iRobot doesn't seem to get it: their 400 Series Roomba is obsolete and needs to be torched, now. For some reason, iRobot is still manufacturing these clearly inferior robots featuring 2005 technology and selling them, presumably so they can still have one low-priced entry-level Roomba. I saw on HSN they are selling Roomba Schedulers (Model 4230). I have one myself. It originally retailed for $329, and is now selling for $199. But, folks, this model is obsolete. Don't buy it.
Here's all the stuff that makes the 400 Series completely inferior:
* They get tangled on cords and tassles. That doesn't happen on the 500 Series.
* No proximity sensor so they crash into obstacles. 500 Series slows down first and gives a nice tap.
* 50% Weaker Vacuum.
* Smaller dustbin.
* Reliability. The 400 Series was designed for 300-500 uses, versus 1,500+ for the 500 Series!
* Smaller battery.
* Weaker side brush.
* No sealed housing, so electronics and sensors get stuffed with dust, and cleaning it can be a chore. The 500 Series is much easier to clean, with a sealed housing for the electronics (DUH!).
* Parts aren't as modular. I haven't had to replace wheels, etc. on my Roomba 560, but if I did, the new Roomba Series has modular parts that are easy to replace. Simply not possible on older Roombas.
* No easy on-board scheduling. You must use the remote.
At any rate, I will also make the pitch that iRobot should ditch the 400 Series as a solid business decision for the following reasons:
* Customers will have a much better experience with the 500 Series, which will lead to better word-of-mouth, more repeat shoppers, etc.
* Imitate Apple (excellence + high prices = profits and happy customers), not GM (planned obsolence=bankruptcy). Do you think Apple still sells the iPhone 2G? NO. Cheaper prices may attract the ultra bargain shopper, but they hurt your brand. I think the only iRobot vacuum that should sell for less than $199 except for the occasional blowout special is the $129 Dirt Dog, which should be the only 400-Series product (along with the iRobot Create) to survive my recommended purge. I'd actually like to see the Dirt Dog priced at $149 except for specials, too.
* Consolidate your SKUs! Inventory management costs money. iRobot will soon have three different types of Roomba filters alone (Roomba 400, Roomba 500, Roomba 536 curved). That's confusing for customers and a nightmare at the warehouse.
Tags: iRobot, Roomba
Monday, October 26, 2009
Memo to iRobot: Ditch the 400 Series Roomba!
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1 comments:
I think the 400 series - with all of the faults mentioned - serve a more import sociatal purpose: they are low-cost, entry level, devices to introduce 'the masses' to (and become comfortable with) the concept of robots in the home.
Having had three Roombas, a Dirt Dog, and two Creates - I found the 400 series lacking in very many respects; and eventually they all become spare parts to a robot platform of my own design.
And I immediately became impatient with how long the Roomba took in doing its stated purpose: clean my floors.
Exasperatedly, I would whip out my low-tech vacuum cleaner, plug it in, and do the job in 1/50th of the time.
Nevertheless, the Roombas are evolving.
What the "600 series" will improve over the older models, only the iRobot exec's know.
For one thing, I would hope that they keep the price point within a reasonalbe level.
In conclusion, it is hard to tell what goes on in the iRobot boardroom - and it should be noted that two of it's founder (Brooks and Grenier) have recently left the company.
And then there is the Looj ...
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