Escort Passport Radar & Laser Detector

This is my third radar detector from Escort and my second Passport. I owned one of the original Escorts as well as the original Passport. The original Passport served me well for 20 years, but I recently took a job that put me on the road much more, so I decided it was time for an upgrade. I had planned on purchasing a Valentine One, but after reading the reviews here and elsewhere I decided to go with the Passport. It seems it affords the same protection at a much lower price. Additionally, it has some nice features the Valentine doesn't. For example, it automatically reduces the sounds of the alerts after warning you. I understand, this needs to be done manually on the Valentine. Additionally, if you would like to run in stealth mode, you can turn off the display on the unit and use the lights on the cigarette lighter as the indicator. (You can also mute the alarm from the cigarette lighter plug). With the Valentine, this is an extra cost add on. I think the arrows on the Valentine would be nice, but I wasn't willing to pay that much more for them. It does have laser detection, but my understanding is that unless you incorporate a laser jammer, it doesn't do you much good. Escort does sell a jammer that does integrate with the Passport 8500, so this is another plus if you need laser protection. I have read some reviews that says Amazon is not an authorized dealer. I contacted Escort before my purchase and they told me that if purchased directly from Amazon you are fine. With some of the resellers, that may not be the case. This is important if you ever have a problem with the unit as they only honor warranties from purchases from authorized resellers. As far as the red versus blue goes, I would have liked the blue display, but it is only cosmetic and the purpose of a radar detector is function. That being said, if you are going to buy a radar detector, buy a good one. The Passport 8500, the Valentine One and there is a highly rated Bel detector that will serve you well. Most of the rest will just tell you when you're about to recieve a ticket. Finally regarding the cigarette lighter functionality. It is only useful if the cigarette ligher is visible from the drivers seat. In two of my cars it is hidden by the steering wheel, limiting it usefulness. All in all, I'm pleased with the purchase. I paid less for this than I did for the original 20 years ago. 3/25/2010 - just a note: I did end up with a ticket using this. It was from a well place motorcycle officer on a curve using laser. What surprised me is that the warning was enough I was able to scrub over 5 miles an hour off my speed. (With laser you are warned you are about to get a ticket unless you have a laser jammer, unlike radar which gives you a much longer warning). If I had realized the speed limit was so low, I might have been able to scrub some more. As it was he only got me for 71 when I was doing close to 80 when the laser hit me. The range is pretty incredible. I have started picking up radar well over a mile before I see the patrol car.