Dash Express

The Dash Express is one of the most unique GPS devices on the market, thanks to its Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. But it trades flashy features for navigation basics -- those drivers who are frequently lost should look elsewhere.

List Price: $300
Key Features
  • Send2Car
  • Cheapest Gas Navigation
  • Real-time traffic
Pros
  • Wi-Fi Internet connectivity
  • Instant updates with Internet connection
Cons
  • Bulky
  • Hit-or-miss navigation
  • Subscription required for premium features

Dash Express Overall - NA

As the first and currently the only dedicated GPS system to offer Wi-Fi Internet, the Express was one of the most anticipated GPS systems before its release this year. And in general, GPS reviewers haven't been disappointed with the unit's key distinguishing features. Using a general packet radio service connection, Dash Express can perform keyword-based Yahoo searches for locations as you drive. The Express also offers traffic information from either a commercial flow provider or from the real-time updates gathered and submitted by other Dash Express users.

But reviewers also say it's best to think of the Dash Express as a travel and traffic assistant, not a navigation device. According to our analysis, if you don't know where you're going, there's a good chance the Dash Express will confuse you further. Also, the unit weighs just under a pound, which is practically obese for a portable device. Lastly, the Dash Express' coolest features come at a price -- subscription is required for both the Internet and to access traffic information.

Despite its unique approach to navigation, the Dash Express has been short-lived. Recently its parent company Dash Navigation laid off two thirds of its employees and announced its intention to shop its software to other device manufacturers. Existing Dash owners will continue to receive technological and software support as they become available, and the device is still available for purchase on Amazon for $299.

What the Experts Say: 

  • "The two-way connectivity of the Dash Express portable navigation system offers powerful search and traffic capabilities to drivers and increases the value of GPS to the next level, but the system needs some refinements before we're willing to invest in it." -- CNET
  •  "This GPS isn't for everyone. ... It does however, do a few tasks very, very well and if those are the features you need, this could very well be the 'killer GPS' for you." -- GPSReview.net
  • "For all the steps forward, the upstart misses some elements essential to any portable navigation device. Meanwhile, Garmin, Magellan and TomTom are racing with their own connected and crowd-sourced strategies." -- Gizmodo
  • "There's simply no denying that Dash has developed the most accurate and complete traffic information available on any GPS today. That's the good news. The bad news is that Dash Express is so singularly focused on traffic that it falls short in many of the more basic areas." --  GPSMagazine
  • "If you live in a more rural area and are simply prone to getting lost, you'll do better with a less expensive model from the likes of Garmin or TomTom. The Dash Express is best for metro users or daily commuters who know where they're going and for whom avoiding major traffic jams would be well worth the monthly fee." -- Laptop Mag
  • "Dash has created exactly what they set out to -- the ultimate commuter GPS. Personally, I hope they can expand on this in the future with a GPS for the rest of us." -- GPSTracklog

 

Dash Express Performance - NA

Nearly every review had an episode with the Dash Express losing its way. GPSReview.net "asked it to take us to a nearby ski resort, the 'connected search' directed us to their corporate offices, about 10 miles from the actual ski area." USA Today had to guess "which way to go while waiting for the robotic female voice to deliver her first instructions." The GearDiary reviewer had the Dash reboot in the middle of the trip. "This re-boot process is about 2 to 3 minutes. Thankfully I had some idea of where I was going. I can't remember the last time my Honda or Garmin 660 rebooted." The numerous navigation mishaps lead to an almost unanimous assessment that the device has many performance strengths like real-time traffic or instant updates, but it drops the ball with basic navigation. 

Dash Express Ease of Use - NA

Several GPS writers are impressed with how easy the Dash Express is to use given its cutting edge features. Laptop Mag reports the nav "offers a simplified interface that's easy to use on the road. There are two touch buttons above the 4.3-inch screen, one for volume and one that toggles between the menu and the map view. ... The four button menu makes it easy to call up favorite destinations, search Yahoo, type in an address, or change your settings." Still, other writers contend the Express only seems simplified if you've used a GPS device before. 

Dash Express Design - NA

Weighing 13.3 ounces, and measuring 4.8-inches wide, 4.1 inches high and 2.8 inches deep, "the Dash certainly is a beast and harkens back to the days of older devices such as the bulbous Garmin StreetPilot c550," CNET and others report. "Dash says the extra bulk is because of the integrated wireless radios, which we understand, but we still think the company could have streamlined the design better, particularly the protruding backside, which is an eyesore." 

Dash Express Features - NA

The Dash Express doesn't offer the run-of-the-mill GPS extras, but it's still loaded to the gills. The end product gets a thumbs up from most reviewers. GPSTracklog says, "Dash has wisely chosen to go with their strengths. Rather than add such frills as Bluetooth and an MP3 player, the Dash Express makes the most of two-way connectivity, focusing on crowdsourced traffic and Internet search." Some of the Dash Express' most popular features include Send2Car, which allows you to wirelessly send an address from your home computer directly to your GPS, or the real-time traffic updates thanks to the Wi-Fi connection and the traffic feeds from other Dash subscribers. The Dash Express can also direct you to the cheapest gas in your area. 

Other GPS Devices to Consider

MSRP: $250 Garmin nuvi 250

The Garmin nuvi 250 excels at inexpensive yet astoundingly accurate GPS navigation, but it offers little to none of the convenience features many shoppers are looking for.

MSRP: $250 Navigon 2100

While most manufacturers are trying to impress with you flash and color, Navigon 2100 chooses to woo you with its simplicity.

MSRP: $40 Mio Digiwalker C220

In a field dominated by Magellan, Garmin and TomTom, you might not have heard of the Mio brand. But the Mio Digiwalker C220 is not to be overlooked. Experts say it's just as competent as the premiere manufacturers at getting you around town, and for an outstanding price.

MSRP: $700 Magellan RoadMate 6000T

The Magellan RoadMate 6000T offers plenty of well-functioning features to assist in car navigation, and is one of the few devices that provides touchscreen functionality as well as buttons along the frame of the device.