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: $500 TomTom GO 930

Reviewers praise the TomTom GO 930 for its novel features and accessibility. Its performance is considered good, if not quite class-leading. However, some feel that the GO 930's voice command feature could be improved.

MSRP: $499 HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion

Reviewers praise the HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion as a successful hybrid of GPS technology and personal digital assistant convenience.

 

MSRP: $400 Magellan Maestro 4250

The Magellan Maestro 4250's sharp design, easy operation and nifty features are a nice blend. Some reviews point out occasional touch screen lag and even some cases of the unit freezing up. But despite this, the Maestro 4250 receives favorable reviews for its overall value.

MSRP: $150 Magellan Maestro 4200

Grandfather to the popular Maestro 4250, the Magellan Maestro 4200 offers many of the well-liked navigation extras that have distinguished the series but for a more agreeable price tag.