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.
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
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Dash service offers unique features, makes this gps really great
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: ... Read More
Rating: - Best GPS Device
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, ... Read More
Rating: - Outstanding GPS...People, read the instructions carefully!!!
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 ... Read More
Rating: - Great idea, but needs tons of work
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! ... Read More
Rating: - Nice device 2 years late; now discontinued!
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.
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.
In addition, Dash frequently updates each Dash device with the most comprehensive 
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. 
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 (
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