344 - R.I.P. Billy

Ironically, after six years of service, the robotic lawn Roomba we’ve used, which I’ve mentioned in a couple other posts, finally died.

Actually, to be more precise, a component on the charging base died and needs replacement, which I would do if it wasn’t for the fact that the mower itself, being the first generation of these devices, is as of this year no longer supported by the manufacturer, isn’t that nice? The mower itself is actually STILL fully functional, however, without a base of operations for it to charge from after every pass over the yard, it’s effectively functionless. Not only can I no longer repair the home base, I can’t replace the battery it uses either, nor can I get more blades for it.

So it’s not like it’s dead, more like it’s a zombie. It COULD still work but the manufacturer decided to abandon it.

I did find some parts for it digging deep online, but they are ridiculously expensive and have to be shipped from overseas.

So, screw it - we’re buying a new one.

And really, getting six years out of an appliance like this, one that goes out several times a day for eight months out of the year, saves me from the onerous task of mowing the yard and makes sure it ALWAYS looks freshly mowed, I can’t really complain that much.