Mint Automatic Floor Cleaner up for pre-order with $20 deposit

It wasn't going to be long after the arrival of automatic vacuum that we'd get the automatic Swiffer. First announced at CES 2010, it looks like the Mint Automatic Floor Cleaner is almost ready to move into your living room.

The Mint floor cleaner, produced by Evolution Robotics, can be fitted with both Swiffer and Pledge cleaning cloths to automatically pick up dirt from hardwood surfaces with the help of a navigation system. Cloths can be either dry or wet, with the former picking up dust, dirt and hair. Wet cloths mop up dust and grime.

Measuring in at 3-inches tall and 10-inches wide, the Mint should be able to get into some relatively tight spaces and under most furniture. Battery life isn't too shabby either, with a time limit of three hours on dry mode and two hours on wet cleaning.

If you're interested in tidying up your home with this advanced cleaning system, it's up for pre-order but won't be shipped until an unknown date this summer. Pricing starts at $249, but you'll have to pony up $20 for a non-refundable deposit upon ordering. The good news is that the deposit does apply to the purchase price.

Paired with a Roomba or a Samsung Navibot, you would be invincible when it comes to house cleaning. But being cheap, I'll stick with my broom and Swiffer for now. Yet, if the price drops in the future, I'll reconsider.