Neato Robotics Neato XV-11

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The Pitch: Neato Robotic’s Neato XV-11 is this year’s entry for folks who put credence into the old saying that Version 2.0 is always better. In this case, the Neato is the second-generation robotic vacuum cleaner. The first was iRobot’s Roomba (it was voted the Last Gadget Standing Winner in 2002).

The Neato has a certain number of improvements over the last generation.  For one thing, instead of being shaped like a big hockey puck it’s shaped more like a half a puck, which allows it to get into corners with a bit more aplomb. It’s also got a smarter mechanism for making a map of a room called VPS (Vacuum Positioning System). And finally, it’s more powerful. Because it makes a mental map of where to go, its creators say Neato is more efficient, too.

Pros: Better for getting into corners and under couches.

Cons: Still pricy at $400 — and no cool accessories.

Recommendations: Progress comes slowly in the vacuum-cleaning world we’re suckers for robotic dirt-suckers.