It doesn't offer state-of-the-art motion sensing, infrared detection, or moving lasers to stop a master thief. And it won't automatically contact authorities to catch a bad guy during a B&E. But for $199, the Swann Digital Private Eye might stop your neighbor from stealing your newspaper.

Powered by a 9V rechargeable battery or AC power, this do-it-yourself security surveillance system powers up when motion is detected and automatically records images onto an SD memory card. It can also be used as a webcam to capture video at 30 frames per second--just enough to make sure the bad guy doesn't get away with the comics section.

The Digital Private Eye even looks like a real alarm system, with PIR (passive infrared) to trick and deter would-be thieves. But as it doesn't really offer that level of protection, I'd suggest you limit it to making sure your buddy down the street isn't borrowing tools from your garage without asking.

Post by Peter Suciu