Dash Express Review (GPSmagazine.com)

Verdict: Get's Traffic Right (But Not Much Else)

REVIEW UPDATE: This GPS model has been discontinued

Dash Navigation is applying 21st-centry technology to solve a problem as old as driving itself: traffic. While other GPS devices all receive the same incomplete and outdated traffic updates via FM or MSN-Direct, Dash is creating its own traffic network using multiple sources, including live data from actual Dash owners. The results are impressive, and Dash actually manages to produce traffic data that is noticeably better than anyone else's.

Unfortunately, Dash Express is so singularly focused on traffic, that the rest of this GPS still feels rough around the edges, and its appeal will likely be limited to serious commuters and all but the most hardcore early adopters.

Dash Express sells of $299 and requires a monthly service plan ($9.99 - $13.00 per month, depending on how long a contract you're willing to commit to).

1. Specifications

Dash Express

Dimensions	4.8"W x 4.1"H x 2.8"D (122 x 104 x 71mm)
Weight	13.3 ounces
Screen Size	4.3in widescreen display
Display Type	WQVGA color TFT LCD, anti-glare technology, polarized screen
Screen Size	4.3in widescreen display
Touch-sensitive buttons	Menu and volume buttons quickly react to a light finger touch
Speaker	Superior high quality speaker delivers audio quality making it easy to hear over ambient car noise
Battery Life	Up to 2 hours of normal use
Battery Type	Rechargeable lithium-ion
GPS Chip	SIRFstarIII - high performance satellite signal processor
Wi-Fi & Cellular (GPRS)	Uses Wi-Fi and Cellular (GPRS) network to keep device connected at all times

2. Features

The Dash Driver Network	Get true, up-to-the minute traffic information from other Dash users
Pre-loaded maps	Built-in maps enable you to travel all 50 states
2D, 3D maps, detailed directions/maneuver list	Route to your destination using the 2D map (both car up and north up), 3D map or detailed turn-by-turn directions list
Traffic alerts & detours	On-screen traffic alerts tell you when there is a significant traffic delay and gives you information to detour/reroute
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)	Using up-to-the-minute traffic information, Dash provides truly accurate ETAs. After selecting a destination, you can toggle between the ETA, distance left, and time left to know precisely when you will arrive at your destination
Alternate routes	Get up to 3 routes for all your destinations so you can choose the best route for you
Customizable traffic view	Customize the level of traffic information you would like to see on the map
Map It	Map to any destination (even if you don't want to route there)
Address entry	Enter addresses in numerous ways (house number, street, or cross-streets, or select from your recent destinations, favorites, or address book
Address book	Store and access all of your addresses right on the device
Favorites	Store your favorite addresses and searches for easy access
Yahoo! Local Search/unlimited Points of Interest (POI's)	Pre-loaded with a database of POIs plus accesses unlimited POIs that are never out of date via Yahoo Local Search
Send2Car	Send addresses to your device from any internet-connected computer
MyDash	Dash user website to let you customize and manage the content on your Dash"
Automatic updates	Get the latest software and features, maps and historical information over the air automatically and wirelessly
Wi-Fi settings	Configure your device to connect to up to 2 access points, as well as open networks
Partner Content Platform	Enables users to get content from third party web services in a number of ways. Supports standard geo-data formats such as GeoRSS and KML while also providing a developer API so third party developers can build additional great services for Dash users
QWERTY keyboard	Intuitive and easy to read word entry
Day and night mode (optional auto day/night)	Screens can automatically switch between day and night mode depending on the time of day
Gas prices	Search for gas stations and get gas prices then let Dash route you there
Movie listings	Search for movie theaters, see what's playing (when and where) and get ratings -then let Dash route you there
Theft deterrent	Call Dash to automatically disable your device if it is stolen
Text to speech	Voice guidance gives you the street for your next turn

3. What's in the Box

Figure 1: Dash Express Box

Dash Express ships with the following items in the box:

Dash Express
Mounting arm and cradle
Mounting arm extension and wrench
Dashboard mounting disk
Car (12v) power adapter
Wall (AC) charger
USB interface cable
Protective pouch
Installation Guide
Getting Started Guide
Alcohol wipe

Figure 2: Dash Express Box, Open

Figure 3: Everything that's included with Dash Express

Dash Express
Mounting arm and cradle
Mounting arm extension and wrench
Dashboard mounting disk
Car (12v) power adapter
Wall (AC) charger
USB interface cable
Protective pouch
Installation Guide
Getting Started Guide
Alcohol wipe

Figure 4: Dash Express, Front

Let's just get this out of the way up front and early in the review: Dash Express is big, bulky, and heavy. When you first look at the device, you're immediately struck by its size and heft.

Figure 5: Dash Express vs. Garmin nuvi 780

Measuring 4.8"W x 4.1"H x 2.8"D (122 x 104 x 71mm) and weighing 13.3 ounces, Dash Express is more than three times as thick as Garmin's nuvi 700-series, and weighs more than twice as much.

Why is Dash Express so big and heavy? The company says the size is a necessary evil resulting from the built-in GPRS and Wi-Fi connectivity. Granted, Dash Express can run the GPS, GPRS, and Wi-Fi for about 2 hours on the internal battery. Then again, Apple's iPhone has GPRS and Wi-Fi, and it's a fraction of the size of Dash's device, and can run for over 24 hours on a single battery charge.

Dash Express, Top
Figure 6: Dash Express, Front

Dash Express has a 4.3-inch widescreen touch screen display and is framed in a black and gray plastic case. 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, Bottom