Dash Express Review

What the reviewers like:

• Internet connection for point-of-interest searches and updates
• Crowd-sourced traffic alerts work well

What the reviewers don't like:

• Doesn't navigate as well as Garmin GPS
• Bulky and heavy
• Expensive

Dash Express review highlights

Reviewers have been eager to try out the Dash Express's unique features. GPS Tracklog, GPSReview.net, Business Week, the Orlando Sentinel and The Wall Street Journal all test the Dash Express. Their write-ups describe how well its innovative features perform in the real world, as well as how well the Dash simply navigates. They don't attempt to compare the Dash Express with any other GPS units, because no other GPS units offer the same features. Consumer Reports does rank the Dash Express against 41 other auto GPS units, but testers there concentrate mainly on how well the Dash navigates -- they don't pay as much attention to how well its Internet and traffic features work.

The Dash Express is the first GPS receiver to do two things: It allows users to surf the Internet, and it collects "hive mind" traffic data from other Dash Express units on the road. Experts say the Dash Express may revolutionize the industry, with the big brands scrambling to copy it. The Internet connection means users can search for any destination - no more relying on finite points-of-interest databases - and get automatic map and software updates. The crowd-sourced traffic data really works well, testers say, although it might not work as well in less populated areas where there are few Dash users. One major flaw: The Dash Express doesn't navigate as well as Garmin nuvi GPS models. User reviews are mixed, with negative reviews likewise criticizing the Dash's navigation. Also, reviews say the unit is bulky and heavy - not the type to fit in your pocket.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. GPS Tracklog
Dash Express Review
Rich Owings
May 6, 2008

Blogger Rich Owings tests the Dash Express for more than a month and concludes it is "the ultimate commuter GPS." Owings' review contains nuts-and-bolts information -- like the costs of Dash's various service plans -- and plenty of photos and screen shots, as well as Owings' opinion of the Dash's special features.

2. GPSReview.net
Dash Express
Tim Flight and contributors to GPSReview.net
Mar. 27, 2008

This performance-oriented review of the Dash Express includes a chart listing every feature, alongside the reviewers' step-by-step analysis of more than a dozen different aspects of the Dash Express. Based on their 500-mile test, reviewers conclude that it's strength isn't navigation -- it's keeping you out of traffic jams.

3. Business Week
>> Details/Subscribe
A Dash of GPS Innovation
Arik Hesseldahl
May 12, 2008

BusinessWeek calls the Dash Express "the most interesting thing to happen to personal navigation in a few years," thanks to its Internet connectivity and crowd-sourced traffic. Reviewer Arik Hesseldahl tests the Dash Express all over the New York/New Jersey area and finds all of his routes automatically color-coded with traffic information gleaned from other Dash units on the road.

4. Orlando Sentinel
Bulky GPS device offers new twist on providing directions
Etan Horowitz
May 3, 2008

Etan Horowitz does a good job outlining the real-world usefulness of the Dash Express's unique features, based on his road test for the Orlando Sentinel. Horowitz stops short of recommending the Dash, noting it has some problems with basic navigation. However, Horowitz concludes that those problems may be fixed through software updates.

5. The Wall Street Journal
Dash's Car Navigator Gives Smart Directions, If Others Participate
Walter S. Mossberg
Mar. 27, 2008

The Wall Street Journal's Walter S. Mossberg tests the Dash Express before its release, so there are no other Dash users on the road to provide traffic data. Instead, Mossberg used a two-person "network" for his test: himself and a colleague. Mossberg reports that his Dash did indeed quickly color-code the traffic tie-ups he might encounter, using information from his colleague's Dash.

6. Consumer Reports
>> Details/Subscribe
GPS navigation systems
Editors of Consumer Reports
Apr. 2008

Consumer Reports ranks the Dash Express against 41 other auto GPS models. Real-world tests are thorough and unbiased, with results summarized in a detailed ratings chart. Consumer Reports also writes an individual report on each model, and collects user reviews.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

Dash Express Review