Brinks or ADT?

best choice for home security

[limoshawn]

My wife keeps prodding me to get a home security system and I was wondering if any of you had thoughts on Brinks and ADT. I think I've narrowed it down to those two.

Also, I live in the US.

[pageoneresults]

I use Brinks. I also narrowed it down to those two and chose Brinks as they are the underdog. They have a much smaller base of clients and are very quick to respond.

The Brinks installation guy was a genius too. He helped me save some money by not putting devices where I had originally planned, they were not needed at those locations.

I'm on a premium plan too. With this much hardware and software plus all the other personal belongings I have, home security was the first thing on the list before moving in.

[lgn1]

How about Colt-45.

Colt 45 Security Service. After an intrusion attempt, we will immediatly dispatch a service master rep, to clean the blood out of the carpet :)

[limoshawn]

lgn1

Yes, I have that service already. Anyone found here at night will be found here in the morning!

looking for something more along the lines of when I'm not here.

thanks for your feedback page1.

[LifeinAsia]

My parents have (had?) ADT. They gave a cheap deal on the installation, but they charge an arm and a leg for proprietary replacement batteries.

They are fairly responsive though- the fire department came out once when the kitchen smoke alarm went off while cooking. :)

[weeks]

Of course, you know the most important thing about the security service is the stickers you put on your doors and windows indicating all heck will break loose if you try to get in. Really, the stickers work.

I tried to go with the small guys, but they were not any cheaper than the brand name firms. I did not like ADT's pricing, but that was five years ago.

Do get a detailed bid from the two firms. Then, afterwards, make certain everything works as it should--including the monitoring. Give them your cellphone as the first number to check, not the house phone.

[pageoneresults]

Another thing to consider is if you are using VoIP services like Vonage. I had to acquire a second number to tap the alarm system into. It's actually tapped into my fax number which I don't use. Works like a charm and Brinks went the extra mile to make sure it worked.

And yes, the stickers and the sign are a big plus. Put the stake sign where it can be seen by most. And then place stickers on every window where entry might be gained.

Also, my Brinks salesperson was very good at helping me cut costs in the beginning. I had this plan to put alarms on every single window in the house. That was not needed. All I needed were a few strategically placed motion sensors and I'm good to go. Yes, there are sensors on all main entrances but the windows were not needed. All of my motion sensors cover all possible entry points.