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| Dash Express Two-Way Internet-Connected Portable GPS Navigator | 
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| Brand: Dash
Category: CE
List Price: $299.99
Buy New: $289.99
You Save: $10.00 (3%)
New (2) Used (2) from $218.83
Avg. Customer Rating:  122 reviews
Sales Rank: 686
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Native Resolution: 480 x 272
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 2.8 x 4.8 x 4.1
MPN: 99-1000-001
Model: 99-1000-001
UPC: 892437002012
EAN: 0892437002012
ASIN: B0014CIBWC
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Get true up-to-the-minute traffic data from the most reliable source--other Dash devices | | • | Find anything you need right from the driver's seat using Yahoo! Local Search | | • | Automatically and wirelessly receive updated software and new features | | • | Send addresses straight to your device from any computer via your Internet browser or Microsoft Outlook | | • | Interact with your device and other Dash users on my.dash.net |
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| Accessories:
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description--March 24, 2008
Introducing Dash Express, the first two-way Internet-connected GPS navigation system. Dash delivers traffic and destination information in exciting new ways, and offers a wide range of new capabilities available from the car that makes a typical GPS practically obsolete. Dash is the smartest way to get from A to B, and find everything in between.
Overview  Dash Express provides current and truly accurate traffic data
Dash Express leverages the most comprehensive traffic solution ever—the innovative Dash Driver Network—to provide the most accurate and current traffic information available. Learn more
- Live Internet content in your car
Unlike other GPS devices that can only access content from a static, pre-loaded database, Dash gives you the most current, locally relevant information by using the power of the Internet, including Yahoo! Local search and other websites you know and trust. Learn more
- So advanced, it's always up to date
Dash Express automatically downloads the latest software, features, maps, and traffic data to the device. Why drive around with an obsolete GPS device when you can have Dash? Learn more
- Plan ahead and personalize from your PC
Use Send2Car to send any address from the Web or e-mail directly to your device in seconds. You can even use the MyDash website to find or create new search lists and categories, and send them right to your device. Learn more
What the press is saying  | "This is the most drool-worthy device since the iPhone."
O'Reilly Radar (10.19.2007)
"Dash: One GPS Device to Rule Them All"
Wired (10.19.2007)
"The most advanced attempt at dynamic content is currently being made by Dash"
New York Times (10.24.2007)
"Dash is, in our opinion, the pioneer in 2nd generation GPS navigation systems."
Navigadget (1.17.2008)
"After a hands-on session with the Dash Express, it's looking like getting traffic right could be just the tip of the iceberg for this powerful navigator."
GPS Magazine (1.8.2008)
"Dash goes to the next level and raises the bar for all GPS navigation systems. Now the static and limited points of interests (POI) seem so yesterday." Ubergizmo (10.19.2007) |
TruTraffic: The most comprehensive traffic resource available Dash Express has the smartest, most advanced traffic solution available—the innovative Dash Driver Network. Combined with comprehensive historical and sensor-based traffic information, the Network provides users with the most detailed, accurate and current traffic picture available today.
 Dash approaches traffic in an entirely different way — by collecting it from other people driving real commute routes, during real commute times. Each Dash Express anonymously and automatically sends its position and speed back to servers at the Dash Network Operations Center. The Dash servers then update all other Dash devices in the area with current road speeds. That way, members of the Network always have the best, most up-to-date traffic available.
Dash devices receive traffic info from road sensors, commercial fleets and other sources through our partnership with Inrix, the premier traffic flow data provider in the U.S. However, even the first Dash devices in an area get traffic data that's superior to other GPS devices, as Dash uses these initial cars to calibrate the sensor data. This lets Dash assign it a high (straight line) or medium (dotted line) confidence rating, giving you all the information you need at a glance. The larger our network grows, the better traffic information becomes.
 In addition, Dash frequently updates each Dash device with the most comprehensive historical traffic database in the industry — a combination of third party and Dash driver data. Dash knows how fast every road segment you drive historically moves during each of 672 separate 15-minute time periods during the week.
Dash Express users will begin to see the benefits of the Dash Driver Network with only a few devices in a given market. And every additional device in the area just makes the Network better. It takes a surprisingly small number of drivers in a major city for Dash to provide live up-to-the-minute data for most roads during commute hours.
The Dash Driver Network also allows us to provide coverage on nearly 2 million miles of US road, and offers the only source of traffic flow data for surface streets.
All of this adds up to the best traffic data in the industry. The kind of timely data you need to make good driving decisions, as well as accurately estimate and track your arrival time once you've selected your route.
Dash Express Interface
Routing: Choice is good  | Most portable GPS devices offer only a single route to your destination. Dash presents up to three different routes, provides the distance to your destination, and uses real traffic information to calculate travel times for each route. Even after you've selected a route, Dash automatically alerts you if traffic conditions change significantly.
You can also get a quick snapshot of traffic in your area. Dash allows you to visualize current traffic conditions on both major and secondary roads by color: stop-and-go traffic is red, moderate congestion is orange, somewhat better is yellow, and free-flowing roads are green. Solid lines represent live traffic derived from the Dash Driver Network. Dashed lines mean traffic data is either 3rd party sensor or historical data. As the Network grows you'll see more and more of the dashed lines become solid. You've never had this much traffic information on the road before. And knowledge is power. |  | Flow data vs. incident data
Freeway breakdowns and accidents are nice to know about, but what really matters is the speed of traffic around them. Most GPS devices that show traffic rely primarily on 'incident data,' which only tells you where and when an incident happened, not how it's affecting traffic now. Dash uses the speed of traffic, or flow data, to help make the arrival times the most accurate on the road. |
Faster Traffic updates
For Dash drivers, live traffic information is broadcast instantly over a high data-rate cellular (GPRS) connection, rather than via a carousel on a one-way analog FM signal like some other "connected" devices. As a result of the two-way, "always-on" connection, the depth and breadth of information Dash can receive is far superior to most other GPS devices.
 No matter where you're headed, with Dash you'll always be able to find exactly what you need, because Dash connects you to the vast and always-updating Internet. A typical GPS device only accesses a canned database of information that stopped being current the moment it was pre-installed at the factory.
Dynamic data is fresh data
Using Dash, you can connect to Yahoo! Local search and find unlimited, up-to-date information all in real-time, and rated by real users. Yahoo! community ratings make sure where you're headed is really somewhere you want to go.
With a touch of a button, you can find everything from the cheapest gas station to the latest concerts, the best restaurants, the closest yoga studios, dog-friendly parks or even nearby apartments for rent (see "Saved Searches").
And, all of this searching is done from a single, keyboard-based interface. With Dash, you don't have to learn the confusing folder/category structures that many GPSs use. Dash lets you search for content the same way you would on a PC—simply type a word and in seconds Dash dynamically returns the latest results.
Two-way Connectivity  Dash Express wirelessly connects to the Dash Service using both cellular GPRS and Wi-Fi radios. For cellular, Dash uses a GPRS network composed of multiple carriers, so the coverage range is larger than any single national carrier (see map).
Although Wi-Fi has a more limited range, it typically transmits data faster than GPRS, making it ideal for downloading new software and features to the device. In addition, Dash has a powerful (high gain) Wi-Fi antenna that lets it connect to networks from much greater range than even your typical laptop so you can connect to your home network from an impressive distance away. In many cases, you'll even be able to transfer information from your driveway.
Dash Express constantly looks for, and connects to, whichever network is available (GPRS and/or Wi-Fi). Sometimes, it even connects to both at the same time, so it's always ready to send or receive information.
In the rare event that you're outside our coverage area, the Dash device still functions as a traditional, unconnected GPS. Using maps, historical traffic data, and points of interest stored in the device, Dash has all the information it needs to help you navigate around and get the information that's important to you.
 | The Dash experience extends beyond the device itself. Whether at home, the office, or out of town, you can log into your MyDash account from any Internet-connected computer to easily manage and send information to your device.
Send2Car does what it says, and more
There are two easy ways to send addresses to your Dash Express. Just log into MyDash, type an address, click Send, and the selected destination appears on your device within seconds. (If the device is off at the time, the address will be cached and re-sent the moment it is turned on.) You can even rename the address, and add notes and phone numbers. Imagine sending a Dash friend the address of your favorite restaurant with a note to "meet me there at 7 pm."
There is also a software plug-in for most web browsers and Microsoft Outlook. Simply highlight the address, right-click and select "Send2Car". The Dash Service quickly validates the address and transmits it to your device, all in seconds—no typing required. And, if you're already on the road, someone else can send addresses to you just as quickly.
Send2Car is the fastest, most intuitive way to send addresses to your Dash Express. |
 | With MyDash, you can easily add the power of the Dash community to your device. Browse our library of user-created and locally relevant searches, such as "Great Steakhouses," "Bay Area Athletic Events", and "Apartments for Rent". You can even share your own local expertise with other users.
Save time by creating shortcuts to your most commonly used Yahoo! Local searches. Enter your search terms on MyDash and send them to your device. Seconds later, those search buttons will appear on your device, allowing you to perform the searches you want with just one touch right from the car.
"MyLists" let you group addresses into a single search category. From your favorite coffee shops to the locations of your son's basketball games, with MyDash you can create and send MyLists to your device so you can easily organize and route to the places that matter most to you.
If you want to see other Dash users' recommendations just browse MyDash for publicly available MyLists and send what you want to your device. You can share your own local knowledge as well, or keep your MyLists private so your favorite local dive doesn't become a permanent hot spot.
Continually refreshed location-based content is showing up all over the Web, from the latest concert dates and times, to the most current airport delays. "MyFeeds" allows you to view up-to-date content at the touch of a button — just enter the URL for the source of the information on MyDash and send it to your device. Every time you hit the button, the Dash service will go straight to the source to get the most recent content and display it on your device. |
| With the exclusive AutoUpdate feature, the Dash Service updates and improves your device without requiring you to connect to your computer or take it back to the dealer. Dash updates software, maps, and historical traffic information seamlessly.
This two-way connected feature not only saves you time and hassle, it ensures the accuracy, timeliness and relevance of your Dash Express content, maps and software. Most other GPS devices rely only on static map and traffic data that are pre-loaded at the factory months before. |
Theft Resistant The unique "theft-deterrent" feature can remotely disable your Dash device instantly, removing your personal data, shutting the device down, and making it a worthless target to would-be thieves.
The Dash Service All the Internet-connected benefits of this system require a subscription to the Dash Service. Superior traffic information from the Dash Driver Network saves you valuable time, Yahoo! Local search gives you the convenience of finding exactly what you're looking for, and access to the MyDash website lets you customize and load locally relevant content onto your device. The Dash service also gives you free map updates (which can cost over $200 on some other systems) plus the latest software and feature updates from Dash. Once you experience connected personal navigation, we're certain you'll never look back.
Each device comes with a FREE three-month trial period. To subscribe, select from one of these service plan options.
- Purchase a two-year prepaid plan for the equivalent of $9.99 a month
- Purchase a 1-year prepaid plan for $10.99 a month
- Purchase a month-to-month plan for the rate of $12.99 a month.
As part of any Dash service, you get unlimited usage of all Dash connected features, including cellular connectivity, all map and software updates and unlimited access to MyDash. There are no extra cellular or WiFi charges—Dash takes care of it all. For comparison, each map update alone for other automotive GPS devices typically costs from $149 to over $200.
A service plan is not required. Even if you choose not to subscribe after your initial trial period, you'll still have a great GPS device in Dash. It will simply be missing the life-changing connected features including live traffic, search, and Send2Car. However, the onboard maps, routing, address book, address entry (using its touch screen keyboard) and points of interest will ensure you still have a great GPS experience.
Note: Currently, Dash Express is only available in the United States.
Find Dash Service coverage for your area
Device Specifications | Hardware |
| | Dimensions | 4.8"W x 4.1"H x 2.8"D (122 x 104 x 71mm) | | Display Size, WxH | 3.81"W x 2.25"H (9.7 x 5.7cm); 4.3" diagonal (10.9cm) | | Weight | 13.3 ounces | | Screen size | 4.3" widescreen display measured diagonally | | Display Resolution | 480 x 272 pixels | | Display Type | WQVGA color TFT LCD, anti-glare technology, polarized screen | | Touch Screen | Easy-to-use touch screen lets you select from on-screen menu options | | Touch-sensitive buttons | Menu and volume buttons quickly react to a light finger touch | | Speaker | Superior high quality speaker delivers easy to hear turn-by-turn directions over ambient car noise | | Battery Life | Up to 2 hours of normal use (or 72 hours in suspend mode) | | Battery Type | Rechargeable lithium-ion | | High Sensitivity GPS Receiver | Allows quick acquisition of GPS signal | | 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 | | 12v Car Charger | Charge your device in the car | | AC (Wall) Charger | Included to charge at home or work |
Features
- TruTraffic: 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 the opportunity to detour/reroutes
- 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 and routing
- Yahoo! Local Search/Unlimited Points of Interest (POIs): 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
- MyLists: Customize the information on your Dash with search lists created and updated by you or other Dash users
- AutoUpdates: Get the latest software, maps and features
- 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
- Automatic Day and Night Mode: 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, so you can compare prices - and then let Dash route you there
- Movie Listings: Search for movie theaters, see what's playing (when and where) and get ratings - and then let Dash route you there
- Theft Deterrent: Call Dash to remotely disable your device if it is stolen
- Text to Speech: Voice guidance gives you the street for your next turn
What's 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
Product Description
Stuck in traffic and want to know if you are going to make that meeting on time, or need to call and warn someone? Will you make it to your kid's recital, or be home in time for dinner? Wouldn't it be nice to know which route to work is going to be faster today before leaving your driveway, and be automatically updated if traffic changes once you're under way? Knowledge isn't just power, it's a time-saver, too. And Dash Express has the smartest, most advanced traffic solution available?the innovative Dash Driver Network. Combined with comprehensive historical and sensor-based traffic information, the Dash Driver Network provides Dash users with the most detailed, accurate and current traffic picture available today.
Dash approaches traffic in an entirely different way - by collecting it from other people driving real commute routes, during real commute times. Each Dash Express anonymously and automatically sends its position and speed back to servers at the Dash Network Operations Center. The Dash servers then update all other Dash devices in the area with current road speeds. That way, members of the Dash Driver Network always have the best, most up-to-date traffic information available. It's a growing network for better information. However, even the first Dash devices in an area get traffic data that's superior to other GPS devices. That's because Dash devices receive traffic info from road sensors, commercial fleets and other sources through our partnership with Inrix, the premier traffic data provider in the U.S. Starting with the first devices in each market, Dash adds further value by using these initial cars to calibrate the sensor data. This lets Dash assign it a high (straight line) or medium (dotted line) confidence rating, giving you all the information you need at a glance. The Dash Driver Network provides coverage on nearly 2 million miles of US road, and provides the only source of live traf
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| Customer Reviews: Read 117 more reviews...
 it broke July 16, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I really really liked it till it broke. hopefully i can get my money back
 Better than all the rest! July 15, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I bought my Dash in
early June and LOVE
it! I just made my
first long trip with
it, and it has
guided me every step
along the way. From
searching for nearby
organic markets,
gyms, starbucks...
you name it. The
internet
connectivity is one
of the best features
of this device.
Also, the online
community
is great. There are
a plethora of 3rd
party apps listed
that you can send to
your device. Also,
the forums are a
huge help for the
learning about the
coolest 3rd party
apps. This gps is a
must have for any
tech enthusiast.
 Good Value (not perfect but getting there) July 11, 2008
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I've used GPS before now so I am somewhat familiar with most of the pros and cons regarding these devices. This is a new device by a new manufacturer and it includes a number of ground breaking innovations not found in any other device of its type. Frankly, I expected some flaws. So, I bought this with a little trepidation.
The reviews on this device ranged from stellar to the basement. The current reality is probably somewhere between and the potential to be an outstanding device is high. A large part of my purchase decision was based on potential alone.
Map Accuracy
Maps for GPS devices are largely provided by one of two vendors: NAVTEQ and Tele Atlas. Neither one is particularly better than the other (except perhaps on a regional basis) and both suffer from the same general problem, keeping the maps and routing data up-to-date. Because both are updated independently, one will have changes that the other will not and it will always be that way as long as they remain separate companies. In addition to the physical maps, these companies are also responsible for GPS accuracy (relative to the map), and various routing parameters like speed limits and traffic controls. This means that you cannot blame the GPS manufacturers for every single map or routing issue. The Dash Express maps only cover the contiguous United States, Hawaii and Alaska.
Radio Access
GPS is available all the time from the U.S. Government GPS satellites and does not require a subscription. GPRS is a data transfer method that occurs over the cell phone system using nationwide cell access contracted by Dash. This is part of your subscription service and is provided at no extra cost. Wi-Fi is available from ANY IN RANGE, AVAILABLE OPEN access system. Think Starbucks and a number of other eateries, etc. Wi-Fi is a wireless internet access method that is popular among home users. Dash does not (cannot) provide this with your subscription as there is no regional or national access for Wi-Fi.
Updates
Dash has said that (as long as you are a subscribing user) historical traffic updates should occur 10 - 12 times per year, map updates at least twice yearly, and software updates every four months. I've had my unit for 5 weeks and have seen one traffic update and one software update. (This software update occurred on June 30, 2008 so be aware of this when reading reviews prior to that date as the update included a number of fixes and new features.) Traffic updates take place over GPRS. Maps can be updated over either GPRS or Wi-Fi depending on the size of the update. Software is updated over the Wi-Fi connection due to the bulk of the update and speed difference between the two types of connections. The unit can also be connected to a computer by a USB cable so there is the ability to update the unit by direct connection.
Routing
Entering the name of a street for routing is simple. Dash Express will normally display a list of available streets based on the first three letters of the street name. Then just choose the appropriate street from the list. Dash will then try to provide up to three routing options to your destination. If you have already driven a route to the destination, a fourth option is included based on your last route driven. This means that if you drive a different route than one offered, that route will display the next time you route to the same destination as long as you start close to the same starting point. Routing is one of the most important functions of a GPS. One of the things Dash can do is to include traffic information in its calculations to find the fastest route. Some GPS's are better at routing than others. At this time, Dash is neither the best or the worst. They know this. The last update improved this function somewhat. I am confident that future updates will continue to refine and improve this function. Something that you can discern at a glance from a map can be very complex for a computer to resolve because it has to work with a set of specific rules that must be followed. To make the routing better, problems must be identified and the rules changed accordingly without creating more problems.
Traffic Data
One thing that Dash excels at is the presentation of historical and live traffic data in both directions along a highway. The data comes from several sources including Inrix and LIVE traffic data reported automatically by other Dash drivers. The Inrix system includes traffic sensors in many urban areas that also report live traffic data. In addition to live traffic the unit will also display historical traffic information and the difference in the display of the two is a solid line vs. a dotted line. The live traffic data from other Dash users is uploaded to the Dash servers over GPRS then downloaded into individual Dash Express GPS units. Included in the the display of current traffic data is the reported traffic from other Dash users. (You cannot tell the difference between live sensor data and live Dash user data.) Green, Yellow, Orange and Red are used to indicate degrees of congestion. I have found both the historical and live information to be reasonably accurate. It will never be perfect since unforeseen events do occur that affect traffic and these things cannot predict the future. Plus, sensory data is sometimes in error due to defective sensors. But on balance the information is timely and accurate. As noted before the subscription service is required for the feature. Note: Traffic is not reported for every road. Subdivisions are not included since there is generally no through traffic. Generally, interstates, major US and State highways and connecting roads are included. Other roads can be added as the need presents itself.
Search
The Dash Express contains a large number of points of interest with location data that can be searched, off-air. In addition, with the subscription service, you have access to real time, relevant, GPRS search capability via Yahoo. It is a simple interface with a number of frequently used searches pre-programmed into the device. Relavant, searchable information includes movie times and locations, gas prices and locations and most anything else you can think up. You can also download custom searches from the MyDash.net web site or save your favorite search right from the Dash Express. The searches typically return, the name, address, phone number and star rating (where available) for each search result. Each returned item is then routable. Ever been in the car with the family or friends and decide you want to to see a movie or want to go to that new restaurant you heard about but don't know exactly where its located. Save the 411 cell phone call and look it up on the Dash Express then select a route to the location. You would not believe how easy this is or how often you will find yourself using it. The search can not only be applied locally, but to another city, your destination or along your route.
Search Applications
The Dash has the ability to accept new search applications by third party vendors. To date these are free and available on the MyDash.net website. This includes such things as WeatherBug for current weather and weather alerts, a list of radio stations, etc.
Send2Car
Ok, what's this. You can use the MyDash.net website to send an address from the Dash website to your GPS over the GPRS or Wi-Fi connection, EASY. At home, or office and got an address you need to go to. Just use your computer and send it via the internet. You don't need to connect the GPS up to your computer. Dash Express will pick it up in seconds after you turn it on in the car. Then just select the new address from the menu and route to the address.
User Interface
The system of controls and menus is very simple. There are only four external controls, Menu, Volume, On/Off, and Reset. These controls are well placed and sized for easy access. Everything else is done using the display as a touch screen.
Display
The display is a wide screen format that has become popular with other GPS manufacturers. Initially the information on the screen appears a little drab. But this actually plays in the device's favor since important information like traffic is displayed in color. Too much color on this display for ordinary things would potentially detract from other things of importance. The display can also be configured to automatically adjust its brightness based on current conditions and switch to night mode without user intervention. The Dash Express will display both a 2D and 3D image of the map with routing and traffic data based on the user's selections.
Audio
The Dash Express does not have speech recognition. A car is a noisy place and speech recognition is not quite ready for this application. It does have audible directions for navigation and alerts. This works quite well even with the occasional mispronounced street name. Some regions of the country may have more trouble with this than others due to the use of more extensive use of ethnic or uncommon names.
Unit Size
There has been some comments about the unit's size and weight. It is bulky compared to more recent competitive products, but keep in mind that this GPS contains not one, not two, but three radios: GPS, GPRS (Cell), Wi-Fi. In addition it contains a battery powerful enough to run the unit for two hours (disconnected from any external power source).
Mount
Dash has excelled by providing a hefty mount manufactured by PanaVise. PanaVise has been around for years and is known for providing durable, quality products and this mount is no exception. The mount can be utilized on the windshield or dash and comes with an extension and mounting plate for the dashboard.
Subscription Service (not required)
Maintaining the subscription service does add the the recurring cost of the device on a monthly or yearly basis. But, consider what you get for the money. Software/Map updates for other GPS devices often occur only once a year if that often and that could cost $70 or more; then you have to order it and install the update yourself. Traffic radio subscriptions can run $40 annually or more. With the subscription you get: 2 map updates per year, 3 software updates per year, 10 - 12 traffic updates per year, continuous access to the Dash traffic and internet servers via GPRS, live as well as historical traffic data, internet search in real time, capability to send addresses directly to your GPS from any internet connected computer and more...for about the same price or less in some cases.
It Does Not Have...
Dash wanted to produce a device focused on providing navigational information. It does not contain either Bluetooth or an MP3 player as these tend to detract from the device's mission. Maps of Canada, Mexico and Europe are not provided at this time.
Summary
In the end I am pleased with my decision to purchase this device. Yes it has some room for improvement, but the recent updates show that Dash is committed to the necessary software improvements plus adding new features that will ultimately enhance the value of the device and remain competitive with if not ahead of other GPS devices. It is a good GPS now and will only get better, in short order. Another software update is due in just 4 months. No need to wait a year or longer for a competitor's product.
Super Bang & Great Value July 11, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I currently own this unit along with the Garmin Nuvi 680. The Garmin design wise is a nicer unit, however. this unit with the latest updates is far superior. I live in New York City and the Garmin does a nice conservative job in getting you where you want to go, but I sometimes get annoyed in its choice of routes. Garmin has a love affair with the Jackie Robinson/Interboro Expressway. I live in Flushing in the county of Queens and if I'm traveling to Brooklyn it insists on using the Interboro even if there are better routes and it is not rush hour. Plus late at night the route to hook up with the Interboro takes you by some very unsavory areas in Brooklyn I just received the Dash today and it updated quickly and the route it picked was far better. Voice wise it is on par with the Garmin. The Dash picks up the satellite signal much quicker then the Garmin, and even from inside my house(the Garmin has never been able to do that). The Garmin map looks nicer. In Day or Night viewing I give an edge to the Dash. Traffic updates and searches using Yahoo the Dash does a much nicer job and quicker. It also recalculates quicker then Garmin. With the new lower price it offers a super value and tremendous features. In summation Dash is a responsive company who is striving to perfect their product as soon as possible, and listen's to the techgeek public for help. Yes the updates, searches, and traffic alerts cost money, but they are easy to receive in major metropolitan areas and they are user friendly. I can not say the same for MSN or Garmin. Garmin frustrates people with downloading the annual map update which they charge for, and it can be problematic even with the DVD update. On top of that in reading posts of other Garmin users they have stated that in their opinion it is a waste for users of Garmin in the Northeast to buy the update which costs about $69 dollars, because they really didn't update anything. If you add the cost of the annual Garmin map update plus MSN the monthly costs for using Dash or Garmins plans are very close. The Dash is a great new product which deserves our support because it is a great device to have in the car to simplify your driving needs, and the company is very responsive to the input and advice it is receiving from the users unlike Garmin who seems to be tuning them out lately.
Some fun features July 10, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
We have a few GPS units so we're not new to this technology. I ordered this unit because of the unique 'connected' feature. We took it on vacation last month and it came in very handy.
The product still has some maturing to do, but as long as the Dash company continues to be responsive to owner requests and suggestions, and doesn't go down the dangerous road that Verizon has in that they find out what features people really like and charge extra for them... they should do well.
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