Uniden GPSRD - Going Beyond The Detector... Still Worthwhile
Written: Dec 27 '03
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Pros: Adequate Performance, GPS Features, Looks, Very Much Unlike Uniden
Cons: Not As Effective For Radar Sensitivity
The Bottom Line: The Uniden GPSRD is a unique detector, if you want GPS, then this maybe right for you.
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| soupcraze's Full Review: Uniden GPSRD Radar Detector |
Uniden has been known for making some of the crappiest radar detector on the market. I've been in some cars with them, and they all proved themselves to be horrible. They look cool and are cheap, but that doesn't make up for having horrible performance. When I heard about the Uniden GPSRD, I was skeptical, but I gave it a try, and was rather mystified. Here's what I found.
-Price-
*Let's put it this way, this Uniden even at $199 is worth it if you're concerned about having a GPS feature. While Cobra and Whistler only offer compasses as for directional equipment, the Uniden GPSRD does offer an easy to use text-layout GPS system which can show you average speed, estimated time, coordinates, etc... No other detector offers such a feature. It might even be worth buying the Uniden GPSRD solely for this function because it's cheaper than other GPS systems available on the market and is easy to read because of the large text display. I was very surprised with the adequate radar warnings on the Uniden GPSRD. Unlike other Unidens, it would've provided enough time to slow down. Yes, it was worse than the Beltronics Bel Vector 985 which only costs slightly more, but the Vector 985 doesn't have the GPS system or the larger easier to read display. It may not be the cream of the crop for radar sensitivity, but with all of the other stuff it does, you do get a lot of features with the Uniden GPSRD which makes it worth it if you want something with such a neat GPS feature. If you don't care about GPS, then you should go with a Beltronics Bel Vector 985 which will offer better radar sensitivity overall.
-Performance-
*I didn't bother comparing the Uniden GPSRD to the Valentine One, but I used it against the Beltronics Bel Vector 985 in the usual areas where I like to test radar detectors. Unlike the other Unidens that I've used personally or had other people using, the Uniden GPSRD did provide moreover ample warning for slowing down. It performed well with K-band, get the alert, slow down, and a block or so later you see the cruiser. For anyone who reacts well and quickly to alerts, this should be good. The Ka-band performance was also again adequate, definitely lacking behind the Vector 985, but still providing enough warning to slow down if you're maybe doing 10 or 15 over or so if you can react quickly. Don't expect $200 performance from the Uniden GPSRD, but definitely don't expect crap like the kind you'd get from Cobra.
-Features & Ease of Use-
*The Uniden GPSRD has the very neat GPS feature which is probably its best selling point. Unlike other low-end GPS systems, the Uniden GPSRD has a very easy to read LED. This makes it easy to follow. It shows things such as average speed, estimated arrival time, coordinates, and etc... Also, if you pass by common falsing spots, the Uniden GPSRD can eliminate them by using the coordinates so that you can cut down the falsing on your detector! Phew! The Uniden GPSRD isn't all that difficult to use, it's easy to program the GPS once you get the hang of it. There's also a compass, so don't feel left out if you don't buy a Whistler or Cobra. The Uniden GPSRD simply offers more when it comes to that.
-The Verdict-
*If the Uniden GPSRD didn't have the GPS system, I wouldn't recommend it since it only offers mediocre radar sensitivity. However, the GPS feature is neat and very easy to read and follow. So if you get lost easily and want the GPS, compass, and all of that directional stuff, then the Uniden GPSRD is for you! However, if you just want good radar sensitivity, then you should go for the Beltronics Bel Vector 985 which costs around the same price and will offer superior radar sensitivity versus the Uniden GPSRD. Overall, the Uniden GPSRD does what it's supposed to do, and a pretty damn good job. It's your call though, choose wisely!
Recommended:
Yes
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soupcraze
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Member: Soup Enthusiast
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Reviews written: 488
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About Me:
I enjoy many of life's passions... Music, medicine, people, and life itself.
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