The Bottom Line: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - effective, low-cost alternative to other expensive & very similar detector models. Whistler DE-1730 GETS THE JOB DONE.

I have nothing but compliments for this radar detector. I've used and abused costly [brand name] detectors over the years and I ended up buying the Whistler DE-1730 in mid-2002 at BestBuy. I paid significantly less than what other detectors were selling for and I figured, "If its cheap, I'll just return it". Well, a year later I still have it and its kept me from getting speeding tickets on numerous occasions. I've used it on expressways, highways, local roads, you name it.
I have only been caught speeding ONCE with this detector, and it was by a motorcycle cop hidden under a 10 lane freeway over-pass, who didn't flip his radar on until I was right in his invisible lair. That was not the detector's fault, that was the work of a skilled police man and the ever-present vulnerability of radar detectors to instant-on radar or close range radar. Beware!
The Whistler DE-1730 comes with an adjustable volume switch similar to what would be on the side of a portable CD-player, three buttons on the top of the device (City/Hwy mode, VG-2 mode, Silent/Audible mode), and that's about it. It has three LED lights under the buttons but they really serve no purpose unless you want to see them while in "silent mode". It is *VERY SIMPLE* to operate and it has you covered on all bands of radar.