Salon.com > Alexander George

Best new robot vacuum

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 16:59:00 +0000

iRobot has updated their line of Roombas. The 500 line I originally recommended has been discontinued, replaced by the 600 line. If I were buying a robot vacuum, I’d buy the Roomba 650. It has scheduling, new tech that doesn’t require emptying the dust bin after every run, and the iAdapt software has been improved.

First thing's first: A robot vacuum cleaner is not a replacement for a traditional vacuum. These bots are designed to supplement, not replace, manual cleaning. As I found when I compared several models for Wired, a robot will rid you of ignorable, but irritating, dirt and dust that gathers on your floors, extending the time between major household cleanings. Eventually, though, you’ll still need to vacuum by hand to pick up the grime that the robot couldn't wrestle free. What the robot gives you is more time between major cleanings; you can go a month or two between manual cleanings rather than sweeping or scrubbing once every two weeks. Or, if you're concerned about allergens, every day. For anyone who has pets that shed, or allergies to dust or pollen, the little bit of cleaning a robot vacuum can do on a daily basis goes a long way.

Best iPhone 5 cases on the market

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Think an iPhone deserves to be carried "nude" and caseless? You will change your mind after your first few dings on the new handset, which has a much softer aluminum frame than the old stainless steel band on the iPhone 4s. After trying out most of the iPhone cases currently on the market, I’m using the Switcheasy Tones to protect my iPhone 5. It’s exceptionally durable and unobtrusive, and it's a great value at $25.

Unlike the iPhone 4/4S, the iPhone 5's perimeter band — the outer edge that includes the sleep/wake button — is made of aluminum, which scratches more easily and warrants a protective layer.

Vacuum on the cheap

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +0000

If I were buying a vacuum on a budget, I’d get the Panasonic MC-UL815. At $150, you get features and suction power equal to or better than that of more expensive models.

The key to the Panasonic's abilities is that it has a 12 amp motor and a HEPA filter–things many budget vacuums do not have.

What should someone look for in a budget vacuum or a vacuum in general? Full-size household vacuums (robots excluded) break into two categories: Canisters and uprights. Canisters have a long hose with a suction head. They’re great for getting into corners, but the hose saps power. An upright has a head attached to the body–a layout that is generally better at freeing dirt and sucking it up with power while remaining easy to maneuver around a floor. The best general-use models, budget or not, are uprights. Cordless vacuums are a waste of time too. By relying on a battery, the vacuum loses lots of suction power. You'll want a cord that's at least Look 25 feet long to keep from having to switch it between power outlets all the time, but more is better. For example, the top-end Dyson DC28, our pick for best overall vacuum, has a 35-foot cord.