alarm/install opinions

So my alarm chirper has been making funny chirps, and even with a new battery, sometimes I have to dance around with the remote pointed in different positions to arm/disarm. With a recent work bonus I've decided to get an aftermarket system put in.
I've pretty much decided on this Python model.
I looked into Compustar, but the price is just THAT much higher than I'm wanting to go. Plus I've decided against an LCD screen pager because of replacement cost, burnout/breaking issues, battery life, and the paranoia it would probably bring.
The remote with this model still beeps if it goes off, just no screen. Plus you get a backup remote which I'd like to toss in a drawer, just in case.
Viper and Clifford are also made by the same company, but I don't care for their remotes. One is a CF wannabe and the other is blue. I figure if the systems are the same, I'll take a black remote over blue. Picky, I know.
Although the kid at Best Buy told me Clifford and Viper were 'better' than Python. How can that be?
The only (feel good) place that has the Python on hand here is Circuit City.
It's only $380 installed. One CC told me it's $40 extra for trunk popper, and another said it's extra to tie in all the lights together, but that the popper wouldn't be as long as it wasn't activated digitally.
Tone's popper isn't a digital signal, right?? Isn't it just 12v?

I know there are much (better) more expensive systems out there, but I'm comfortable with this one. The VX is garaged 99% of the time. I think unless you spend $$$$$ on a system, they're all pretty much the same at the end of the day. I'll be happy just to have better range than stock, trunk popper, starter kill, and auto starter.

Basically, I'm just looking for opinions on Pythons, Circuit City installs, any type of add-ons they might try to slip by me, etc.
Is a chain-type place any better or worse than small, private shops if it's about the same cost?
Thanx all!

Cy