How would you change the Dash Express?

To say we've been waiting far too long for the Dash Express to escape the labs and hit the shelves would be a gross understatement, but now that this connected navigator has taken to the streets, we're wondering if the public at large feels that it was worth the wait. During the time we spent with it on our escapades around the Windy City, we didn't find too many chinks in the armor, but for the price, we wouldn't be shocked to hear of people expecting more. So, is the Dash Express living up to your lofty expectations? Aside from rocking a discounted sticker, what else could be squeezed in here to make paying up sting a little less? The forum's yours, dear readers.

[GreezyG @ Apr 4th 2008 6:35PM]

Im just wanna know how well it really works from a "real" person. Also how easy is it to add maps for other countries

[Gerald Levine @ May 9th 2008 5:03PM]

I wouldn't change the Dash Express.This has WI-FI for updates to the device. This ties your car to the main computer giving traffic info via cellular which is built in the Dash Express. With every car that has Dash contributing in there own state they can compile up to the second traffic information along with the sensors that Dash has installed in each state. This unit is also capable of getting the latest updates to the Operating System. Show me one other GPS receiver that can do that. I just got the Dash on May 6 2008. They had a update to the System on May 7 2008. The individual owners of the Dash can suggest improvements to the System. when they see enough suggestions they could add that improvement. You can send addresses to the dash from your PC-Browser and Outlook 2003. You also can use Yahoo to search for hospitals, Food, Gas and many others. This is a bargain for $399 plus the Live Traffic PC and other features. I just got an 2008 Audi Q7, the Navigation does not have traffic, so I got the Dash to have that feature. This unit is better then anything that is portable or built into the automobile. The money that you save from getting stuck in traffic will more then pay for the $10 monthly fee. This unit will improve by 100% as more consumers hear about the Dash and use the 30 day money back guarantee.The omly thing that needs improvement is the GPS Mapping System. You also get a 90 day free trial to the Service program. You don't need the Service Program to use the Dash but then it would be like the rest of the GPS systems that are available. I guess I have said enough so all you Garmins and Tom Tom's I'll laugh at you while you sit and fume in Traffic, while I take the alternate route that the Dash Express suggests to me..
Jerry L

[Joe Anstine @ Apr 4th 2008 6:36PM]

Teleportation capabilities.

[applefan @ Apr 4th 2008 6:42PM]

GPS is overrated.

[Aarun @ Apr 4th 2008 6:43PM]

A better, more unified UI would be nice

[Sam Betteley @ Apr 4th 2008 6:56PM]

yeah, you would have thought the UI would be more polished after all that time in development.

[Erwos @ Apr 4th 2008 6:51PM]

Pricing is probably the hardest thing to swallow, and judging from the reviews I've read, it's a good value even considering that.

[morcheeba @ Apr 4th 2008 6:53PM]

I haven't been too impressed. It has routed me in several needless loops and over dirt roads (when a 50mph road was nearby). Rather than pick the best exit from a highway, it had me go to two exits down, make a U-turn, and then double-track to the correct exit (which was totally accessible from the original direction). It also put me in to an infinite loop around my destination. Oh yeah, it also slowed down (as in 30 second delay), crashed & then rebooted on me... luckily it remembered my destination and asked me to confirm re-routing.

The connected search worked great to find a location that other GPS's didn't have... but yahoo's database had the address wrong, so I never made it there. Sending addresses from the PC to the unit is easy and exceptionally fast (about 1.5 seconds!).

Size of the device isn't really an issue - it's for car navigation, not portable.

I'd say it's got promise, but not quite ready yet.

[Griffon @ Apr 4th 2008 6:59PM]

Right,

1st gen hardware that looks like it's 5 years old (and apparently performs like it, screen draws are reputable awful) selling at above market costs... Um I would change that.

2nd That UI is some ugly shit but I can't speak for it's actual usability. But come on why so fugly? There are no screen shots of the 3d interface, could be even worse...

3rd High monthly cost for value based on a large foot print... Um see one. Still way to expensive given the value is all about saturation.

I'll be watching this closely though, maybe in a couple hardware generations if they can survive that long, it will be worth pursuing.

[Nilay Patel @ Apr 4th 2008 7:12PM]

Our gallery in the review post has some shots of the 3D view; it's nice but it's not going to blow you away.

[Derek @ Apr 4th 2008 7:01PM]

I'd like to see an option for a lifetime membership instead of the monthly fees. If they can do that, I will buy one the next day (maybe one for my wife too!). Until then the garmin nuvi 680 is at the top of my short list.

[morcheeba @ Apr 4th 2008 7:06PM]

Griffon: The 3d view is unremarkable; it's just an oblique view of the 2d, like everyone else does.

[Ben @ Apr 4th 2008 7:20PM]

Sounds like their routing software isn't up to snuff yet. That's pretty critical. All GPSes aren't the same, routing is complicated. Garmin has their algorithms down after years in the business, these guys are just getting started.

Wait for 3rd or 4th generation..

[XB @ Apr 4th 2008 8:29PM]

I picked up the Dash last week - how could I refuse for $399. There is definitely good and bad. The good - traffic, at least in the Boston area was surprisingly accurate (both the historical as well as the live traffic). So traffic definitely gets a BIG thumbs up. Also what gets great marks is the integration with Yahoo. It's really amazing to use your GPS to search Yahoo and have connected Wifi. OK marks are the routing engine. I like the way it gives me 3 different routes, it just takes a few extra seconds for the multiple routes to appear. Actual routing is pretty decent, though it's offered me a way home that was way out of the way. Navigating the screens is pretty straight forward and the buttons (including entering the letters) are pretty easy.

Now onto the BAD. The screen and synchronization with the satellites is pathetic. Unless you're on a route (in which case it's really accurate), you'll usually pass the 'upcoming' street by about 200 feet before it jumps to where you really are, then it falls behind again. It's constantly playing catchup instead of being smooth and properly showing where I am (and not where I was 30 seconds ago). Probably tied to that is that the screen is VERY jumpy. If I'm going under 20, the screen is fine - but who goes under 20...According to their tech support, they have a firmware release coming out to improve GPS capabilities. It's just odd that when you're on a specified route, the engine works fine, it's only when you're just driving do you notice it. The screen colors have a lot to be desired. It took a while to get used to them, but on a positive side, I've had no problem seeing the screen in sunny and in cloudy days. They don't offer any type of icons on the road (gas, parking, atm, etc.) so you really don't know what's in the area unless you go into the menu and use a favorites search for it.

Lastly, the thing is huge and the base is huge as well! Obviously the base is so large because it needs to support the Dash, but it's definitely nice to not have to plug in the car charger to get all of the traffic/yahoo/wifi capabilities - so that's a tie in my book. Also a tie is the push to car address functionality. It's definitely great if my secretary needs to send me an address while I'm driving, but except for that, there's really no big benefit of it (that you couldn't use the Yahoo search to enter). I'll be curious to see what developers can come up with using their API's.

Overall, I'm ok with paying $399 for it, but I would never have paid $600 for it. The $10 a month, at least for me, is worth it because of the excellent traffic integration. I'll be curious to see their update schedule for firmware and map updates but overall, I'm happy with the purchase.

[rhogan @ Apr 4th 2008 7:18PM]

You're just saying that because the iphone doesn't have it ;)

[ug @ Apr 4th 2008 7:20PM]

Needs more cowbell.

[Reader @ Apr 4th 2008 7:43PM]

I'm waiting for Cowbell Hero

[ManoloDF @ Apr 4th 2008 7:35PM]

Tracking feature, even if not all the time as a monitoring device at least once its reported stolen be able to know where the device is to locate it and send the police.

[a geek @ Apr 4th 2008 7:35PM]

The Dash is really a fancy traffic device, and currently is pretty horrible at navigation. It's as if you took a Nuvi, rolled it back 5+ years, and integrated the coolest traffic viewer ever.

The software is all around buggy currently- lots of lag with power on/off, double to quadruple the GPS acquisition time as the old Nuvi next to it, and laughable text to speech are examples.

Lastly, wtf were they thinking with Yahoo Local search? That database is so incomplete that it requires one to use the cell phone to go find a business and then enter the address into the Dash. Yahoo Maps has a much better address DB, but Yahoo Local is horrible.

[StaffordshireBT @ Apr 4th 2008 7:38PM]

Yeah but does it blend?

[Alex @ Apr 4th 2008 10:16PM]

They've got some polishing to do. The 3D view performance is less than stellar. 2D view works great, however, and the traffic display is nicely done. They just need to tidy up some performance issues.

The connectivity via cell & wifi is incredible. Yahoo search is seamlessly integrated into the unit. Like the Tivo comparisons, once you use this feature, you'll never go back to basic GPS. It's that good.

[ingus @ Apr 4th 2008 7:49PM]

better routing software, better tracking hardware, better bluetooth integration, and lower prices? a 'lifetime' fee for the service would've been fine by me, but a monthly charge that can, and most likely will, go up little by little over the years? no thanks!

oh, and a better color scheme on the maps, and more build in POI's (in case of service disruption) wouldn't hurt either.

[Thermos14 @ Apr 4th 2008 7:49PM]

It needs to double as a cupholder.

[Yipcanjo @ Apr 4th 2008 7:51PM]

I'd change the fact that Engadget seems to have a story on this dumb thing a few times a week...

Enough already!

[Cassini @ Apr 4th 2008 7:56PM]

1.) I'd agree that the monthly fees have to go. I couldn't be any less interested in this thing because of that. And apparently, the usability factor is decreased if you don't spend that money on it each and every month. We pay monthly fees for everything these days - I'm supposed to carry this on indefinitely for a PND? I just want to get where I need to go; I'm not getting married to this thing - so I don't even want to think about dealing with a silly monthly bill. Forget that.

People hate monthly fees. They just want to pay for something and be done with it. If the downloads and so forth demand payment of some sort, they should just offer a one time fee and cut the price of this unit in half. $400 should buy you the unit and give you lifetime access.

2.) Also, the shape and size of this device was a major turn-OFF for me. The bulky shape makes no sense - an "L" shape? Is it because of the radios or speaker? Even if that's the case, again, why? Bulky weird shape - yuk. This thing needs to have a thinner, flat shape like all the others on the market. I mean, between cellular, GPS, WiFi, and BT, my Tytn II has every radio a person would look for in a mobile device, a speaker, and so much more, and it's much smaller and still retains a flat shape. Why can't this device? Like all things, some people won't care. But I do. And so do/will many others.

3.) I love the WiFi, but I'm uncertain about the cellular connection - wouldn't this demand yet even another fee for it to connect that way? Why not give it BT and let it tether to my BT-enabled phone and the cellular access I'm already paying for and download the data it needs that way when I'm out and about and away from a WiFi connection?

4.) Does this thing even use or have many 3D maps? I certainly hope so. If it doesn't, it needs to.

5.) Reports of this thing freezing and crashing, providing convoluted directions, and possessing slow screen redraws is serious cause for alarm and another major turn-off. I won't touch this device with a ten-foot pole if it's performance is that appalling.


I'm impressed about some things, but as for the things above, those need to get worked out before I even consider taking the plunge.

[Cassini @ Apr 4th 2008 8:05PM]

One other thing - I can't say I'm excited about it using Yahoo Local databases for info. That doesn't interest me at all. Makes me feel like I'd be getting my info from AOL or MySpace.

And how is the text to speech? If that isn't good, then definitely forget it.

[BobbyW @ Apr 4th 2008 7:58PM]

I'm scared to look at this thing because I'm afraid I'll want one. Flickr, Web Hosting, Netflix - all these things that didn't exist when I got used to what my monthlies are. No more monthly fees! Follow the Kindle model somebody!

And it definitely needs more cowbell.

[Jules stein @ Apr 4th 2008 8:17PM]

I own one. Needs bluetooth, better and faster routing

[Kim @ Apr 4th 2008 8:34PM]

While everything I've read makes Dash superior to the GPS I own, if Dash could release different form factors, it would appeal more to me.

I currently have an in-dash model in my car, and prefer it over a portable. If only I could just change out the software there.

Also, a version for motorcyclists would be stellar. Portable, waterproof, drop-proof, etc.

[Bobs @ Apr 4th 2008 8:44PM]

yeah what?

[Kurt Schneider @ Apr 4th 2008 8:46PM]

I bought one last week too. I'm in Boston as well as the previous poster, and it works great! The larger size was kind of daunting at first, but I have it mounted low in my MINI and it fits perfectly between the cupholders AND maintains a spot on GPS signal even down at almost floor level. I have no complaints about the volume or mapping. No jerkiness at any speed. I guess I'm lucky and got one that wasn't made on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon.

I too would like to see a little faster GPS acquisition time, but really - it does what they said it would. If you can get past the bigger size, it really does an amazing job. I used the gas search via lowest price yesterday, and it did indeed match the info presented on the screen. I wish they would offer a bit more info on the screen while driving instead of just time to arrival/miles left/time left.

I have a feeling they'll continue to make improvements as they go. But so far I'm happy.

[PiNPOiNT @ Apr 4th 2008 8:57PM]

I've been a tad disappointed with my dash thus far.

things that really annoy me about it are. (and will hopefully be mostly fixed with firmware updates)

1. No "detour/avoid" button (yes you can use the routes button to give you 3 new routes, however most of the time it just routes you slightly off from the original way. (you should be able to keep hitting it until you get new ones each time till you find one you like.

2. no blue tooth. I thought it had it when i purchased it, and was disappointed to find out it does not.

3. "saved searches have been updated" pops ups far too often for my liking, its kinda annoying (with no way to turn it off)

4. There's a lot of customization that could and hopefully be added in the future... colors, icons, deeper levels of tweaking settings (what is visible/enabled/ordered etc)

5. i would have preferred local Google as a search feature instead of yahoo

6. The default voice is annoying (hopefully they can add more functionality in the future.


*** I haven't experienced any problems with the tracking of the unit and putting my car on the right place of the map, its been working correctly for me

I have NOT had any crashes (loading is a tad slow for my tastes but its ok)

Sent to Car is by far the coolest and most useful feature for me, i love being able to highlight a address online and simply send it to my car.

All in all, im hopeful that they will work out more and more of thes bugs as they update their software. I understand that its a new product, but i see great potential for it, and i hope they continue to make it the best gps it can possibly be.

[francisco @ Apr 4th 2008 9:14PM]

I think Engadget is getting payed for all of these "How would you fix ____" segments.

[Nilay Patel @ Apr 4th 2008 10:11PM]

You're right, companies love it when we ask readers to harsh on their products. Hang on, this crushing tide of cash is making it hard to type.

[John @ Apr 5th 2008 12:16AM]

Oh, Nilay! That would be funnier if it weren't coming from a lawyer.

[francisco @ Apr 5th 2008 6:32AM]

yes, skip those focus groups and get the opinion of real people to make your product much better.

[Sime @ Apr 4th 2008 9:30PM]

was it number 1, infinite loop?

[El Taco @ Apr 4th 2008 10:05PM]

so what? this thing attatches to your dashboard? What else? What makes this so special?

[japhar81 @ Apr 4th 2008 10:15PM]

Ok, the traffic rocks in the DC area. Its saved me four hours of commute this week.

The UI.. blows. Honestly, its fugly and slow. Not unusable, but not what it could be. Fortunately, the hardware is there and the software updates are monthly, so that will likely change. Hopefully, soon.

In short, its exactly what Ive come to expect from a linux-based app. Fantastic functionality, crappy ui.

[Dennis @ Apr 5th 2008 8:15AM]

I just got one and am not sure if I'm keeping it. It's effing big, the voice bites it and to turn the power off completely is too far down in the software drill down. My Nuvi 750 has a better 3D graphic and is much smaller with a better screen.

The good part is it picks up the satellites much faster than my Nuvi and the traffic seems to be more reliable than the MSN Direct. I like the Send2Car feature as well.

I'm going to have to make a decision on keeping it or not very soon.

[Will @ Apr 4th 2008 11:58PM]

I would have to agree that the traffic data is the biggest selling point to the device. I have seen the map update the traffic data only only a few minutes after I traveled down the road.

However, I was hoping the Dash would find traffic, and give me an efficient route around it. If I do hit traffic, it usually sends me so far out of the way, that it is totally useless. I was hoping it would route me on side streets around the traffic, but it hasn't yet.

I've used a Garmin before, and the Dash is definitely lacking some of the most basic features of the Garmin units. If you spend a lot of time in traffic then this is the device for you, since it will at least give you a very accurate picture of the road ahead. Unfortunately, you'll have to decide how to get around it.

That being said, I was fortunate enough to have dinner with some of the big wigs from Dash. ( I was a beta tester) And I can tell you that they really do listen to the consumer, and really made me feel like they are doing their best to make the device the best it can be. I'm still waiting for the third party apps that were promised, but hopefully soon.

All in all the device has a lot of promise, and the traffic info is priceless here in SoCal.

[Mikey @ Apr 4th 2008 10:44PM]

um... make it flat.

[Travis @ Apr 4th 2008 11:51PM]

I use my EeePC and MS Streets & Trips to get me to an unknown destination

[Johan S @ Apr 4th 2008 11:05PM]

Yeah, why not make it a flat unit?

I want it to be flat so I can put it in my pocket.

Also, the stuf XB above said about it having to play catchup is scary. I won't even consider buying one until they fix that type of stuff.

[brehnstrom @ Apr 4th 2008 11:33PM]

I got one on opening day and have been excited / dissapointed like some others. The UI is fine with me, thought this is my first GPS, maybe I've been missing out on some cool stuff. Yahoo works great - it's found whatever I've needed it to find.

Overall I'm happy, and have not experienced any of the issues that some are claiming(laggin, crashing, getting lost), but the routing is the issue here. My drive to work consists of 6 turns on 5 roads. It wants to route me on back roads, dirt roads and the sort, all in the right direction, but why would I want to go down a 25 mph road when I can go 55mph road that I'm alrady on? It reroutes fast enough, but for my work drive, it is at best a traffic monitor/cheap gas finder.

On a trip I think that this not so perfect routing will not be such a big deal as I'm not familiar with the area, so a slight detour and I'm none the wiser.

I'm sure they will fix with software updates, so I can deal for now, fix that and I'l be happy as a pig in you know what!

[Coleman Foley @ Apr 4th 2008 11:54PM]

this is the best part of the site, though

[Coleman Foley @ Apr 4th 2008 11:56PM]

it should have a browser that uses the gps

[John @ Apr 5th 2008 12:15AM]

Oh, Nilay! That would be funnier if it weren't coming from a lawyer.

[hh83917 @ Apr 5th 2008 1:36AM]

I've been testing the device out lately. Here's what I feel:
1. Need better routing, they need to learn from Garmin about giving good routes because even though Garmin doesn't have this fancy online feature, it does what it is set to do, provide great and easy to get to routes.

2. Need better and simpler menu design so I don't have to dig into the menu to find my Favorites and Address Book.

3. Bug fixes hopefully soon. There are bugs such as the device continue to route when it arrives the destination.

4. Browsing map is sluggish. Browsing the map is slow and it takes few seconds to generate the map on display. Even my old Garmin device does it faster that the Dash. Sluggish to zoom in and out of 2D/3D maps. Need better graphics performance.

That's what I can think of so far. I'll add more when I remember them...

[Todd Troutman @ Apr 6th 2008 2:06AM]

Monthly Fees... Problem with other GPS's (Garmin) is the $100 yearly fee for new maps and ridiculous hoops you have to go through to license the map for use on one Windows PC (No Useful Mac Support)

With Dash, when they have new maps ready, 2 to 3 times a year, you get new maps!

The only problem the Dash has is lack of Lat/Long input/output but that same brain damage is present in all other consumer GPS's. The difference is Dash might actually fix this and Garmin, who has the worst support ever, will never fix anything.

I've had SIX garmin GPS's, I'm done with them, the Dash arrived yesterday and I love it.