Well for $150 – $400 you can get a good keyless lock (like the Q-see fingerprint & keypad lock) and forget those keys for good. The most popular are the keypad models but if I was to buy one, I’d have to spring for the fingerprint scanning locks… for both convenience and the coolness factor. It’s like living in a James Bond film… almost (but without the Bond-Girls and Aston Martin…)

Speaking of Bond, I like the older Bond films… you? Maybe I should find a new DVD or Plasma TV to feature next. :)

Would you believe we didn’t even notice! A neighbor ran into us (in the mall) and mentioned it… sure enough there were police and an upset bank manager (poor guy) circulating around the bank’s entrance.

Ahhh, the joy of city life. It’s interesting at least… and I like interesting!

PS: I saw TWO (2) rats today! A record for me… I really need to carry a camera around with me.

I think it’s pretty safe to say that personal and home security are always a priority for anyone living in the big city, and even those who live in smaller towns. After all, there really isn’t anything that’s more important, except maybe good health… but I digress.

Not long ago I made a mention of security doors (the 250lbs bullet proof doors that require a tank to break in!) but didn’t really provide too many quality pics or websites… it’s not easy when many manufacturers don’t have quality websites. :(

Anyhow, I’m going to make up for it now by giving you a link to Oikos, a manufacturer of these security doors (and windows) from Italy. The website is very nice, easy to navigate and Italian/English. The English version is still being worked on from what I see but Italian is an easy language to figure out and the pictures do a good job of explaining what’s going on.

I hope this helps you figure out what goes on to the “wish list” next!

But how will my family members open the door? No problem! The biometric door lock can handle up to 99 users. Registering and removing users is simple and instant. Now the whole family—or anyone you wish—can simply walk up, plant their finger on the scanner and gain access. It’s a whole lot easier than worrying about duplicate keys being out in the population. This lock is a deal at around $300.

Not all intercoms are ugly, some are even nice to look at. There’s actually a lot of really nice intercom systems out there, even with keyless entry and so on… I ran across these intercom systems (pictured above) at TRS Communications.

From the website – “Aiphone’s GF 4 wire digital audio/video apartment intercom features entry security, fully modular vandal resistant entrance stations. The GF video allows up to five entrance stations and 250 apartment stations and up to two handsets per apartment.”

Not bad, I like the fact that they can accommodate several entry points and 2 handsets per apartment, that can be handy if you’ve got a big place.

I also think these receivers (hand set) are pretty nice looking. I’ll admit they aren’t the sleekest I’ve seen but they’ve got a simple clean look about them that caught my eye… In either case I’m sure nobody would object to hanging one on their wall.

At over 120 kg, one of these bad boys can keep you, your family and your possessions safe from prying eyes and thieves. The proper installation of one of these armored doors involves tearing apart the frame of your original doorway in order to cement in the heavy duty metal frame of your new armored door. This provides you with an unbelievably strong installation that’s just about impossible to compromise under any normal circumstances.

There are so many different brands and levels of quality to be found that it can make someone dizzy. As with most things involving home décor or improvement, quality costs money. This needn’t be a problem however, since even the highest quality armored doors can be had for under $1000. Of course you can always go with the cheaper Chinese alternative (about $250), I’d say this is one area that you should not try and save money on… spend the cash and get the best.

Understandably, the better brands offer is very wide range of sizes and finishes to match every style of home, apartment, storefront or garage entranceway imaginable. Typically an armored door has all steel construction with the outer layers being made of MDF or wood. Of course this doesn’t always have to be the case, but it is the most common option.

Insulation on armored doors is also extreme. When buying the better quality products you will no doubt get excellent sound and whether insulation as standard, as well as bulletproofing. Yes, I said bulletproofing! Like I said earlier, this is one upgrade that’s worth spending your money on.

So if you have a couple of bucks and you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive but worthwhile home-improvement, seriously consider installing a stylish, high quality armored door. It’s one of the best investments you can make, not to mention that it could possibly save you money on your home owners insurance premiums!