Logitech Alert Monitoring System

I was intrigued when the opportunity to review the Logitech Alert came up, because I like the idea of transforming a baby monitor into a home video security system once it’s baby-monitoring days are through.
I mean, who wouldn’t? That’s pretty cool, right?
The system is super easy to install and use. Essentially, it just records whatever the camera is focused on; so, when you’re using it as a baby monitor, it will record your baby. But instead of having to carry around a monitor, the video can be streamed right into your computer (with internet connection) or smartphone. (I have an iPhone, and it works great with this system!) And if you don’t happen to be staring at your baby the entire time she’s sleeping—because, let’s be honest, as cute as she is, you sometimes just need to take care of the rest of your life—you can get a motion alert text sent right to your phone to let you know she’s up and around.
If you opt for the outdoor camera, you can also see your baby while she’s sleeping at night, since it offers night-vision. (And when baby no longer needs to be watched throughout the night, plant the camera in front of your house, and you’ve got a security system with no monthly fee!)
You can include up to six cameras in your feed, so this is a great choice for parents who need to keep an eye on the baby in the nursery, the big kids in the playroom, and the dog in the backyard. (Anybody else have problems with an overly energetic digging dog?) The picture quality is good, and the software allows you to pan and zoom across the frame, which is nice. It also includes a built-in microphone, which is pretty essential when it comes to keeping an eye on kids.
Set-up really is a breeze: Open the box, read the instructions, plug a couple of things in, and you’ll be up and running within minutes. Overall, I’ve been very pleased with the Logitech Alert, and I really look forward to using it as a video security system—I can’t wait to have a camera by my front door, so I can see whether the UPS man just left that box on the stoop or if I need to get up and go sign for it. (Or, if I just want to ignore the stranger trying to sell me lawn treatments during naptime.)
I’ve only used our system to monitor the kids in real-time, but you can also go back and watch up to a week’s worth of video, should you need to. (Probably not a feature you’d utilize when you’re using it as a baby monitor, but handy if you’re monitoring for security reasons.)
The Logitech Alert system is a good deal pricier than your run-of-the-mill baby monitor, but if you’re interested in making an investment that will be useful for many years to come, I think it’s a good option.
Price: $300
>Buy it: logitech.com