I just finished installing my system. It was very straight-forward. I did have to push the test button on a couple of sensors more than once to get the keypad to pick them up though it was no big deal. One entry sensor had a low battery right out of the package so I do recommend you have some extra CR2032 batteries on hand.
I have a split-foyer home with an open floor plan on the second floor. There is a closet at the top of the stairs with its top being at 8 feet. I drilled a hole through the top of my kitchen cabinet above my microwave where there is a power outlet. I ran an extension cord from there so I could put my base station up high on top of the closet which makes it difficult to get to. If you have it sitting out in the open; read next paragraph.
Here's what I don't like- you cannot change the entry delay to be less than 30 seconds. I park behind my house and enter through the back door into my laundry/utility room. The next room has a motion sensor as does the next room on the lower level. If a burglar were to kick that door in; they have 30 seconds to do what they will before the alarm sounds. Then, I don't know what the response time is for the call center to call me. 30 seconds is an eternity. I armed the system, opened the back door, then scrambled through the house as quickly as I could. The motion sensors do not work during this 30 second delay, however they do work very well and picked me up the instant I walked into the room during testing without opening the back door. Again, 30 seconds is an eternity. As above, if your base station is on display and they get to it before that 30 seconds is up; I don't know... smash! No alarm.
I have all my sensors set to trip the alarm instantly, except the back door. The only way around this is to use the key fob and set that door sensor for instant alarm. I plan on buying another fob to carry with me and the one that came with this system will sit in my bedroom so I can arm the system "away" when I go to bed. This way all the sensors will trip the alarm instantly. Oh, I do live by myself.
Another note- I do not plan on advertising my system to the world by using the lawn sign or window stickers. Then I'd be giving a prospective crook the tools they need to defeat my system. I also plan on buying an outdoor alarm for this system. The base is fairly loud though then again it is advertising its location. You can set the alarm to silent if you desire.
I chose the cheaper monitoring plan which is pretty basic. I will see how it goes over the next 30 days. Another thing is the city I live in requires a permit for an alarm system which costs $25 a year. If you choose not to get a permit, the police might not respond to the alarm. I found this out via email from Simplisafe when I activated my system online. Oh well, you gotta do what you gotta do.