6. Configuring Wi-Fi Connectivity

Figure 37: Accessing the Settings Menu

Dash Express has an internal Wi-Fi receiver. Although Wi-Fi isn't required for basic navigation, it is required for downloading software updates from Dash, and it's a convenient way to keep the device connected to the My Dash website without having to physically connect it to a PC.

Dash Express automatically connects to any open Wi-Fi network. To connect to a secure Wi-Fi network, you'll need to configure the security settings manually for up to 2 Wi-Fi networks. Dash Express supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 security.

To configure Wi-Fi settings, tap "settings" from the main menu.

Figure 38: Manage Wi-Fi

Scroll down the settings list and tap "manage Wi-Fi"

Figure 39: Choose a Network to Configure

Dash Express can remember two encrypted Wi-Fi network settings. For example, you could configure Wi-Fi settings for your home and workplace. The device can additionally be configured to automatically connect to any open network (selected by default).

Figure 40: Enter the SSID Name

You'll need to know the exact name of the wireless network you're trying to connect to. Unfortunately, there's no way to browse for available networks. The names are case sensitive, so be sure to enter your wireless network name exactly. Tap "enter" once the name has been fully entered.

Figure 41: Wi-Fi Network 1 is Configured

After entering the SSID wireless network name, Dash Express prompts you to enter the network password, then automatically attempts to connect to the network.

7. Dash Express' Map Screen

Figure 42: Dash Express 2D Map Screen

Dash's map screen is designed to emphasize traffic patterns, so the map has a softer color palette than most other GPS units.

When navigating to a destination, Dash's map screen can be toggled between 2D and 3D modes. Both modes display the highlighted route, current traffic conditions, the direction and distance of the next turn, and arrival time.

Dash's 2D map view, shown above, makes it easier to see traffic conditions, but is less suited to upcoming turn information. You'll likely find yourself switching between 2D and 3D modes, checking upcoming traffic conditions with the 2D mode and switching to 3D mode when you need to view upcoming turns in more detail.

Figure 43: Dash Express 3D Map View

The 3D map view makes it easier to see upcoming turns and complex intersections, but can make nearby traffic conditions more difficult to see.

Dash's map screen does a good job conveying traffic information (we'll discuss traffic in more detail later in this review), and I liked the ability to cycle between viewing arrival time, distance to destination, and remaining drive time by tapping the lower-right corner of the map. I also appreciated the upcoming turn indicator that shows the direction of the next turn.

Tapping the vehicle icon displays current location information, which can then be saved into the Address Book.

However, the highlighted route can be difficult to see, especially if no traffic information is available for the road you're driving on, the screen isn't as bright as other competing GPS devices, and panning and zooming around the map is unusually slow. I also wished upcoming turn information was displayed at the bottom of the screen instead of the top, as your eyes naturally tend to focus on the vehicle icon at the bottom of the screen rather than the top.

Figure 44: Turn-by-Turn Directions List

Tapping the top banner (upcoming turn information bar at the top of the map screen) displays a list of upcoming turns.