What does every self-respecting geek want more than anything else? If you answered "a significant other" you're wrong. The correct answer is "an autonomous robot." Robotic maids are probably still a few years off (feel free to prove me wrong, science), however, iRobot's Roomba robotic vacuums have been doing their best to fill the void for the past few years now. A few folks around the DailyTechRag offices have a Roomba or two and while I often hear the little guys being praised for their fun factor and hackability, I have heard a gripe or two about the robots' durability, lifespan and inability to vacuum around cables and cords.

Hoping to address some of these concerns, iRobot has unleashed the Roomba 500 series of robots--3 new Roomba models that make all other Roombas look obsolete, not to mention downright unfashionable. The new models boast an all-new design that increases durability and lifespan while also sealing off the case from dirt and debris. The new fleet also features stronger vacuuming power, a voice module, a smarter algorithm and anti-tangling technology (for cables and tussles). Best of all, every part in the new Roomba is modular and easily user-replaceable. That means a longer lifespan for your Roomba and easier hardware hacking (which iRobot actually encourages!).

For more on the Roomba 500 series:
- see this in-depth Gizmodo review
- and this video of the Roomba 560 in action