest tech, cutting edge, electronics within human advancement. Where, as a child, I was once terrified of robots that would take over the Earth and enslave humanity, the reality of robotic minions and helpers, is much more real. In fact, it is no longer the future, it's the present. I highly suspect my grandchildren will one day watch the Jetsons and consider it a historical documentary. Unfortunately, many edgy mechanics and 'robots' are still in production phases that keep them unattainable to the modern consumer. Either functions and execution are limited, or their size and cost keep them on wish lists and in fantasys, rather than in homes. Let's face it, when whispers of the Roomba (robotic vacuum) first surfaced the initial reaction was a mix between fear and skepticism. Today the lightweight 'feather duster' sits on clearance racks alongside knock offs of an equally disappointing caliber. In the midst of this robotic revolution, how does any one know where to toss their hard earned Simoleons?


The economy being the way it is, I understand 'robot vacuum' isn't probably at the top of your list for Christmas gifting and home maintenance. The truth is, a functional luxury item can prove to be just as practical in the long run, as the equivalent in a standard, or mainstream, fashion. Consider a modern day Dyson can range upwards of $7-800, while the luxury NEATO Robotic Vacuum averages less than $400 (refurbished units available for less). First I need to specify, a NEATO is not a Roomba, or any other suction device that claims to be a robot vacuum. The NEATO has been meticulously designed with intelligent, cutting edge, technologies that have truly jumped out of the pages of sci-fi intrigue novels. It's biggest discernible difference? The automatic NEATO pairs it's top notch suction/filtration system with a Paecision Laser Mpping program that allows the device a comprehensive 360 degree view of your home and rooms.



The NEATO XV-11 rapidly scans it's surroundings, via it's central optical laser system, and stores an active map of the nearby (and past) terrain. This cutting edge technology enables it to effectively discern insurmountable objects, changes in the terrain (animals, toys, kids, variables that move), and even prevent it's self from dropping off height variables (such as stairs). The NEATO actively collects data, with continual sweeps, creating an internal map of your home it will rely on for programmed and future cleanings. Utilizing a complex system of algorithms, referred to as SLAM, the robot is cognizant of it's surroundings and can effectively plan routes and patterns that most efficiently get the job done. Instead of waiting to bump into objects the NEATO maps a way around them with a precision that I've found to be within an inch of overlap.



The NEATO XV-11 also pairs a powerful motor (that sounds like a small aircraft taking off) which operates on a centrifugal force more power than any other commercial robotic vacuum. This means that it does not sweep and suck the particles if brushes over, it conditions and removes debris from deep within your carpet's fibers for a true vacuum effect. In fact, the NEATO is entirely bristle free, relying on a polymer blade based design the vacuum can effectively pick up a wider array of debris, including touch pet hair. This enables a simpler cleaning process that eliminates the pulling and fighting of wrapped and knotted hair from expensive mechanisms. Also a dramatic change from many modern 'robotic' cleaners, is the NEATO's removable dirt bin and filter chamber. I received a NEATO XV-11 for review here on Momma Told Me (and as a loaner for this amazing Giveaway!).


The NEATO is designed to make your life simpler, from every aspect of it's consideration. It is entirely operational out of the box (a Quick Start that literally consists of snap the battery in and plug in a charger). The vacuum requires about 3-4 hours for it's first charge, and will automatically 'back into' the floor based charging unit (which is impressively discreet). Once charging is complete the top indicator light will change colors, and the soft orange push button will engage the intelligent LED systems display. The LED screen serves as the robot's method of communication for errors and necessary maintenance. Once the unit is turned on for the first time the NEATO's only necessarily programming task is to select a language. The user can program a daily, or weekly, cleaning schedule for hassle free service, though it's not necessary to enjoy it's first use. Simply push the engage button and watch as the NEATO backs away from the charger, scans it's environment, and takes off.

NEATO actively scans, as it cleans, for a progressively stored date based map of it's terrain. This means the initial sweep will inherently take longer than following sessions. For the most part the NEATO will eliminate any backtracking (though it does sometimes re-cover territory to pass areas it might have missed by a few inches), and it's depth sensing technology prevents it from leaving any single room until it has completed all of the ground (NEATO maps and logs doorways). For those concerned about changing variables, or who wish to manually prevent the device from entering a specific room or area the NEATO includes some magnetic stripping which may be laid out or implanted in carpeting as a marker. We laid out the stretch of magnetic strip along my father's plants to prevent the NEATO from bumping into or catching any of the vines running along his floors. It worked perfectly!


The entire (3BR, 2 B, single story) house took about 2 charges, and 4 hours to complete. The NEATO is suggested for safe use while away from home, though I did discover an odd hiccup in this planning. As one can imagine, the dust bin is not huge, and on carpeting (especially a first pass through) the NEATO can pick up an amazing amount of lint and fibers. Other than a flashing indicator light, the device has no programming to stop, or return to base, when the intake is full. We had the vacuum so backed up the incoming debris was pressing into the inlet valve! It's scary to think what might have happened if we hadn't been home! I do have hopes, however, that a software update will come available soon, to remedy this issue (NEATO can check for software updates from the main menu). I should note, when the intake was full the device also exhibited a significant audible drop in suction.

The NEATO leaves, almost Zen Garden reminiscent tracks in our carpeting, which is certainly a clean look, and wonderfully playful circular tracks around furniture. It is not slim enough to disappear under our couch, but does venture under beds and other furniture (thanks to laser mapping that is not light dependent), and performs equally well on hard flooring. When it comes to maintenance, the device is extremely easy to handle, with an entirely removable dust bin, and easy clean filter. It sure beats messy bags and heavy front load bins; but be warned, the NEATO will also clean much deeper and more efficient than your average vacuum- which means more frequent empty services (something I'm easily willing to live with). In all, my biggest issue outside the lack of build in 'full' shut off, is the sound, which is comparable to my current upright vacuum. It's hard to overlook that, when I am nervous about allowing the device to clean unattended, for dust bin maintenance, but understandable with the intense amount of suction the NEATO VX-11 provides.

What Daughter Says: Considering the cost of many 'standard' high end vacuums these days, the NEATO is within budget for luxury appliances, and well worth it!


One very lucky Momma Told Me follower will win the NEATO XV-11, as used for review purposes here.



124 comments:

  1. I learned that it uses a laser system to work...cool!

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  2. My hubby and I have looked at these. With 6 cats and 2 dogs we need one!

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  3. it works on all floor types—carpet, tile, hardwoods

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  4. I love that it finds its base when the battery is running low to recharge!

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  5. With four cats, having the largest dirt bin of any robotic vacuum is great.

    Jennelle S

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  6. Please pleas please pick me!
    My fiancee never vacuums and this would be so nice to have.

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  7. I learned that it also detects stairs which is pretty cool!
    bukaeyes@aol.com

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  8. because of it's shape it can get into corners and by furniture legs
    msboatgal at aol.com

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  9. It's a true vacuum. not just a sweeper, that works on all floor types. And it's cool!
    bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

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  10. I learned that it can work well on all types of floors
    Kims2312@Verizon.net

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  11. I learned it follows jet engine airflow principles to create sustained high-powered suction

    immortalb4 at gmail dot com

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  12. I learned the Neato can be purchased at Amazon.com, RobotShop, Onecall, Hammacher Schlemmer, and others.

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  13. I learned that it works on all floor types—carpet, tile, hardwoods!

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  14. I learned that you will be able to get software updates for your robot vacuum!

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  15. I love that it cleans under beds, because I have a tough time getting under there!

    khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  16. It works on all different types of floors

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  17. I learnt that it works on all floor types

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  18. The vacuum works on all floor types.

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  19. I learned that it works on all floor types! That's great!

    suzy_darling@hellokitty.com

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  20. I can schedule a time for it to work. That is so great!
    brewerchickey78@yahoo.com

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  21. I learned that Neato has cliff sensors that detect stairs. It cleans up to the ledge, backs away, and continues cleaning everything in the area where it is currently working.

    missdeb1 at earthlink dot net

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  22. I learned that you can set the Neato to automatically start cleaning for you, and that the Neato will find its base when done cleaning or when batteries run low. And the Neato is also designed to clean in the corners and along the walls as well.

    aguero.crissy at gmail.com

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  23. I learned that it charges automatically which sounds perfect to my forgettable mind !

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  24. i learned that this works on all floor types! i want this sooo bad!

    vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com

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  25. You can schedule it to run daily if you like. When it's dine it goes back to it's charging station..

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  26. I learned that it is not just a sweeper vac and that it is the most powerful robotic vacuum on the market. Also, was happy to hear that it is for all floor types.

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  27. If batteries run low, Neato returns to charge and then finishes the job where he left off.

    crazylicious85 at suddenlink dot net

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  28. I learned that it finds its charging base on its own.

    animasou @ comcast . net

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  29. It has most powerful suction of robotic vacuuums
    ryanac32 at yahoo dot com

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  30. It can clean corners efficiently because of it's square design!

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  31. I learned you can schedule when it works- thats neat it will work while I am here on your blog :)

    baypayments@yahoo.com

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  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  33. I learned that Neato's cutting-edge RPS laser allows the robotic vacuum to stealthily navigate any room, devouring the dirt and debris in its path. How great! Thanks!

    romapup at gmail dot com

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  34. You can schedule it- how cool! Did you notice the bunny shaped dust? Very cute!

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  35. wow this would be great for me i can not bend over much and then i would love to have it around the hosue
    desithelbonde2msn.com

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  36. I learned it has the largest dirt bin in a robotic vacuum. Thanks!

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  37. I learned that it works on all floor types—carpet, tile, hardwoods. It’s right at home in your home, moving easily from rugs to wood to tile and back.

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  38. I've learned it cleans all floor types and has a centrifugal air flow principle like a jet engine

    anastasia at eco-babyz dot com

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  39. I learned that the Neato automatically charges itself. When it's batteries run low it will seek out it's base and then picks up where it left off. I think that is so cool!

    couponcookie at gmail dot com

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  40. Hello, I learned that it charges Automatically – Finds its base when done cleaning or when batteries run low. Then finishes cleaning where it left off. Pretty neato! Thanks for a great giveaway!

    trishden948(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  41. I like that it is sold at amazon.. That it charges automatically and you can set a schedule and Neato will do the cleaning for you.

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  42. I learned that it Charges Automatically – Finds its base when done cleaning or when batteries run low. Then finishes cleaning where it left off.

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  43. i just learned that it detects chairs! thats so cool!!
    ellenr886@gmail.com

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  44. Pretty awesome that the Neato has cliff sensors that detects stairs. Technology! I know some "people" who could use that function. haha.
    chevsweeps(@)yahoo(dot)com

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  45. It has the largest dirt bin of all robotic vacuums

    celeste@mail4me.com

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  46. You can set it on a schedule, thats cool I would do it after my kids ate cause they're not the cleanest eaters in the world

    Thanks for the chance to win :)

    Kristie Betts
    Momsfreebies17@yahoo.com

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  47. I learned that it'll pick up normal household debris like pet hair, dust, etc. I also like how it can clean more than one room.

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  48. I learned that At the core of the Neato XV-15’s vacuum system is a centrifugal compression-impeller that follows jet engine airflow principles to create sustained high-powered suction. amypugmire@live.com

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  49. I like that has the largest dirt bin than other robotic cleaners
    pedidentalasst at yahoo dot com

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  50. It works on all types of floor types and returns to its base when it's battery is low.

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  51. The sensors detect stairs

    Cherriesjessilee@gmail.com

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  53. (Erin Mize)

    I learned you can program it to sense the house so it can clean most efficiently for you!
    panicxduh[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  54. It is good for all floor type--whoo!!

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  55. I learned that I can purchase it at one of my favorite stores Amazon

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  56. I learned that it has the largerst dirt bin of all robotic vacuums.

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  57. Charges Automatically – Finds its base when done cleaning or when batteries run low.

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  58. I learned that it is an actual vacuum, not a sweeper vac.

    renfie.fields[at]gmail.com

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  59. I like how it can seek out it's own charging base

    jmcghee2024@yahoo.com

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  60. I learned that it has the largest dirt bin in a robotic vacuum and moves easily from wood, tile and carpeted floors. I have been wanting a robotic vacuum for so long.

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  61. I learned that you can buy it at Target and Sears

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  62. I learned that it works on all types of floors!

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  63. I love that it charges on its own and you don't have to be home when it vacuums. dwelchert@yahoo.com

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  64. The brushes really grab the pet hair and dander..which I need because I have three cats!

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  65. It works on all surfaces! I like that it can get in the corners & close to the chair legs too!! I would LOVE to win this!

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  66. I learned that set the schedule, and the Neato automatically starts up and cleans for you while you are doing other things.

    amybrown16 (at) insightbb (dot) com

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  67. this would help so much with having a dog and a cat. German Shepards shed so much. But I do love my dog.

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  68. Neato cleans using a back and forth pattern, ensuring that it thoroughly cleans all of your floors.

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

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  69. I learned "There is a 30-day, money back guarantee and a one year limited warranty."
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    aleq13@gmail.com

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  70. I learned that is works on all floor types!

    lola_violets_2010[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  71. Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/dlhaley17/status/134087474547920896

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  72. I learned that it works on all floor types :)

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  73. I learned that it has a laser to help guide its movements and it is good on all floor types.
    arobinson45 (at) woh.rr.com

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  74. It is Designed as a true vacuum with a beater brush and the strongest suction available in any robotic vacuum cleaner.

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  75. I learned that it has a scheduler so you can schedule when you want it to vacuum!
    amoeidson@yahoo.com

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  76. i learned it has the Largest dirt bin in a robotic vacuum
    rondasieg at yahoo dot com

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  77. I learned that it automatically finds it's base when it's done or when the batteries run low and will finish cleaning where it left off.

    WANDA McHENRY
    wbailey113@hotmail.com

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  78. I learned it can sweep up pet dander.

    amy carlson
    amybabya79 at yahoo.com

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  79. Wow what an amazing machine, I visited the site and learned that it charges automatically when batteries run low.
    hendymartin1 at yahoo dot com
    Heather H

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  80. I learned it can travel from rugs, tiles and wood floors

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  81. Sorry Jenna, I forgot to leave a the link in the RC form for my Tweet on 11/11 here is the link: https://twitter.com/#!/Smile7891/status/134967300024569856

    Thanks :)

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  82. This is at the top of my Christmas list this year! I learned that it has the largest dirt bin in a robotic vacuum!

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  83. I learned that the RPS laser system guides it around furniture
    thesodacat at gmail dot com

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  84. Great vacuum for anyone! We have two dogs, and I have had shoulder and hand surgeries, it would be a huge help! So convenient.

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  85. I learned you can use it on all floor types

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  86. I learned that they have software updates online!

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  87. SLAM navigation is pretty impressive, if I could utilize that myself maybe I'd stop running into things!

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  88. I think it's cool that you can schedule times for it to start - though that would probably scare the bejesus out of me the first few times.

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  89. It is designed to clean corners effectively
    rjs682 at yahoo dot com

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  90. it detects stairs and avoids them
    pkeintz@gmail.com

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  91. Sorry, I accidentally hit "Enter" before I put in my link for today's Tweet 11/16 Here is the Tweet link: https://twitter.com/#!/Smile7891/status/136914054831804416

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  92. It works on all floors
    tmc480 at yahoo dot com

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  93. I learned that If batteries run low, Neato returns to charge and then finishes the job where he left off and that is awesome!

    On rafflecoptor as Tonya H

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  94. I learned and ove that it works on all types of floors because I have carpet, hardwood and tile in my home!

    alsatia23 at hotmail dot com

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  95. Sold at Petco and picks up pet hair.

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  96. this unit works on all types of floors whether carpeted or hard.
    chichijunk at cs dot com

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  97. I learned that it cleans under furniture.

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  98. I learned that the Neato recognizes doorways and avoids them until it finishes one room.

    Chelyea

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  99. I found out that this vacuum can be set to clean automatically at the same time every day and then finds its charger base! Wow!

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  100. I love how you can set it with a schedule and have it go off when you need to.

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  101. Target carries this brand, super, I'll be checking it out.

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  102. I learned I can use this on my hardwood floors! (Cnfc800@gmail.com)

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  103. It is the most powerful robotic vacuum on the market

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  104. I learned that it works on all floor types and has a powerful motor. Rita Spratlen rjspratlen@gmail.com

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  105. I learned that it is a real vacuum cleaner and not just a sweeper and that it can be programmed to clean daily!

    selectivesenusliat(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  106. Largest dirt bin in a robotic vacuum—its easy to access and empty.

    AlexDean03(at)yahoo.com

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  107. Learned it has a 30 day money back guarantee and a 1 year limited warranty.

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  108. I learned that it works on all types of floors.

    mnrquick at yahoo dot com

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  109. I learned that it can be found at petco. This is great because it means that it probably can withstand the massive amount of pet hair embedded in my carpets.

    -- Chelsea Saulpaugh

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  110. I learned that it works on all floor types—carpet, tile, hardwoods.

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  111. I love that it cleans under beds--because I do not!! and every once in a while when we decide to move furniture--it's not pretty!!

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  112. it finds its own charging base...wow!!! impressive angelgenius27@yahoo.com

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  113. It has the largest dirt bin in a robotic vacuum—its easy to access and empty.

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  114. i learned that Neasto actively scans, as it cleans, for a progressively stored date based map of it's terrain

    lmurley2000@yahoo.com

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  115. I learned its full-display LCD screen makes scheduling the robot easy. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

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  116. I have a sunken living area and the NEATO has navigation avoidance so it won't fall off the edge.

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  117. I learned that Neato senses when your pet approaches it and the robot will pause and will even go around it if necessary!

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  118. you can schedule the robot to run or just press a button and go.

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