This is a re-post from a reply I gave someone
else:
System works fine for a $100 starter system.
smarthome.com has a wireless system ( 73902 )
that has a few more bells and wistles, but
your going to spend $250 for the starter kit.
The features the 73902 has that I like is
being able to arm/disarm via a phone call,
plus its supposed to be good for up to 600ft
range with the sensors, opposed to the " 100
ft " the X-10 system allows ( 100ft line of
site. Considerably less going through walls
). X-10 is a 16 zone and the 72903 is a 30
zone. 72903 also has a 2 way voice system
and optional smoke alarm.
I spent $219 and got:
DS7000 7 piece system
Plus:
3 key chain remotes
1 motion detectors
6 door/window sensors
3 Large Powerhorns
2 Security decals ( big deal )
4 year replacement warranty ( supposed to be
no questions asked replacement, cost was
$39.99 )
Then I took the $22 in X10 bucks they gave me
after the initial purchase, and got the wall
mount ( $10 ) and an extra lamp modual (
$12.99 ). Cost me $5.90 for shipping and .99
cents for the 2 items.
To buy the same in the 72903, I would have
spent $850 ( going by thier advertised
prices. So less bells and wistles with the
X-10 system, but saved me $600.00
X-10 runs deals all the time. Make sure you
get a system while on sale. Mine consisted of
getting 3 for the price of one for the
remotes, sirens and door switches. The Basic
7 piece system also included a bonus of 3
switches, 1 motion detector and 2 decals ( I
think it was )for the $99. If the sales
person you call cant do you a great deal, ask
to speak to the home office sales. Thats how
I got the better deal ( the 3 for one prices ).
Also, do a search on Ebay for " X-10 ". Price
your items out there also. Some great deals
on ebay from X-10 dealers. I didnt go with
ebay becuase I also wanted the 4 year
warranty. Our family is kind of rough on
remotes, so I figured in 4 years we would get
close to what we paid for the extended
warranty, just on remote replacements. If
anything else went kaput, we'd be ahead of
the game.
Hope this helps....
Jim..
