Re: Are there any convenient alarm systems?

["Mark Leuck" <m..leuck@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

<steveeisner@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1142579562.998749.87020@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> I guess I had two problems:
>
> One is that when the ADT guy visited, he didn't bring a modern panel
> (it was an Ademco unit if that matters.)  And the key fobs were huge
> and he wanted $95 each for them.

"Ademco" panels ARE modern, and the keyfobs are no bigger than the rest with
the exception of the new DSC units

> Not that I'm against paying for
> convenience, but my car alarm came with "freebies" thrown in, why does
> a home alarm system charge 200% markup on them?

Someone has to install it

> Second is that searching on the net finds so many of the
> same-ol-same-ol installers that it's really hard to find a local
> installer with expertise.  It seems that words like "alarm system" and
> "home security" are so valuable that all the national players have
> bought all the ad space.  If anyone has a recommendation in Seattle I'd
> appreciate the lead!
>
> I've found one guy who's coming by tomorrow and I hope he'll be able to
> offer some good options.  I'm just surprised that there aren't more
> "smarthome + alarm" packages available.  All the security tech seems
> like 1980's X10 equipment?  Not that that's bad, had some X10 and it
> worked, but device UI has improved since then ....?

X-10 security is junk, always has been