Figure 8: 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 9: Dash Express, Rear

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

Figure 10: Dash Express, Left Side

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

Figure 11: Dash's Mounting Arm & Cradle

Dash Express' mounting arm and cradle is larger than the average GPS windshield mount. The mount uses an unusual push-button 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 12: Dash Express, Docked in the Windshield Mount

Take a look at the Dash Express connected to the windshield mount, and you begin to understand why the mounting hardware is so substantial.

Figure 13: Neoprene Carrying Case

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

Figure 14: 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 15: 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 16: Dash Express, Mounted in the Car

Mounting Dash Express in the car is a simple matter that doesn't require any professional installation: simply attach the windshield mount to the glass, connect the power cable, and slide the GPS into the docking cradle.

Dash's documentation says it's best to mount the GPS so that it rests on the dashboard.

Figure 17: Connecting the 12v Vehicle Adapter

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

Figure 18: 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 19: Attaching the Suction Cup Mount to the Windshield

Press the windshield mount against the glass and press the button on the mount to force out the air inside the suction cup and tighten the bond to the windshield glass.

Figure 20: Securing the Windshield Mount to the Windshield

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

Figure 21: Dash's Windshield Mount, Attached to the Windshield

Figure 22: Docking and Undocking Dash Express

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.

The power cable is connected to the windshield mount and not the GPS itself, so there's no additional cables to fuss with once the windshield mount is in place; simply push Dash Express down into the cradle and you're ready to start navigating.

Figure 23: Dash's Power Cable Can Get in the Way

Dash's windshield mount has the power plug located on the bottom-left side of the docking cradle, so the cord has a tendency to rest right in the way of the GPS resting flush with the dashboard.

Figure 24: Coiling the Power Cord

You'll need to angle the power cord up slightly so as not to get in the way when docking or undocking the GPS.

Figure 25: Dash Express, Mounted in the Car

Between the sizeable windshield mount and the bulk of Dash's GPS unit itself, this is not a low-profile addition to your dashboard.