If you want an alarm system, check out a DSC PC1832 alarm box or kit, which can be had for 100-150 online, you run your own wires/sensors, wireless options available. You don't have to connect it to monitoring service, just hope that baddies will run off when the alarm goes off, cause they think police have been called. I've paired mine with a VM101 module by http://www.myvirtualmonitoring.com/, which offers low cost monitoring via ethernet/cell tower and soon looks like WiFi, which can txt and/or call you when you have an event. Pay a little more and you can have them contact local law enforcement. No contract. If you just want logs and text messages, try an Insteon starter kit available at Costco.com. It's not going to be an alarm, but the wireless motion and door sensors will txt you when they are tripped. Also their webcam can be set to upload motion pictures to Gmail or FTP server. This option is good for not alarm, but monitoring. If you buy into the Insteon system you also have have remote control of lighting and relays. This service is free and no contract.

Yea... but you can get a cheapy line from broadvoice.com for $5.95 per month... (Total with Fees & Taxes - $7.67)