Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Looking to buy a wireless system. need info

So yes, several neighborhood houses got their doors kicked in so Im looking to install a system. I was looking around and read a bit on here so I'm heading towards the GE Simon 3. I can find it for about $219 with 2 door transmitters, a motion detector battery, transformer and control panel from www.homesecuritystore.com. but then on EBAY, there are systems with a remote and 3 door transmitters and such for about $100.

I have 15 downstairs windows and 4 exterior doors so I figured I'll be needing more sensors. I would also like an exterior alarm speaker.

I would like opinions on this system.

I also found a monitoring company that charges $8.95 a month. Do I need that if this system will call the police for me?

The Ge/ITI wireless technology is among the best around. However, for the size of system you are looking to setup, you might do better to look at the Concord express or ultra which uses the same transmitters and has more flexibility. The initial cost will be higher, but you will get a better system out of it.

After posting that last post, I went looking for info and I started reading about the Concord. I am seriously considering that now. I see there are some on Ebay so I once I know the details of what is included I'll bid on something. Whats the diff between the ultra and the express (besides cost)? is it just a different number of zones?

I got my monitoring service through SmartHome.com for $8.95. I think it's contracted out to WatchLight Alarm, Co but they are great. They do everything that ADT, etc will do. They will call the Police, Fire Dept, etc. It's a great deal.

The ultra has a larger zone capacity, and supposedly has a longer range on the wireless, as well as a few more options. I've never dealt with a setup that the range became enough of an issue to test that concept.

The Concord and the Concord Ultra are essentially the same animal...They share the same motherboard. The Ultra comes with a stronger reciever 2500ft+ vs about 1000ft. Ultra comes with the voice module included as well as a power line card for using X-10 devices, as well as a card to monitor phone line voltage.

Simon will handle 24 wireless zones and can be set up to call 2 phone numbers (cell phone, work phone, etc) to alert the end user via a phone message of an alarm condition. This is in addition to a central station phone number. You can also use 2 hardwire sirens if you wish.

ooops, went and re read the posts...You were asking for the differences between the Ultra and Express...

Ultra 96 zones hardwire or wireless
Express 24 zones (16 can be wireless)

Ultra 16 bus devices (voice module, internet control, etc)
Express 4 bus devices (keypads, hardwire expander, voice module)

Ultra 230 user codes
Express 16

Ultra 16 schedules
Express no schedules

Ultra 2500-3500 ft range
Express 800 ft

Ultra 2 partitions
Express 1

There are more, but I think you get the idea?!