Escort Passport iQ 5" Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Radar/Laser Detector Review

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(More customer reviews)When my 9500ix was stolen out of my car earlier this year, I went shopping for a replacement. I was happy to see that someone FINALLY came out with a legitimate Radar/GPS combo that was housed in a stealthy "GPS-looking" body. I ordered the IQ and used it for 2 weeks. Then I boxed it up, sent it back, and ordered another 9500ix. On the positive side, the radar seemed to work equally as well as my 9500ix did. On the negative side, the IQ was HUGE&HEAVY, the GPS software was poor (didnt like the user interface, the routes were not always the best, and it often brought me to a location "down the road" from the intended destination), and I did not like the design of the mount - whether windshield mounted or "bean-bag" dash mounted, the power cord plugs into the *UNIT ITSELF* and NOT the bracket. On the heels of having my previous 9500ix stolen, I certainly didnt want to leave my new and expensive IQ on display when the vehicle was parked. This meant unplugging the power cord from the side before removing it from the mount each time I parked my car. Sounds trivial, but one of many minor annoyances with this unit that I believe will be fixed in the next generation of IQ. Speaking of the next generation -- bluetooth would have been nice in a unit that cost $600+. These days, even a $100 Garmin or TomTom has bluetooth.
In short, I liked the idea of the IQ, but I think the product in its current state misses the mark. Perhaps if Escort addresses some of the issues and releases an updated version in the coming year I will try again, but for now I am perfectly happy with my "9500ix + Garmin".

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Raise your driving intelligence with the all-new PASSPORT iQ, a versatile auto accessory integrating state-of-the-art radar/laser detection, speed camera and speed limit information, 3D GPS navigation, and more. Protect yourself from unwanted tickets and get safely to your destination.

Radar/Laser Detection
Detector Mode
ESCORT'S award-winning all-band protection plus a myriad of useful features keep you on the road, not on the side of it.

Multiple Screen Options
Multiple screen options allow you to choose the information you want, in the color you prefer.

Expert Mode
Detector experts will appreciate the ability to track multiple sources, including numeric frequency.

PASSPORT iQ Detector View
Multiple screens track and display up to four different radar signals. You can also manage alerts and mark speed traps or safety camera locations for future reference.

Easy 3D Navigation
Ultimate Guidance
Easy to read 3D maps, powered by NAVTEQ, provide clear turn-by-turn voice-guided instructions with lane assist.

Patented Defender Database
ESCORT's Defender data is pre-loaded and provides audible and visual alerts for speed traps, red light cameras and speed camera locations for North America.

PASSPORT iQ Map View
View your current location and route on a map. You can also manage alerts and mark speed traps or safety camera locations for future reference. Map view will also provide speed trap and camera icons directly on the map. Radar and laser alerts are shown in the lower left corner with a corresponding bar graph.

PASSPORT iQ Features
Personal navigation system comes complete with NAVTEQ mapping, branded points of interest, speed limit data, and lane assist.
AutoLearn feature automatically learns and rejects false radar sources based on exact location and frequency.
New proprietary threat-signal ranking (TSR) software intelligently sorts, ranks, and rejects traffic-flow-monitoring false alarms automatically.
Cruise Alert feature offers modified radar alerts within specified speeds.
Defender Database stores thousands of red-light and fixed-position speed cameras throughout North America.
Revolutionary AutoSensitivity mode provides real-time radar performance based on vehicle speed, plus Highway and Auto NoX settings.
Mark Location feature allows you to instantly "mark" known speed traps, cameras, and other places of interest.
Exclusive SpecDisplay provides actual numeric frequency for any radar signal.
Selectable radar and laser bands allow you to customize which bands are monitored.
Exclusive SmartCord for easy access to Mute and TrueLock features.

PASSPORT iQ Specs
Operating Bands

X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz
K-band 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz
Ka-band 34.700 ± 1,300 MHz
Ku-band 13.450 ± 25 MHz
Laser 904nm, 33 MHz Bandwidth

Radar Receiver/Detector Type

Superheterodyne, Varactor-Tuned VCO
Scanning Frequency Discriminator
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

GPS Receiver

SiRFstar III

Laser Detection

Quantum-Limited Video Receiver
Multiple Laser Sensor Diodes

Display Type

5" LCD Screen with OneTouch User Interface
480 x 272 Resolution

Power Requirement

12-volt DC, Negative Ground
Escort SmartCord Included

Dimensions

5.35" W x 3.71" H x 1.62" D

What's in the Box
5-inch GPS/radar/detection device, SmartCord, USB cable, mounting bracket, owner's manual on CD, quick reference guide, and 90-day trial for Defender Database.

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Escort RedLine Ultimate Performance Dual-Antenna Radar Detector (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I did a lot of research on the internet and watched every detector video I could find on utube. I narrowed the choice down to the escort 9500ix and the redline. I was impressed with the gps capability of the 9500ix that can use gps location to eliminate false detections. However, I also wanted the extended detection range of the redline unit. I bought them both and tried them for 2 weeks. My driving consists of 100 miles a day, of which 6 of those miles are city miles. Within a couple of days, the 9500ix had most of the false detections screend and muted for the city driving, which amounted to apx 4 false detections. However, it could not match the detection range of the redline on the highway. The redline was picking up pop signals 8 miles out, and did just as well in detecting from the front or rear. One friday evening I was clocked 4 times by radar, and once by laser on a 75 miles trip. I got my first audible alert for laser before I could actually see the sideways parked car off the road a mile ahead with a gun aiming out the window. I immediately braked and had no problem. I was also picking up instant on / off being used on cars miles before I saw them. A trooper was coming up behind me with his radar on, and again it detected him well before we saw each other. I keep this unit mounted low to the dash to make sure I have the best chance of picking up laser which is a tight beam aimed at your front tag or headlight. I guess you really get what you pay for. I have owned 4 units over the years and this one is awesome. It also works fine with false detections in the city. I can switch it to auto/no x, and 99% of the false signals are filtered out. For the remaining 1%, I just press the mute button on the power cord that plugs in on my console. I would rather do a quick mute, and keep the unit on highway mode for max range. I also like the way you can run with all the warning lights out and use the warning light on the power cord next to the mute / volume adjust button on the plug in.

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Escort's team of engineers has created one of the most sensitive radar/laser detectors on the market. RedLine provides the longest range for every signal out there. Its twin-antenna design allows it to maximize performance by band, giving you the longest warning possible. The RedLine includes full X, K, SuperWide Ka, and Safety Warning System radar capability, front and rear laser detection, dual antenna with varactor-tuned (VTO) microwave receiver, digital signal processing (DSP) for superior range and reduced false alarms, Escort's patented Mute and AutoMute, audible and visual band alerts, and all the performance you'd expect from Escort.




RedLine. Dual Antenna. Incredible Range.
Superior Detection The RedLine includes full X, K, SuperWide Ka, and Safety Warning System radar capability, front and rear laser detection, complete with digital signal processing (DSP) for superior long-range ability and reduced false alarms. The exclusive AutoMode intelligently reduces false alarms, plus Highway and Auto NoX settings. And no need to worry about range: dual antenna with a varactor-tuned receiver provide the longest range possible against all radar threats.

Ultimate Undetectability Beltronics' TotalShield RF Technology provides the ultimate in undetectability. The exclusive technology makes the RedLine invisible to radar detector detectors, including the latest technologies like VG-2 and Spectre.

Mute and AutoMute Escort's patented AutoMute feature automatically reduces the alert volume after initially alerting you at your selected volume. This keeps you informed without the annoyance of a continuous full-volume alert. If you'd prefer, you can turn the AutoMute feature off.

Easy to Use Enjoy control right at your fingertips using the included SmartPlug power cord. Patented Mute and AutoMute technology on the cord allows you to quickly silence alerts without reaching for the detector. Simple preference settings lets you customize up to 8 features.

Installation is also a breeze: use the quick release mount to attach it to your vehicle's windshield, and remove it in a snap. A durable zipper travel case is included to take the unit with you, or neatly conceal it in your vehicle.

Ultra-Bright Text Display Don't miss a visual alert with the Redline's 280-LED alphanumeric display. With five levels of brightness viewable from any angle, it's easy to track and display multiple radar signals, including signal strength. The new SpecDisplay provides actual numeric radar frequency for any radar signal, and you can also view Safety Warning System (SWS) messages about upcoming hazards, construction and more.

Safety Radar Safety Warning System, or SWS, uses a modified K-band radar signal to alert users of Highway Construction or Maintenance, Highway Hazard Zone Advisories, Weather Related Hazards, Travel Information/Convenience, and Fast/Slow Moving Vehicles. The SWS safety radar system has 64 possible messages (60 currently allocated), all of which can be displayed on your C65.

One Year Limited Warranty Get extra peace of mind with Escort's one-year limited warranty. The company also offers a two year extended service plan.

What's in the Box Escort Redline Radar Detector (Black), Owner's manual, Quick reference card, Quick-release windshield mount with suction cups, Coiled SmartCord, Travel case.

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Valentine One Radar Detector Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had a Valentine 1 since the early 90's. Over the years, it has been upgraded and has consistently been a top performer. Since those early days, these new V1s offer laser, a reinforced power cord (fixing a former Con), slightly modified/improved interface (see Pros) and new detection capabilities for instant-on radar.
Pro:
+Incredible detection range that always amazes my passengers... consistently voted #1 in the rankings in laser and radar tests, usually only dinged for price (see Cons) or styling. (Are they serious? Who care's if it's boxy?)
+Able to track multiple targets at one time (9), which at first sounds silly, but it helps you filter threats
+Able to tell that you've passed a target. Signal in front will shift to side lights and then to rear helping you ID where the signal is
+Is he behind me? Front AND rear detectors (and matching light indicators) I think makes this detector one-of-a-kind
+Black color (unit, mounts and cables) blends into your dash and does not reflect as much light and glare as its shiny counterparts. I can't believe the competition has gone with the shiny titanium styling... silly!
+The longer power cord (four feet?) looks like a "phone cord" and is reinforced nicely, a vast improvement over the early V1 cords
+Also has pieces for hardwiring the unit, but I suspect you'll need to buy wire and an installer (not a typical do it yourselfer project)
+The glass mount (with spare suction cups) is just awesome! After 15 years, the design is still unbeaten!
+Variable volume and mute settings, with one-touch mute
+Display will show a "J" when a signal is determined to be "junk", a false-alarm. When you get the "J" your V1 is telling you that it is retracting the warning from this signal.
+LEDs are arranged vertically, laser ("L") is on top, Ka next, then K, and last X, representing threats ranked from lowest (top LED) to highest probability (bottom LED) of a false alarm
+You can buy spare pieces on-line (an extra cost, but reasonably priced)
+Lights are not overly bright at night... still very visible but not distracting either
+3 sensitivity settings: "all bogeys", "logic" and "advanced logic". Advanced logic filters the most for those who hate false alarms.
+Loudest volume setting is very loud, softest is off, with a nearly limitless number of levels in between. Mute can be any volume that you choose and does not necessarily have to be off
Con:
-Display has one LED for each type of radar detected (laser, Ka, X, and K) but they're all the same color
-EZPass (automatic electronic toll payment) sets off the laser warning, and the unit goes nuts (again the laser warning is intense). Also, laser can be triggered by close proximity (15' in my experience) of the tail lights to certain American-made cars when they hit their brakes (confirmed by the manual).
-Price... ouch
-Visor mount is not very good (too tight) on thicker sun visors, however the glass mount (see pros) is the best ever!
-L, Ka, X, and K next to their LEDs is stenciled on... at night it's hard to tell for instance if Ka is being located or X. There's no good reference and the letters are not illuminated, nor are LEDs color-coded
Neutral:
>Optional concealed display that plugs into the cigarette lighter (must be purchased separately)
>Detectors aren't legal in some states/areas
>Some claim that's it's boxy styling is a turn off, but come on, it's all about having the best detection!
>The shorter power cord (two feet?) is a coiled power cord... Not a con since they supply another, longer cord (see pro section)
Bottom line: Highly recommended/don't leave home without it. I liked mine so much that I have just bought another one for my
wife.

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The Valentine One is one of the highest performing radar detectors on the market. One reason for this is multiple radar antennas! The only other detector with two radar antennas is the Bel STi Driver, but in the STi both antennas face forward. In the Valentine One, there is one forward antenna and one rear-facing antenna. Using this combination of antennas, it effectively tells you the band and strength of the radar signal, along with the number of "bogeys," or radar units being detected. It will also tell you what direction the signal is coming from, and provide the best rear detection out of every other windshield-mounted detector on the market. Even when this sounds too good to be true, there's more. The Valentine One has excellent laser reception, consistently appearing at the top of tests in this category. In addition to the super high-performance of Valentine's detector, this model will never become obsolete. The very first Valentine detectors from 1992 look identical to the ones today, and can be sent in to Valentine to be updated with the latest hardware and software (charges may apply). If you decide on a Valentine One, you'll be in good hands with the same detector for the rest of your life.

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