Clean sweep?
As with the Roomba 581 that I looked at a while ago, when there are problems, the device announces what they are, so you can fix them quite easily. And if it’s gone to sleep by the time you find it, a press on the power button will repeat the message.

Docked: touch controls make it easy to schedule times for unattended cleaning
And, should you want to use it as a drinks trolley, the remote control allows you to drive it from one location to another, which might also be a quicker way of returning it to the dock. For that task, it uses the beacons to navigate, but without the mapping savvy of some of the competition, it can take a while.
And, the dock is a bit lightweight, with the Roomba managing to push it out of the way on one occasion, rather than docking successfully. A weight in the bottom would have helped tremendously there.
Verdict
It’s quieter than the competition, and does a pretty good job; the addition of HEPA filters is welcome, as are iRobot’s claims to have improved battery longevity by 50 per cent. But like all robot cleaners, for a really deep clean, you’ll still need a standard vac. Ultimately, despite the good performance, the price prevents the Roomba 780 from achieving a higher score. ®
More Gadget Reviews |
||||
Neato Robotics
XV-15 automated cleaner |
Audio Pro
WF100 wireless streamer |
IRISnotes
Executive 1.0 digital pen |
H2O
shower-powered radio |
Videotree
VideoSpa bathroom TV |

iRobot Roomba 780 automated vacuum cleaner
COMMENTS
"Yes I have one, yes it's now over a decade old and yes it has been suckless and brought back to life more than once over that time."
Well that's married life for you.
Seen everything now
Blokes discussing vacuum cleaners.
Shakes head in disbelief.
Mines the apron with front pockets for thimbles, hair pins and clothes pegs.
£500 ?? They are having a laugh!!
For that kind of money I can get a couple of slaves from the local travellers site, who will do the gardening AND clean the house (stairs included).
A version between that can tell the difference between rubbish and what fell
I already have one of those, it's called a wife. Comes complete without sarcastic comment, often lacks suction and is known to moan a bit.....but otherwise reliable.
Cheaper than a Kirby
Kirby vacuum cleaners put the price of Dysons & Roombas to shame. One of them will set you back a couple of grand which is why they're only sold by door to door salesmen using (IMO) some highly questionable pressure sales.





