Figure 6: Dash Express, Top

Touch sensitive volume and menu buttons are located on the top of the unit, as is a large speaker, and a small ambient light sensor for automatic screen dimming at night.

Figure 7: Dash Express, Right Side

The power button is located on the lower-right side of Dash Express. Pressing the power button once turns on the device, pressing the power button again puts Dash Express into low-power sleep mode. Pressing and holding the power button for several seconds fully powers down the device.

Figure 8: Dash Express, Rear

The rear of Dash Express has two grooves and power contacts that line-up with the windshield mount.

Figure 9: Dash Express, Left Side

A USB port is located on the lower-left side of the device.

Figure 10: Dash's Mounting Arm & Cradle

Dash Express' mounting arm and cradle is larger than the average GPS windshield mount, but feels extremely well made and rugged. The mount uses an innovative locking mechanism to ensure a solid connection with the windshield, and has two tightening knobs that allow the mount to be articulated into the desired position.

Dash also includes a mounting arm extension that can be used to extend the length of the mount for use in larger vehicles, such as trucks and RVs.

Figure 11: Dash Express, Docked in the Windshield Mount

Figure 12: Neoprene Carrying Case

Dash includes a neoprene carrying case for safely transporting Dash Express.

Figure 13: Wall (AC) charger

The included AC wall charger can be used to charge Dash Express outside of your car. The device uses a standard USB type charger, so if you've got an extra Blackberry charger lying around you can use that to charge Dash Express as well.

Figure 14: Dashboard mounting disk

If you live in a State in which it is illegal to mount anything on the windshield glass, or simply prefer to mount the GPS on the dashboard instead, an included adhesive mounting disc can be used to mount Dash Express on the vehicle dashboard instead of the windshield.

4. Mounting Dash Express in the Car

Figure 15: Dash Express, Mounted in the Car

You'll want to mount Dash Express low in the windshield, so as not to obstruct your field of view. Dash's documentation says it's also OK to mount the GPS such that the bottom of the unit is making contact with the dashboard (this also minimizes vibration).

Figure 16: Connecting the 12v Vehicle Adapter

Connect the included 12v vehicle power adapter to an available cigarette-lighter socket in your car.

Figure 17: Connecting the Power Cable to the Windshield Mount

Connect the 12v vehicle power cable to the power plug on the left side of the windshield mount's docking cradle.

Figure 18: Attaching the Suction Cup Mount to the Windshield

Press the windshield mount against the glass and press the button on the mount to tighten the suction cup.

Figure 19: Securing the Windshield Mount to the Windshield

Lower the locking lever to secure the windshield mount to the glass.

Figure 20: Dash's Windshield Mount & Docking Cradle, Mounted in the Car

Figure 21: Docking and Undocking Dash Express

Docking and undocking Dash Express is a breeze; slide the GPS down onto the docking cradle until it clicks into place. To remove Dash Express from the windshield mount, simply pull the GPS up out of the cradle.

Since the power cable is connected to the windshield mount and not the GPS itself, there's no cables to fuss with, buttons to push, or levers to swing; simply push Dash Express down into the cradle and you're ready to start navigating.

Figure 22: Dash Express Automatically Powers On

Dash Express automatically powers up when you start the car, displays a brief safety warning, and is ready to navigate.

Figure 23: Dash Express, Mounted in the Car

I was fully prepared to hate Dash Express' bulky design and large windshield mount. However, the sheer quality of the construction and ease of docking/undocking made a believer out of me, and I ended up liking the docking mechanism quite a bit. The windshield mount is sturdy, provides power to the GPS, and docking/undocking the unit is simple and quick.