You no doubt probably saw some of my posts regarding Frontpoint and Alarm.com. Hopefully they helped inform your decision to at least make initial contact with Alarm.com and/or Frontpoint.

I also bought my first place about a half year ago, and that is also what prompted my interest in getting a home security system (not saying they aren’t useful for apartment dwellers, just less of an issue in most cases in my mind).

I like you was very disappointed by what the big boys offered and/or (uusally AND) what they charged. So our analysis was pretty much the same there.

Anyway, I’ve been a very very happy customer, both from a technology stand point and especially a customer service standpoint (with Frontpoint especially). I could hardly be happier!

The systems offered by Frontpoint and many other Alarm.com dealers are sometimes derided by security industry wonks because they are so called “all-in-one” systems which often are problematic. But the way Alarm.com technology works (especially the way Frontpoint has implemented it with their central station), the normal weakness of these systems is neutered. That is, it doesn’t matter if the system siren is a beacon to find and smash the panel (as long as you use remote keypads and locate the panel well away from doors/windows, etc). This is because someone only has about 5 seconds to find and destroy the panel before it’s too late. As soon as a door or window is opened, the system goes into the programmed entry delay mode AND immediately transmits the fact. So if Alarm.com servers don’t receive a follow-up successful disarm signal, they initiate an alarm to the central station. This handling is VERY unique (among non-internet enabled reporting, and internet doesn’t matter anyway because it most cases it can be cut) and very important. This coupled with the fact it is cellular makes it a very solid solution, much more so than about 95% installs done by the big boys.

If you or anyone else ever wants to talk to me about it, you can call me at 925.265.1376.

Great post, thanks!