Escort Entourage PS Kit-0019 GPS Vehicle Tracking System
Pros:
- Robust, personalizable web/phone/smartphone interface
- Affordable, straightforward monthly plans / no cancellation fees
- Updates available via both text and email
- Tamper-sensing alerts
- Remote tracking works with Google Maps
- Security zones
Cons:
- Signal power better in some areas than others
- Not as small as competing products
Review
The Escort Entourage PS Kit-0019 GPS Vehicle Tracker is a robust vehicle tracking device. The portable Entourage unit can be placed in a car or other vehicle, and information on the device’s whereabouts are available via web, cell phone, or Blackberry.
The Entourage offers two primary types of location alerts. Users can sign up for mobile security alerts via text and email, which will send an alert any time the vehicle departs from a pre-described geographic location. Escort promotes this feature as a security measure to be alerted instantly of possible theft.
The second type of location service is the request of real-time locating, which can be activated via text and web and reports the vehicle’s location within 20 seconds of the request being sent. This services is particularly robust, as it offers interactive mapping that integrates with Google Maps. Users can zoom, pan, and view exact street location, direction, and vehicle speed.
Battery life in the Escort Entourage PS is fairly good. Its internal, rechargeable battery can run for several days before needing a recharge. (Escort says 7 days and users say 3-4 days; it depends largely on how often the unit is activated for real-time location reporting). The Kit-0019 set comes with both a vehicle charger cable and a wall charger.
In addition to the location-based alerts and updates, the Escort Entourage PS Vehicle Tracker offers two additional alter types. Users can choose to receive text and/or email updates when the unit battery begins to get low. Security alerts are also available: the Escort Entourage PS is equipped with tamper-sensing technology that senses abnormal vibration, which can be associated with an ongoing attempt at vehicular theft.
The Escort Entourage PS unit itself is more expensive than competing units from other companies (the Zoombak ZMBK200, for example), but its monthly data plans are more affordable and straightforward. Monthly costs are $14.95 after a single $29.95 activation fee and there is no minimum subscription or cancellation penalty.
Most users report very strong and accurate reception, although it seems that some areas with weak cell phone reception will also have week cell communication between the Entourage PS device and the Escort website.
Bottom line: The Escort Entourage PS unit provides comprehensive vehicle tracking, including both real-time location and vehicle movement notification through web, cell, and smartphone interfaces. Its robust mapping and reporting paired with generally strong signal performance makes it a more consistent unit than some competitors. Fees are straightforward and competitive, though the up front cost is a bit more expensive than similar products.