Dash Express unboxing and hands-on

Not much has changed since we got to play with a beta version of the OpenMoko-powered Dash Express GPRS / WiFi-connected GPS unit, but the packaging is quite nice and the final hardware feels top-notch -- and there are some thoughtful details like a separate cradle power connection so you can just grab and go when you get to your destination.

Gallery: Dash Express unboxing and hands-on

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Gallery: Dash Express interface

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[CelestKixy @ Mar 26th 2008 11:57PM]

Excuse me.

[OneLove @ Mar 27th 2008 10:45AM]

Can we please turn off the adverts on the gallery page or move them to the bottom? The images are large and every time I click next I have to scroll down again to see the whole thing. next, scroll, next, scroll...argh!

[OziD @ Mar 27th 2008 12:01AM]

Its funny how you announce its shipping and 12 minutes late you're unboxing it.

[Nilay Patel @ Mar 27th 2008 12:46AM]

And as soon as they bail me out for jumping the FedEx truck, I'll have a review up!

[mwilliamson @ Mar 27th 2008 1:13AM]

This is Mark Williamson from Dash.

Nilay - tell me where to send the bail check... ;-)

Mark

[OziD @ Mar 27th 2008 1:37AM]

I'll be sure his bail check is in good hands if you send it my way.

[retro77 @ Mar 27th 2008 12:03AM]

Nice!

[Jesse S @ Mar 27th 2008 12:06AM]

DO WANT!

[Jesse S @ Mar 27th 2008 12:35AM]

Wait, it's on OpenMoko? I thought it used Ev-do.

[mwilliamson @ Mar 27th 2008 1:02AM]

@Jesse S - This is Mark Williamson from Dash. OpenMoko is an open source operating system. The device connects to the cellular network via GPRS. Hope this helps.

Mark

[Neoprimal @ Mar 27th 2008 1:11AM]

Now to figure out how to abracadabra my c340 into one of these....where's Houdini when I need him?!

[Brian @ Mar 27th 2008 1:57AM]

Not having a memory for these sorta things i had to search for a previous entry to figure out what the thing used wi-fi for. It would've been convenient if a link to to that article, or just a brief explanation, had been included in this one.

Anyway, i'm pretty intrigued and want one.

[hh83917 @ Mar 27th 2008 3:59AM]

The screen looks blueish... is it possible that they switch out to a cheaper screen? or is it just the camera?

[Nilay Patel @ Mar 27th 2008 4:06AM]

It's the camera, I shot it in a really warm room. More pics coming soon that are more accurate.

[ManoloDF @ Mar 27th 2008 4:19AM]

Does anyone know of the theft deterrent features of the Dash? Any locating services available in case you call in your unit stolen so it can be tracked down, maybe hand out a beating for their efforts?

[TC @ Mar 27th 2008 10:14AM]

I was one of the fortunate few "Beta" testers for the Dash. To be honest, the only "REAL" nice feature that this provides you is the ability to send an address to it from your PC. This was convenient.

The whole traffic mapping thing is useless unless you possibly live in San Francisco, LA, or New York. And it feeds off other people's dash units, so if you live in smallville... you're screwed.

Gas prices are great, but 90% of the time you're going to use the same few gas stations you typically do... the other 10% of the time you don't care about the ten cent difference from one station to the next (at least you don't if you can currently afford the dash at its price tag)

Movie times are cool, but I can pull that up on my cell phone... and if I don't have a cell phone that can give me that data, I'd rather purchase a cell phone that could give me that data as opposed to a GPS that I can't put in my pocket. Same goes for food reviews and food locations.

My advice... if you want the "internet" functionality, buy an IPhone or a Tilt. If you want a GPS... buy the Garmin Nuvi 360 or better. It fits in your pocket and easily snaps in and out of its cradle and it doesn't cost you $13 bucks a month to use. You'll be doing yourself a favor.

[Jesse S @ Mar 27th 2008 2:25PM]

I must say, it's nice to see decent pictures on Engadget. CES made me cringe.

[Frank @ Mar 27th 2008 4:10PM]

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.