SimpliSafe Home Security Systems
Security Doesn't Get Any Easier
(5)
Home security means different things to different people. For some, meandering, pony-sized Rottweilers named “Killer” provide peace of mind for their family and possessions. For others, it’s a Louisville Slugger slipped under the bed frame or gates manned by donut-gorged stooges.
As a former denizen of suburbia, though, the term inspires images fueled on far less machismo and snobbery. Instead, “Home Security” in the world of sheltered souls means small alarm key pads and a posse of sensors designed to alert home owners (re: parents) to any household comings and goings. Owning one tolls the end of late night debauchery for all teenagers trapped inside. In other words, they were the handicraft of Satan himself.
Age has a way of changing one’s outlook though and now that I’ve been armed with the wherewithal to acquire my own possessions for some time, my perspective on these electronic dungeon masters has shifted. Never willing to shell out additional rent for a doorman, all that once defended my apartment from eager snatchers were two locks and a deadbolt. Things clearly needed to change. The trouble is that the majority of “Home Security” systems are exactly that. Security systems for homes. Yes, some could be tooled down for apartment installations, but like most New Yorkers, my humble abode is a rental, meaning permanent installation of anything is a no go.
“..SimpliSafe operates on the principal that when you buy a security system, you own it for life and should retain the option to transfer it if you ever move.”
Clearly, SimpliSafe understands my problems, because their product is the perfect fit for my situation. Taking full advantage of the convenience of wireless technology, SimpliSafe operates on the principal that when you buy a security system, you own it for life and should retain the option to transfer it if you ever move.
At the core of each system is a base station and keypad. The base station serves as the control center for the surrounding components and contains a siren capable of emitting 85-decibel alarm blasts. When connected to a phone line, triggering the siren simultaneously alerts the SimpliSafe emergency dispatch center of a disturbance.
Outside of collapsing the eardrums of any unwanted intruders and calling in the cavalry, the base station’s speaker also provides voice prompts related to arming and disarming the system that are initiated at the keypad. Since it’s completely wireless, installing the keypad near entryways involves pulling on the battery activation tab and peeling back adhesive strips to mount it on the wall. Really, that’s all.
Once on, the keypad will prompt you to select a master 4 digit pin. This pin controls all aspects of the system. However, if you have frequent guests, girlfriends, etc. you may also create additional pins which can disable the alarm while limiting access to other functions. When armed, users have the option of two modes: “Home” and “Away”. Home activates all entry sensors to protect against break-ins, but disables motion sensors leaving you free to move about while in your residence. Away enables both.
Entry sensor components which communicate with base station install in a similarly easy fashion to the keypad. Consisting of two pieces, one part is attached to a window or door, while the other half is placed on the frame. When separated the sensor alerts users that an entry way is open and potentially at risk for intrusion. Thus correct placement of these pieces is critical to making the system function properly, and is the one thing I’d recommend planning a little for before attaching. That said, each system comes with plenty of additional adhesive strips should you need to re-do a placement.
Rounding out the components are motion sensors and a panic button. Motion sensors detect any motion of large objects within 20 feet and are friendly for pets under 50 pounds. The panic button is rather self explanatory and is designed to immediately trigger the alarm should a situation arise by pressing it for more than 3 seconds. Stickers warning potential intruders that your domain is monitored by SimpliSafe are also provided should you wish to place them on your windows or doors.
Once the battery tabs are pulled and each component is placed in the desired position, the base station will automatically register their presence and include them as part of the system. The keypad does allow for testing modes to gauge the range of your motion sensor placement or otherwise trouble shoot the setup if you run into problems.
While using the Simplisafe 1500 system in my tests, setup took me less than 15 minutes from start to finish. The system and process went seamlessly as promised and even my doubts about the adhesive strength of the strips proved to be false.
Upon leaving for vacation, I felt secure knowing that anyone trying to break into the GP home theater lab would be met with a loud surprise that was sure to alert nearby neighbors of mischief a foot (I opted not to test the call in center function, since I generally prefer to leave the cops out of my testing procedures). That said, it’s nice to know that for an additional $15 bucks a month I could also have professional response units standing by 24 hours a day.
All in all, SimpliSafe drastically improved my piece of mind, and, in my opinion, is well worth the reasonable upfront purchase price. If you live in an apartment, or even a home, I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable home security system with virtually no installation hassle. Considering it can always move with you and expand to meet the needs of increased space, there’s really is no other product like it. To check out their variety of security systems and options, visit SimpliSafe’s site. Pricing and a link to purchase the 1500 system used in my testing which includes: 1 keypad, 1 base station, 1 panic button, 1 motion sensor, 2 entry sensors, and 1 keyfob is included below.
Cost: $250
Thanks for the post. I agree, electronic security can do a lot to help homeowners feel more safe and secure. It's important to do your research and find a company that can meet a family's specific needs and always choose a company with a complete guarantee, including a 6-month money back guarantee.
[...] original post here: SimpliSafe Home Security Systems | Gear Patrol Tags: Alarm, alarms, family, Home Security, killer, means-different, mesa, phoenix, provide-peace, [...]
There is actually a cheaper product like it. I used the X10 home security system, and I have for years. Despite of X10's rather crappy marketing stuff, their products are good, and about half as expensive.
Having recently purchased and installed a SimpliSafe system (and also used X10 in the past) I would put SimpliSafe in a very different category. SimpliSafe uses a cellular connection to monitor the alarm so that they can send the police if the alarm is triggered. This was the key factor in my purchase - I wanted a monitored home security system but don't have phone line or want to get one. I like X10 stuff and have played around with it for fun, but it never felt like a real security system in the way that SimpliSafe does. Saying X10 is cheaper is kind of like saying a scooter is cheaper than a car.
Dave,
Thanks for mentioning the X10. I was unaware of it and I'll definitely have to check it out. Looking at the website, I can see what you mean about the marketing, but it's the product that counts right? I appreciate the tip.
X10 does not offer monitoring with their system. The monitoring is the key to making your decision. At $14.95/month the SimpliSafe setup was the way to go for me. Typically monitoring ranges from $20-$50/month. That’s where the recurring investment is; the initial startup cost may be more expensive, but the monitoring charges will make up for it.
An even better product in my opinion is Ingrid Home Security. I've been using it now for several years and it's almost the perfect product.
Ingrid Home Security looks really nice. (So does the SimpliSafe…) Why do you say it is ALMOST the perfect product?
Always have time to double check on the locks and knobs before leaving your house. Also, it would be proper to carry with you a duplicate key in case of emergencies.
If you really have some expensive assets inside your house then you probably need home security alarm to have a peace of mind while you are away.
It’s great to see how far home security has come over the past few years. There are more options available today than ever before, and we at SimpliSafe believe that anything that makes urban living safer is good for us all. As Pamela said, it’s just important to do your research to find the system that best meets your needs, lifestyle and budget – different systems will be a good match for different people.
Not surprisingly, we think we stack up pretty well versus the competition! What may not have been clear is that with SimpliSafe, you get a wireless connection to our Emergency Dispatch Center, so that you don't need a phone line or internet connection to have a professionally monitored home security system. That provides a significant value and, among other things, makes our system very easy to install and easy to take with you to your next home. We also believe our system is a great value — if you add up the cost of the base system, extra components, and monthly service, we usually compare quite well to the other options out there.
Chad
————
Chad Laurans
SimpliSafe, Inc.
Live. Safey.
http://simplisafe.com
Hi..
Simplisafe home security system providing great safety features for our security.But i want to know that if i forget the pin number,then can i get that number again or can i fic another pin number instead of it?
Hi..
I like your post about this system
We are able to offer a number of security systems to fit a variety of needs. In addition to offering the most up-to-date equipment available, we also work with you to ensure that you are purchasing the system that is going to work best for your home or business.
living room…
I this we are all crazy :)_…
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I used x 10 in my last apartment, and to call it junk is calling it to much..Read all the reviews for x10 and everyone will tell you the same thing Junk..The only people who say else wise I would bet work for x10.
I just bout simplesafe and it works perfect, better than I thought it would. The wireless base did it for me, and for only $14.99 a month…It calls the police and any other numbers you provide…Best money I spent this year that I promise you…
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