If you have one of the models (I think it's the higher end ones) that supports the "lighthouse" that can do a circle, consider getting one. I have one of those by the cat's bowl, and I schedule the Roomba to start right before I leave for work so I'm reminded to go around picking up toys, etc. The cat usually sleeps most of the morning, so she normally leaves them alone long enough for the Roomba to finish.
> it's not all that thorough. it naturally leaves some stuff behind because it pushes some dirt / dust around while scooting around the floor
FWIW in my house (about 80% carpet) it does great. I was a little nervous last fall when I pulled out the upright vacuum for the first time after 3-4 months of letting the Roomba handle things, but what I got was much less than a normal week pre-Roomba.
- we can't run it on a schedule, b/c it requires prep (moving cat food/toys, floor mats, etc)
- it's much slower than hand vacuuming, especially with our lightweight Dirt Devil (which is great for hardwood / tile but not for carpet)
- it's not all that thorough. it naturally leaves some stuff behind because it pushes some dirt / dust around while scooting around the floor
- whenever it's running we have to either hide in a different room or always be getting out of its way
- it can't get nooks and crannies smaller than itself
I will say that it's particularly useful on carpet, where I'd normally have to retrieve our very heavy standard vacuum out of the closet.
However - my wife loves it and I tolerate it. The mental hurdle of picking up a few things off the floor and pressing the "start" button is easier than actually doing it by hand. It's really best thought of as supplementary to a regular vacuum rather than a replacement.