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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: $299.00
You Save: $0.99
New (1) Used (3) from $199.00
Rating:  166 reviews
Sales Rank: 2053
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Native Resolution: 480 x 272
Display Size: 4.3
Includes MP3 Player: 0
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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| Editorial Reviews:
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
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
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| Customer Reviews: Read 161 more reviews...
 Dash service offers unique features, makes this gps really great November 11, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have been a GPS user for many years, originally the Garmin GPS V and more recently the Navigon 5100. I originally got a gps for hiking, but have found it invaluable for driving navigation while at home and while traveling. Once live traffic info became available at a reasonable price (lifetime on the Navigon 5100), I got that, but have found it disappointing, because that live traffic service is way too vague and incomplete, generally ignoring anything off-freeway, which is most of my driving.
The Dash service is what makes this gps unique, due to being connected and user-configurable:
- It delivers live traffic from other Dash users in the area
- If there are no recent Dash data, it delivers traffic info from the web, which is much more detailed that the traffic service used by the Navigon, and historic traffic info.
- It is connected to the internet over the cell phone system, so that you can query all sorts of things, nearby gas prices, weather, factoids of whatever town you are in, locations of traffic cameras, and do any local.yahoo.com search that you want (my understanding is that searches on the dash go through local.yahoo.com). Once when I was driving some traffic incident occurred and a yellow box came up on the screen warning me of the new situation, along with speech generation.
- If you are not connected (e.g. no cell signal), it still has an internal database of points of interest as do other gps receivers.
- when routing, it offers you a few routes to choose from, and you can see the traffic load on each one.
Besides being continually connected to the internet while driving, it has some other features that no other gps has at the moment:
- it is configurable, I can specify what apps of interest to me available at the dash website I want to have on the DE.
- At their website, I can create my own custom searches, give them names, and have them downloaded to my DE.
- It is an open system, so anyone can write a "dash app" and make it available.
- By aggregation of driving data from dash users, they have the potential to offer better and better driving help as their system develops.
It is in these last two aspects that the Dash service provides more than you can get from looking at internet traffic info on the web using alternative connected devices (cellphone, etc.)
They have recently announced that they are going to quit making the hardware receiver but continue the service, licensing the service to other platforms. So I expect using the DE to just get better and better (they are going to continue supporting their hardware, just not make more of it).
The drawbacks:
- The DE is clunky and heavy. But I am enjoying using this so much that it does not matter to me.
- After the trial period, I will probably have to pay a monthly fee to use it. I would prefer a lifetime pay-once special price, and I may not be able to justify it in my own life (I don't drive for a living).
- Some but not all of these features are available on other handhelds connected to the internet.
- When routing, it doesn't give me as many choices as I would like, and sometimes there are minor route glitches, but nothing major. Currently it has a preference for freeways over surface streets, but I can force it to change by just going on a highway that looks sensible and it reroutes from there. Since users have been complaining about this, I expect the algorithms to be improved.
Based on today's functionality, I would give it 4 stars if it were static, but because of the user-configurability and open system dash apps and continuing developement of the service, I think it is worth 5 stars.
p.s. I have no connection to the Dash company, I'm just a very satisfied user intrigued by the possibilities of this platform.
Best GPS Device November 10, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I love the Dash, let me count the ways...
1) It has internet access for live search results!
2) It helps me find the closest and cheapest gas available!
3) I can send it address info from my computer & cellphone!
4) It has real-time traffic info from state/national traffic databases!
5) It has real-time traffic info from other Dash users!
6) It has tons of custom "Dash Apps" and other custom searches that I can add from the Dash website!
Ok, so I think you can tell that I'm a Dash Evangelist... I love it! You will too. I've used it in Los Angeles, Chicago, Iowa, and soon Miami and Key West. Traveling with the Dash is so much easier than worrying about printing out directions and fumbling with paper maps.
Outstanding GPS...People, read the instructions carefully!!! November 9, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I just activated my dash three days ago and I couldn't be more pleased. The traffic feature is right on the money. I could tell you so many things I like about this unit, but the review will be too wordy and it may bore some of you to death (especially if patients is not the individuals strong points). Speaking of patients; people...read the instuctions carefully (prior to using)or you will not benefit from this fine unit.
DO'S!
1. Use the Send2Car feature; this will save the aggrivation of planning your destination inside your car.
2. When you plan your route, make sure your car is OUTSIDE WITH A CLEAR VIEW OF THE SKY. If you don't do this, the Dash will certain to lag behind your car when routing.
Don'ts!
1. Do not do any routing while driving, make sure your car is stationary so the Dash can accurately route your destination.
I was skeptical at first, but after thorough reading (online instuctions first, then the actual unit copy), it just make more sense to purchase this GPS unit.
THE FACTS: Other GPS devices, you have to upgrade maps, traffic, and POI (which can cost up to $200;plus by the time you receive the upgrade, they are pre-packaged upgrades (PLAIN TALK: You don't know how old the upgade is and you're back to square one... spending more $$ or buying a new GPS unit with the same pre-packaged upgrades (did I mention spending more $$?).
Dash will continuosly upgrade and add more features to the unit throughout the year, at all time throughout each year (that's nice).
You will have to subscribe, but in my opinion it worth every dime (again , it always upgrade. Here are the cost(s) involved:
1. 90 day FREE trial
2. 2 year plan for $9.99 a month
3. 1 year plan for $10.99 a month
4. Month to month plan for $12.99 a month
Think about this while you are continuing upgrading and using those obsolete devices as paper weights.
[..]
LAST TIME PEOPLE, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!!!
 Great idea, but needs tons of work November 5, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I have used GPS from Tom Tom, Navigon, and also Garmin. All those units have been though a lot of development, and it shows.
The dash express has not, and it really shows. While the traffic monitoring idea is a great concept, this unit has too many other shortcomings to tolerate.
Basically, most other features on a low end $120-150 gps are missing. A glaring one is planning preferences like avoiding highways, another one is avoiding toll roads, it gets worse from there. While the concept is super-innovative, I do have to question how much the developers of Dash spent using other GPS devices!
The text to speech is the worse I've come across, and the lack of choosing a voice or making adjustments is missing--this is such a basic feature I have to wonder if it was ignored or skipped over in desperation to get this device out of the door.
The last insult has to be a $12-13 dollar monthly fee to use the connected features. While I don't particularly care for $80 or so bucks to update maps and POIs, I'm ok with it as a one time expense (or more depending on how up to date you want your maps). The dash has considerably fewer POIS in memory without being able to connect online via GRPS to download more, so without the monthly fee--its crippled.
And lastly, trying to route me during the route, on a light white map, the route marked on the road was...white...
For $300 you should be able to get a full featured GPS with a better feature set. Sure it won't have the innovative traffic feature...but...this needs to be a lot more than it is. Considering Dash just let a bunch of people go and changing their business model, I guess they might license their traffic technology to other GPS makers and this might be their first and last attempt at a gps device.
I had mine only for a few days before I sent it back and got my old tom tom one back...
Screen was real nice. Device huge though.
 Nice device 2 years late; now discontinued! November 5, 2008
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
The Dash Express is now a collector's item. Dash is getting out of the hardware business and going to try to get their software on other devices. Maybe Garmin or Magellan will buy them. I am sticking with my iPhone personally.
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