This is a great machine; I own the XV-11 model, but there a extremely few differences other than color between this and the XV-11. The way Neato works really blows Roomba and every other machine I've tried out of the water. The regular patterning makes it a much quicker process with consistent coverage.
That said, $399 is an...okay price, but not a great one. Walmart.com is currently clearancing the XV-12 for $199 (i'm ordering a second one for my 2-level flat, and another as a Christmas gift), and again, the only significant difference between XV-series models is color. Granted, the XV Signature Pro is the best looking of the XV series in my opinion ;)
I'm also looking into the newest machine being manufatured by Deebot (of WindowBot fame), to be released in the US 4th quarter of this year; the newest model includes mobile device app for scheduling, setting virtual walls and zones, and tracking current assignment and robot location. Most importantly, however, the Deebot's docking station is a stationary vacuum cleaner, which empties the robot at each charging cycle; now manual emptying is weekly instead of daily (for us dog owners, longer without pets)! The stationary vacuum on the charging station is also removable to become a portable canister vac.
That said, $399 is an...okay price, but not a great one. Walmart.com is currently clearancing the XV-12 for $199 (i'm ordering a second one for my 2-level flat, and another as a Christmas gift), and again, the only significant difference between XV-series models is color. Granted, the XV Signature Pro is the best looking of the XV series in my opinion ;)
I'm also looking into the newest machine being manufatured by Deebot (of WindowBot fame), to be released in the US 4th quarter of this year; the newest model includes mobile device app for scheduling, setting virtual walls and zones, and tracking current assignment and robot location. Most importantly, however, the Deebot's docking station is a stationary vacuum cleaner, which empties the robot at each charging cycle; now manual emptying is weekly instead of daily (for us dog owners, longer without pets)! The stationary vacuum on the charging station is also removable to become a portable canister vac.