Description of Work: This was not a service, per se. Rather, it was a package of SimpliSafe's security products which combine to comprise a complete security hardware system for a home or business. The system is self-installed, but that process is reasonably straightforward . It uses a self-contained cellular connection as part of the purchase - no separate subscription for access to the cellular carrier's system. | |Once installed, the array of components you select to protect your home each connect wirelessly with an in-home base station. Alarms created by the triggering of one or more of your sensors sets off a loud alarm intended to warn off intruders. This much of the service is included with the price of the package. | |If you want a traditional alarm monitoring and communication capability, that service is available for $25 per month. For that fee, the SimpliSafe Command Center is on the job. They call the number(s) you've provided immediately, soliciting discreetly your safety, dispatching local emergency services to your address if they are not convinced that you're merely undergoing a system test or a false alarm. Also for the monthly monitoring fee, you get access to the company's software, allowing the customer to actively monitor and manage your set of sensors. The options and settings are flexible and appropriate. | |Your base station can accommodate a combined total of 41 sensors and annunciators, including magnetic entry (doors and windows) sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, keypads, panic buttons, water/flood detectors, freeze detectors (really a remote thermometer, thereby handy even in South Florida), and a small key fob that allows you to arm, disarm, or panic alarm your system without the keypad. A cellphone app available with the monthly monitoring fee also allows a relatively complete array of system management options using your smartphone. They seem to have thought of everything. | |What could be wrong with this? Only a few minor things, in my opinion: (1) The keypad is not lighted until you hit a button. But you quite often don't want to hit a button without knowing precisely what button you want to hit. So hey, Simplisafe, put a little LED in the keypad. This is important. Until you send me an updated, lighted model, free of course, I'll have to keep a small flashlight next to the keypad and grouse about it every time I have to use it. (2) Some of the components seem a bit cheaply made, possibly because they are. They could use a slightly higher-end "look and feel." (3) Installing entry sensors on a sliding glass door presents problems due to small channels and available spaces for mounting. I didn't install on any windows, preferring motion detectors for protection there. | |In short the system is economical, capable, and highly flexible. Installation in a complex house or configuration might be a challenge (Full disclosure - I have an engineering degree, so I spent a bit of time getting the install right and exchanging components with the company to do so. | |One final word. The company's customer and technical service hotline is superb - well trained, patient, knowledgeable, friendly, and obviously specially trained to laugh at my jokes. | |I'm happy with this system after a month of use, if you're comfortable with the self-install feature, you'll feel safer with this system than without it.