A SMARTER GPS
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Mon, Nov 3, 2008
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
Dash Express
A SMARTER GPS
Reed Berry
With the navigation technology available to drivers today, I wonder how we ever
managed to find our way in the past. Asking directions is hit-and-miss, and I
always seem to find the "sorry, I'm not from around here" person. Then came the
first automobile navigation system - the spouse. While their intentions may be
good, directional information is not always 100 percent accurate and,
unfortunately, a spouse doesn't come equipped with an "off" switch.
The GPS navigation system is one of the most useful automotive accessories of
our time, and many new vehicles are equipped with these time saving devices.
Some can be programmed using buttons or a touch screen, while others are voice
interactive. GPS systems are designed to route you to your destination with
pinpoint accuracy. Unless you are in need of directions, however, most GPS
devices live rent-free in your car and don't really serve much of a purpose.
Dash Express has solved this problem as the first two-way internet-connected GPS
system for automotive use. It will prove useful on a daily basis because
combining a GPS device with the power of the Internet, including the Yahoo!
Local search, puts a wealth of valuable information at a driver's fingertips.
And we're not talking general information that may be out-dated, this is the
most up-to-date information available.
Need to find a popular restaurant? No problem. And if you need to fill up, Dash
Express won't just direct you to a gas station, it will allow you to locate the
cheapest gas, sorting the stations by price. A friend and I will be going to see
a movie later. Luckily, there's no need to start up my PC or look through the
newspaper. Dash Express will locate nearby theaters and will provide a list of
movies and show times.
After using Dash Express for several weeks, I can't imagine driving without it.
After selecting a destination, the unit gives me a choice of up to three routes
to pick from and tells me approximately how long each route will take based on
distance and current traffic conditions. Once I select my route, the map
appears, a synthesized female voice begins giving me directions, and my
estimated time of arrival appears. Touching the bottom right corner of the
screen allows you to switch between arrival time, distance remaining and travel
time remaining.
Providing accurate traffic data is where this device really shines. Each Dash
Express unit anonymously and automatically sends its position and speed
information back to Dash. This information, along with traffic data from other
providers and historical data, is then used to update other Dash units in the
area. Based on my experience thus far, the traffic flow information is very
reliable. On my display, the color of the road a head changes as the traffic
gets heavier. Speaking of the display, as the sun sets I notice that my Dash
device automatically changes from the bright daytime mode to the more subtle
nighttime mode.
Another definite advantage of using Dash Express is the over-the-air updating
capability. While some GPS systems require purchasing new mapping CDs,
connecting to a PC, or seeking professional assistance with system updates, Dash
Express is continually refining the software and adding features. Frequently as
I turn on my Dash Express device, a message on the screen announces yet another
available update. I touch a button on the screen and the unit is updated in
seconds.
The Dash experience can also be planned and personalized using a PC. The MyDash
website allows customers to create new search lists and categories and send them
to their Dash Express device. Using Dash's Send2Car feature, I am able to send
addresses from the web or e-mail directly to my device, as well. A recent
partnership with voice providers Tellme and Dial Directions gives Dash owners
voice control of the user interface by allowing them to wirelessly send
information to their cars via their telephones and mobile phones.
As with any automotive accessory of value, you should exercise care to prevent
your Dash Express device from becoming the target of thieves. However, if your
device is stolen, Dash's customer support team can clear the device's memory
remotely, preventing the thief from accessing your personal information and
address lists.
The size of the device (which contains a large battery and three internal
antennas) and the suction cup mounting bracket that attaches to the windshield
makes Dash Express a bit larger and bulkier than some of its GPS competitors.
But given what it has to offer, not to mention the features yet to come, it
seems like a small price to pay to have the latest in navigation technology.
The Dash Express device is reasonably priced at around $300. Monthly service is
currently $12.99. A one-year plan is $131.88 and a two-year plan is $239.76. If
you choose not to pay the monthly service charge, you will not have access to
the internet-connected features, but the device will continue to operate as a
GPS navigation device.
For your safety and the safety of others, never attempt to program a navigation
device while driving.
Name of product: Dash Express
Manufacturer: Dash Navigation, Inc
General
* Width 4.8 in
* Depth 2.8 in
* Height 4.1 in
* Weight 13.3 oz
GPS System
* Recommended Use Automotive
* Receiver SiRFstarIII
* Connectivity Wi-Fi
* GPS Functions / Services Traffic alerts/detours, TruTraffic, Alternate routes
* Voice Audible signal(s)
* Antenna Built-in
* Features Built-in speaker, Keyboard
* Software Included SiRF Star III
* GPS design features Touch screen
Built-in Display
* Type TFT
* Resolution 480 x 272
* Diagonal Size 4.3 in
* Features Anti-glare
* Color Support Color
Navigation
* Routes 3
Included GPS accessories:
Mounting arm extension and wrench
USB cable
Dash express
Wall charger
Car power adapter
Dashboard mounting disk
Mounting arm and cradle
Alcohol wipe
Manufacturer Warranty
* Service & support type 1 year warranty
