Customer Reviews
Some fun features 
2008-07-10
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.
keep your garmin 
2008-07-03
Concept is good, but the reality sucks.
Heavy, slow response time, hang-ups, takes forever to look for POI's.
The unit is so heavy that suction arm keep falling. Where do you hide this anyways?
The battery only lasts 2-3days and after that it takes like 3 minutes to restart. When the battery is gone, internal memory is out so it restarts like a Windows machine.
I really like the concept of being connected through cell network and user-feedback information. However the hardware doesn't seem to be ready and it probably needs a bigger company to develop a comprehensive product system like this. The lack of experience and not having enough manufacturing and hardware resource really shows.
Great 
2008-07-03
I love it... but don't by the accessory kit... all of the stuff is already in the Dash Express box... the "buy with" is very deceptive marketing...
Good and improving 2008-07-02
I ordered this unit on the first day of sale because I happened to be looking for a GPS that day and it sounded like the future. Got it a few days later and made a trip from Tucson to San Diego. It did a lot of nice things including updated gas prices but since there weren't many units on the road yet, the traffic info was pretty sparse until I got to San Diego. Did a nice job of getting me through interchanges and I rolled up to the hotel with no problems. The window mount/ suction cup thing is actually illegal in California so I jury rigged a stand in a cupholder. Used it a few weeks later in Houston on a rental car and it worked OK but still hated the mount. The send2dash bit is great as I was able to send destinations to the device. What is most impressive about the unit is the ability to upgrade. They have forums on their web site where they respond to requests and talk about what they are working on. I just got an update this week that speeds up imaging, allows me to train the unit to select my usual route and upgraded a few other items. So I really like the unit but I hate the mount. I did go buy a Bracketron cupholder mount to replace my jury-rigged setup but the unit weighs about 13 oz and while it is better than I had, there is still more movement than I'd like with the unit. Since I paid $400 for the unit and they've dropped the price to around $300, they gave me 3 months extra connect time before I have to start deciding what kind of contract to get. I'm leaning towards only activating the connect feature for the months I'm on the road out of town. At $13/month, I probably only need to pay for 3 months a year and that would be less than the $120/year of a 2 year contract. I don't need the daily traffic stuff for my short commute to work and I don't even take it to work. When you do connect, you can catch up on all the upgrades and map changes you missed so there is no real penalty for not taking the continuous contract.
Dash exceeded all my expectations! 2008-07-01
This is a great product for someone who wants it all. Here are my favorite features:
Being able to send addresses from my desktop is awesome. When I'm planning a business trip, I review my itnerary, enter the addresses online and they are magically waiting for me when I arrive in an unfamiliar place.
Movies on the fly- it tells you whats playing, time, location everything.
It has yet to fail me and I continue to get updates wirelessly.
I looked at all the competitors and I have yet to see any other Nav device deliver what Dash does.
GPS: don't even think about it 2008-07-19
After one day of use in the Chicagoland area, I have returned my device. In short, as a GPS device the unit fell flat on its face. While driving in Chicago's loop, the unit was totally stumped trying to route me to a highway. Secondly, it was off at least 200-300 feet on pinpointing my location, enough to miss streets intended for my route. Not good. Earlier, while routing in the suburbs, the device created sometimes bizarre routes. Indeed, as a GPS, this baby is a mistake. It's traffic reporting capabilities were much better, but not enough to overcome its shortcomings as a GPS. How could I utilize this GPS in a strange city or route?
it broke 
2008-07-16
I really really liked it till it broke. hopefully i can get my money back
Better than all the rest! 2008-07-15
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) 2008-07-11
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 2008-07-11
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.
