» Dash Express Two-Way Internet Connected Portable GPS Navigator Review

GPS Technology Reviews reported on the testing of this new GPS navigator during its extensive testing phase in May 2007. The Dash Express is the first of an evolutionary change in GPS navigation devices to encompass Internet connectivity and add location based search functionality and capture and communicate traffic information. Dash Navigation like to refer to the concept as a social network on the move. Internet connectivity allows drivers to search for and download information about their destinations in the car.

Dash Navigation have emphasized that they have put their initial focus with this new product on providing better traffic reporting/information and better search/destination information. From looking at the Dash Express’s capabilities, user testing and customer reviews it is apparent that the Dash Express is the GPS device to buy if you are seeking traffic and POI search strengths in a GPS. A typical satisfied purchaser would be using the Dash Express to make quicker trips using current, accurate traffic information, get accurate time to destination estimates, score the lowest fuel prices and find up to date information of services in areas local to them. You also won’t find some common GPS features on the Dash Express (see below) including any multimedia functionalities, like a MP3 player. A unique theft-deterrent feature available is the ability to wirelessly disable your Dash Express.

The Dash Express is literally a work continually in progress, even after purchase, as each navigator’s software functionality can be updated over the Internet connection. It’s exactly the same as the operating system and software on your PC being updated after they are installed. Dash Navigation have a Partner Content Platform which enables users to get content from third party web services in various ways. Standard geo-data formats such as GeoRSS and KML are supported and a developer API is available for third party developers to build additional service applications for the Dash Express much the same as for devices such as the iPhone.

The Dash Express is a comparatively hefty and bulky compared with most other automotive navigators although unlike many others it has not been designed to double as a portable GPS device. That said the relatively short battery life of 2 hours (with screen lit and all receivers on) should not really a concern. The screen is a fair size at 4.3 inches (10.9 cm) diagonal and has a WQVGA (480 x 272 pixels) Color TFT LCD with anti-glare technology including a polarized screen. Screen brightness can be adjusted manually or automatically to suit ambient light conditions.

Included with the Dash Express are a vehicle mount (both windshield and dashboard) with extension arm, AC adapter, car charger, USB cable, soft carrying case and user reference material.

Dash Express Connectivity

The Dash Express comes with three antennas for GPS, GPRS and WiFi allowing wireless connection to both cellular and Wi-Fi networks. Multiple carrier cellular network access provides extensive coverage. The Wi-Fi antenna is a high gain one for greater range and more frequent connections with Wi-Fi networks which transmit data faster than cellular networks. The Dash Express automatically handles network connections and may even connect to more than one at once. If there is no connectivity available the device can still carry out its GPS navigation functions.

At the moment there is no Bluetooth capability and consequently no hands-free capability.

Dash Express Traffic

As mentioned, one of Dash Navigation’s primary focuses has been on Traffic information.
Through the Dash Network traffic speed and position data is anonymously collected on a continual basis from Dash users on the road. Servers on the Dash Network process the traffic data and feed results back to each Dash Express unit connected. Live traffic data is also backed by information from road sensors, commercial fleets and other sources through a partnership with Inrix, a U.S. traffic data supplier.

The freshness of traffic data allows much more accurate Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) calculations than those based on historical data and speed zones for example. A Dash Express will also warn you if traffic conditions have changed once you’re on your selected route.

The navigation interface displays traffic in red, orange, yellow and green as a quick guide to traffic congestion. It’s possible to call up an on-screen live snapshot of traffic conditions in your local area.

Also, as Dash Express users become more prevalent more Dash Driver Network real time traffic information will become available with wider coverage to supplement the historical and sensor-based traffic information.

Dash Express Search

Search was another primary focus of Dash Navigation in developing the Dash Express and from user reviews it shines in this area. Instead of relying on slowly updated stored POI information, Dash Express users can utilize fresh and dynamically updated Internet search results. Yahoo! Local Search and other specialized search sites can provide up-to-date information on people, places, products and services local to your current location.

Specialized plug-in software applications also provide answers to particular types of queries. Where are local houses for sale? Is there a speed trap ahead? Is it going to rain? What’s the name of that song that was just on the radio? Where is this movie playing at this time?
If you are frequently running the same search (eg. Where can I get a Starbucks coffee?), there is a Saved Search function to speed up the process. You can even create and share search lists with other Dash Express users.

Navigation

Power GPS navigation for the Dash Express is the accurate, high sensitivity SiRFStarIII GPS receiver capable of gaining and maintaining GPS satellite signal locks even in weak GPS signal reception areas. While the occasional navigation glitch is being reported by users the quality of the GPS receiver tends to point to software and not the hardware as being the problem. Most likely, as with any new device, such problems will be fixed with software updates somewhere down the track.

For navigation the Dash Express comes preloaded with TeleAtlas maps of the United States along with a database of some 2 million POIs. Maps will be updated for free after purchase and it is possible to create and share destination lists.

In line with the focus on traffic, the Dash Express will calculate three routes to a destination along with the ETA for each. As the ETAs are calculated on current traffic conditions the accuracy is superior to other ETA calculation methods.

Most users seem to find the navigation menu interface straightforward to use. The Dash Express also has text-to-speech for providing navigation instructions and announcing upcoming street names. However, some users will miss some navigation features available with other GPS devices on the market. Dash Navigation have noted that some features are not available yet and will be added in the future to both new and already purchased Dash Express units through wireless updates.

Some functionalities and customization options currently missing are;

• adding waypoints
• avoiding toll roads, highways or unpaved roads
• multi-destination routing
• avoidance of specific manoeuvres
• labeling of one-way streets
• auto-zoom for turns

Send2Car is a software plugin for most browsers and Microsoft Outlook allowing you to simply highlight an address you need to go to, right-click and click on the Send2Car option to transmit it to your Dash Express. You can also log into a MyDash account send the address wirelessly. The Dash user website also allows you to customize and manage the contents of your Dash Express.

Dash Express Service

Along with purchasing a Dash Express a Dash Service subscription is required to access the Dash Driver Network after the initial three months of free service.

Features included with a subscription to Dash Service are:

• TruTraffic: Current and accurate traffic information from the Dash Driver Network
• Yahoo! Local search: Find exactly what you need when you’re on the road
• Map updates: Get the most current maps
• Software updates: Get the latest Dash features
• Gas prices and movie times: Save money and time
• MyDash: Customize and manage the information on your Dash Express
• Send2Car: Send any address from your computer straight to your car
• Saved Search: Take advantage of user-generated content

Dash Express Resources

Check Dash Network coverage

Dash Express User Guide

Yahoo Local Search

Virtual Tourist

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

While getting a price from Amazon, take time to look at the customer reviews and ratings.

Dash Express Two-Way Internet-Connected Portable GPS Navigator

Amazon have Service Plans for Personal Electronicsand Replacement Plans for Electronic Products.

Custom Search

Dash Express Specification

Hardware
Overall Dimensions 4.8W x 4.1H x 2.8D inches (122 x 104 x 71mm)
Weight 13.3 ounces
Display Size 4.3 inches diagonal (10.9cm)
Display Resolution (480 x 272 pixels)
Display Type WQVGA Color (480 x 272 pixels) TFT LCD, anti-glare technology, polarized touch screen
Speaker Superior high quality speaker makes it easier to hear over ambient car noise
Battery Life Approximately 2 hours of normal use with screen lit, and GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular receivers all on
Battery Type Rechargeable lithium-ion
GPS Chip SIRFstarIII - high performance satellite signal processor
Wi-Fi Receiver and Antenna Connects to networks from your car using a high gain antenna
Cellular Radio and Antenna Uses cellular (GPRS) network to keep the device connected at all times
Features
TruTraffic Get true, up-to-the-minute traffic information from the Dash Driver Network
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/reroute
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