Dash Express now shipping, price dropped to $399

We've been drooling over the GPRS-enabled, OpenMoko-powered Dash Express for what seems like forever now, but it's finally shipping -- and what's even better, the price has dropped $200 to $399. Pre-order customers can expect a note from Dash alerting them to a refund of the difference sometime soon, while the rest of us can take ol' Benjamin and his three best friends over to Amazon, which is the exclusive retailer for the next 30 days. Unfortunately, the monthly services fees are still kind of high: although you can still use the device as a regular GPS unit after the initial three-month grace period, if you buy the premium service you'll be out $13 a month, or $10 if you sign a two-year deal -- but hey, that's the price you pay to be on the front lines of the revolution, right?

[Chris @ Mar 27th 2008 12:11AM]

That sounds much more reasonable. It's still not in my price range, but it's getting there.

On a side note, how are OEM Nav systems still being priced at the $1500+ point? I like having it all integrated into the dash and all, but come on. When are we going to get that price drop? I'm looking at getting a CTS and the Radio/CD/Nav package is $3200. How is the entertainment package more than a CAR in India?

[Dave @ Mar 27th 2008 12:24AM]

"How is the entertainment package more than a CAR in India?"

LOL. +1 for you

[Dave @ Mar 26th 2008 11:55PM]

with "service fees" that high the price should drop $200 at least...cell phone companies and satellite radio offer subsidies and this should be no different.

[Chris @ Mar 27th 2008 2:54AM]

I doubt they are getting the margins on the monthly fee they charge you that the phone companies get, especially since they aren't trapping you with contract after contract like the cellular companies do (even with the number portability). Between the cost of attracting a new subscriber, and the profit they make on you year over year, the wireless companies can afford to front you a $100 on the phone.

[peshue @ Mar 26th 2008 11:58PM]

That's a lot more tempting with the price drop. But really I'm just hoping it does alright t help openmoko mature.

[retro77 @ Mar 27th 2008 12:04AM]

Hmm...I didn't "need" a GPS before...maybe now I "need" one...nice price for sure!

No it wont blend and no it won't play Doom or Crysis [looking for Zues].

[beq @ Mar 27th 2008 2:26AM]

That's a huge drop in price, I wonder how it was achieved? I did get an email saying that my pre-ordered unit should arrive by Friday (too bad I'll be out of town Thursday morning until next week, argh).

Anyways, at this new price I'm ordering a second unit right away! I'm a bit confused though -- if Amazon is supposed to be the exclusive retailer, how come the various "Buy" links on the Dash site still point to their own online store? Same price at both places, but Amazon has free shipping instead of charging $30...

[beq @ Mar 27th 2008 2:28AM]

To be fair, Amazon's free shipping does take longer than the 2-day shipping option from the Dash store.

[frank @ Mar 27th 2008 4:16PM]

Dash needs to begin publishing sales numbers geographically. Personally, I wouldn't be interested in this device until there are a sufficient number in my city to provide relevant traffic data. I know that this presents a "chicken and the egg" situation, but believe that this would ultimately help drive sales.

The price of the unit and the monthly subscription costs would likely deter me from switching from my Garmin. I already have an internet enabled phone (iPhone) and while the integration into the Dash is elegant, I don't feel that its worth paying for a second wireless internet connection. Use bluetooth to connect to my iPhone and provide the data via the connection I already pay for.

Add to the equation that the other GPS manufacturers are developing similar capabilities, and I remain in a "wait and see" position. I suspect that the NuviPhone will be a MAJOR player when its released 3rd quarter.

[Craig @ Mar 27th 2008 7:41PM]

Have you tested one? The C|Net review said it sometimes lagged their position by as much as 3 blocks, making them miss turns.