Escort Passport iQ 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Radar/Laser Detector

by Escort

Product Features

• 5-inch GPS/radar device integrates state-of-the-art radar/laser detection, speed camera and speed limit information, 3D GPS navigation, and more
• Navigation system features NAVTEQ mapping, turn-by-turn voice-guided directions, branded points of interest, speed limit data, and lane assist
• Threat-signal ranking intelligently sorts, ranks, and eliminates false alarms; AutoLearn rejects false radar sources based on exact location and frequency
• Defender Database stores thousands of red-light and fixed-position speed cameras, along with other speed traps, throughout North America
• Selectable radar and laser bands allow you to customize which bands are monitored; SpecDisplay provides actual numeric frequency for any radar signal

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 5.4 x 3.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0049H8VKQ
• Item model number: Passport iQ
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #74 in Electronics > Car Electronics > Radar Detectors
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 8, 2010

Product Description

Amazon.com

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.

State-of-the-art radar/laser detection, speed camera and speed limit information, 3D GPS navigation, and more. Click to view control diagram.

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.

Multiple screens track and display up to four different radar signals.

Easy-to-read 3D maps provide clear turn-by-turn instructions with lane assist.

Provides audible and visual alerts for speed traps, red-light cameras, and speed camera locations for North America.

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

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.

Product Description

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.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

160 of 172 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Good idea, but .... December 16, 2010

By Paul Simonetti

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".

70 of 75 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing product March 17, 2011

By Danny

::POSITIVES::

* Tremendous range (of radar detector)
* Great gps system
* 4/5 stars for the Defender red-light camera database (that's my personal rating); there are a few it doesn't have in the system (in my average weekly driving) but I know where they are. I've gone out of town and it has surprised me by finding/notifying me of cameras in places that had them disguised quite well
* "Lockout" (ignore) function for annoying false alarms (mostly from motion detecting automatic doors ((grocery stores/gas stations etc)) which emit either a X or K frequency) --- this saves each false alarm, or frequency, based on its exact location
* looks like a GPS, so if you get pulled over (chances are, if the iQ is on, you're getting stopped for something besides speed) you're more likely to be treated 'fairly'. Cops are less likely to let you off with a warning if they see a radar detector up on the windshield (don't believe me? as a cop, but preferably NOT while you're being stopped). This is a widely overlooked plus for this product
* pretty cool function where the detector tells you when you're "Over speed limit". You can choose to have it notify you when you go 1mph over, 6mph, 11mph, or off. it has nearly all major roads' and highways' speed limits already on the detector.

::NEGATIVES::

* takes a week or so of 'getting used to' -- I didn't read the manual, but was able to figure everything out (like I said) in about a week
* wobble/shaking while driving; for $650+ you'd expect a higher quality mount to keep it in place; however, it is never enough shaking to keep me from being able to read the screen....
* It's big -- I don't play games; whenever I park the car, I unhook and stow it or take it with me, but it's pretty bulky so that can make it a hassle
* Not compatible with Mac (I have a PC, and regardless, I haven't connected mine to a computer yet, and it still works phenomenally)

::COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS::

(Generally based on lack of familiarity and/or patience with this product)

* That it will block a large amount of the windshield; I don't know about you, but unless you drive something with a crazy angled windshield like Lambo or Ferrari, it shouldn't block much of your vision. I drive a Chevy cavalier, and mount it in the bottom left-hand corner, just above the gauges (tachometer, speed, battery power, engine temp, etc.)-- think about it this way; when you're out driving, how often are you really going to have to look out of the bottom left-hand side of the windshield??? Mind you, you will be looking at the ground approx. a foot or two adjacent/diagonal of your front bumper.
* "red-light camera notification capability stops working"... no it doesn't.
* "It won't learn false alarms". False. It DOES learn false alarms. You simply tap the pop up signaled radar three times, it will then make sure you want to 'lockout this signal?' simply tap it again, and voila; 'signal stored'.
* "turning off/on is impossible"... no it isn't; unplug, then hit the power slide switch twice.
* Some think that the Passport iQ is inferior to escort's other detectors. Not true. Look at the stats for the $499 (runner up) Passport 9500iX and compare to that of the iQ. They are exactly the same, except for, well; the iQ has a touch screen, and a GPS.
* "The mount cannot support it." It sure seems this way at first, but after taking a closer look at the mount itself, I found you can pop out the suction cup slightly to increase support. Takes some thinking.

::MY CREDENTIALS::

Well, I've had this nearly two months now. It has been on many drives between half an hour and an hour, two drives [which lasted 2 hours each way], two drives [4 1/2 hours each way], and one cross country; Houston TX up to Wyoming. All of these drives, I have utilized major highways. I used both radar and GPS for all of my driving. On at least three separate occasions, I was able to pick up radar (K & Ka) from 1.8 - 2.5 miles away. Granted, these instances were on roads that remained straight for the most part, however all had hills so that I couldn't actually see the Police until I was about a quarter mile away. All in all I would say I averaged avoiding 5-6 speed traps per trip.

Also, I'm not an idiot, I know how to handle basic electronics...installing audio, lighting, and wiring anything to ignition (which means it will turn on when the car turns on), I have not received any tickets (yet), been driving for 5 years. I would say the average detection distance

::MY SUGGESTIONS::

* Get the "Direct Wire Smart Cord" so there's less hassle, clutter, etc.
* Be patient. It's always frustrating when you don't understand something at first, but don't give up. This product will pull through, (and you'll figure it out) I promise. Read more ›

46 of 56 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Was hoping for a real winner combo, but was VERY disappointed. January 13, 2011

By susie

I recently had my radar detector and gps unit stolen
out of my car. So, when I saw this combo unit,
I was excited about this, even though it cost a lot more
then other units. I was willing to put a little more money
in it, for that convience.
But it has very poor quality GPS capabilities and does not
have hardly any of the stores in my area.
It also does not pick up red light cameras as
promised in its info.
It is lacking in signal pick up distance for
K and Ka band, and didn't pick up any of the
X band signals that my previous dectector did.
What a shame. Had such promise. I returned it.

79 of 102 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Not good at all November 29, 2010

By Uli

I have used the Iq now for 3 weeks and I'm not happy at all...Firstly the unit is very heavy and the support bracket too flimsy so it vibrates all the time.
Sometimes you can't read the display because of it. Compared to my Escort 9500 ci it fails misses many radars...just got back from a 1000 mile trip and the laser warning
(despite being selected) has not gone off once and I saw 3 speed traps ..it's not working and that makes a $650.- unit worthless.The map come outdated without any way of updating them with Escort. Tried to leave feedback on the Escort site and guess what
they only publish positive reviews ....that's how they lost my respect....bad enough to produce a dud but not owning up to it ?????

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Neither a good radar detector or a good GPS. September 7, 2011

By MJLSr

Having experience with many generations of Escort products this seemed like a great idea to me and some of the initial reviews were very positive. Note: Many of these early reviews that boasted the product mentioned the Bluetooth feature, which does not exist and has never existed in this product as of the date of this review. (.) - a bogus and disappointing start praising a product for a feature it does not even have - bad marketing and irresponsible reviews... did anyone do their homework here? [sigh]

After clarifying the features (or lack thereof) with the manufacturer I went ahead with the purchase. My personal experience was not 'great' - it was quite the opposite. The radar portion is supposed to be the same as the 9500ix I have grown so fond of, literally - the same radar antenna, per the manufacturer. If this is true there are some serious design flaws in the housing as the 9500ix had a fraction of the sensitivity, approximately half to 2/3, when compared to my 9500ix on over a dozen different 'known' X/K/Ka/laser signals and various red light and speed cameras, some of which I was only alerted to after I passed them! I tested this IQ in two vehicles that I also use a 9500ix in with no obstructions and similar weather conditions to assure with some certainty that there were no vehicle-specific anomalies. The results were consistent - the IQ was far not just inferior - it was often just plain wrong.

I also found the GPS/Nav portion to be poor with dated and inaccurate maps, missing roads [that had existed for decades in some cases], and other annoying 'features' such as displayed speed limits that would not update as they should. Physically, the unit is over-sized and heavy, clumsy at best.... For the space it requires one could have superior standalone GPS and radar detector units. Put it all together and the IQ as a package is an underpowered unit which is also absent of Bluetooth (BT), as previously mentioned, which comes with most any current GPS available today. In all fairness I was told by Escort the IQ could probably be updated by memory card in the future, but that may not be free. A charge for GPS map updates in a $650.00 unit, really? I was also told the BT radio was not present and that upgrades to the current generation of IQ's would not be feasible, limiting future capabilities.

I did try to work through Escort technical support and they told me I might have a bad unit. After doing some research I have found the reviews to be mixed at best and chose not to waste any more time on the IQ as the troubleshooting took too much time and effort, especially considering the IQ's cost.

If you are looking for a GPS, get a good GPS, one with lifetime updates, perhaps Bluetooth, and other features that this unit does not have, like accurate maps (basic stuff, right?)... for half the price or less. If you are looking for a radar detector and like Escort's products (as I still do more-less) then I strongly recommend a good dedicated unit such as the 9500ix, or even the 9500ci if looking at the high-end, but do yourself a favor and do not waste your time with the IQ. It is neither a good radar detector nor a good GPS.

Update: I have about 500 miles on my 9500ci now... another great product from Escort! I firmly believe the IQ is a good idea in theory, poorly executed, an anomaly for a company that consistently produces exceptional products that work as advertised. More on the 9500ci in another review soon... Read more ›