Coolest doorbell solution?

[slackerinabox]

I have a 3 unit building in a hip part of town and recently decided it was time for some remodeling/updating. Doorbell solutions have been difficult- we currently use three sets of wireless doorbells, which looks terribad. I want something more modern and safe, but video intercoms seem 4 figures, and Ring seems really best for 1 unit homes and is not very multi-user friendly. Any middle ground system for smalltime landlords?

 

[monkeydelmagico]

carrier pigeon. Very hipster.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Doorbells are fairly simple devices, press button, it completes circuit, it makes something happen. If you want something cool you could probably do something with Arduino and some kind of music instrument. Like tubular bells and little solonoid knockers that hit them in a certain pattern.

I need to replace mine actually, it's wireless and half the time does not work.

 

[dullard]

Dammit, I had never thought of a smart doorbell before this thread and now I want one:
http://www.safewise.com/resources/smart-doorbell-buyers-guide

 

[deadlyapp]

I love the idea of getting a phone call or text message when someone rings my doorbell but I'm also not that interested that I need to spend a couple hundred bucks on such a solution.

Dammit, I had never thought of a smart doorbell before this thread and now I want one:
http://www.safewise.com/resources/smart-doorbell-buyers-guide

 

[BarkingGhostar]

If the person walking up to the door from outside knows the individual, or has business with them at the resident's initiative, then doorbells is caveman technology. Otherwise you are a fucking jerk trying to sell me something and I hate you ... thank you very much.

 

[Imp]

Haven't had a doorbell in years. If it's important, they'll leave a note or knock harder then yell... then kick the door down. If not, whatever.

 

[IronWing]

Here. And here.

 

[sdifox]

It's called a butler.

 

[tynopik]

if you have my number, you can text me when you arrive

if you don't have my number, you can go away

 

[Murloc]

if you can see who's at the door by yelling from a window, no video is needed.
If it's within earshot without waking up the neighbours, no intercom is needed either.