Spring has barely sprung, and we’re already dreading mowing the lawn. But thanks to Hammacher Schlemmer, we may not have to – if we shell out $700 for the company’s robotic lawnmower. Hammacher’s spring 2000 catalog claims the computer-guided robot will mow up to 5,000 sq. ft. of lawn on a single charge of its two 12-volt rechargeable batteries. But before kicking back and watching the Robomow go at it, users have to first bury several hundred feet of guiding perimeter wire in the yard. It sounds like a lot of work, but think of it as installing electronic fencing for your new robotic pet. And instead of ruining your lawn, this pet will keep it nicely groomed.

Spring has barely sprung, and we’re already dreading mowing the lawn. But thanks to Hammacher Schlemmer, we may not have to – if we shell out $700 for the company’s robotic lawnmower. Hammacher’s spring 2000 catalog claims the computer-guided robot will mow up to 5,000 sq. ft. of lawn on a single charge of its two 12-volt rechargeable batteries. But before kicking back and watching the Robomow go at it, users have to first bury several hundred feet of guiding perimeter wire in the yard. It sounds like a lot of work, but think of it as installing electronic fencing for your new robotic pet. And instead of ruining your lawn, this pet will keep it nicely groomed.