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Friday, April 1, 2011
Dash Express Two-Way Internet-Connected Portable GPS Navigator (Electronics)
This review is from: Dash Express Two-Way Internet-Connected Portable GPS Navigator (Electronics)
I have been using automotive GPS units before they became practical (before May 2000 when Selective Availability was turned off). In just the last few years I have owned the Garmin 2720, 2820, Nuvi 350 and the Nuvi 750 (not to mention all of the hand-held units that I own including my new Colorado 400t). I have also used Tom Toms, Magellans and several others, including those built into cars. I have used them in all 50 states, Europe and South America. I only mention this so that people might see that I have had some experience with GPS receivers.
It seems from a lot of the reviews that I have read over the years that some people are always looking for the PERFECT GPS unit to give them the PERFECT GPS-guided experience. IT DOESN'T EXIT! The technology is close, but the data sources are not accurate enough to to make GPS navigation perfect. Every unit that I have owned or used has occasionally taken me to vacant lots, missed the target completely, freaked out altogether or come down with a GPS version of Alzheimer's. It happens, fortunately not too often. Still, they are indispensable for those that travel to unfamiliar areas or need live traffic information.
This product takes a giant step forward in both finding both what you're looking for and helping you to avoid traffic. Is it perfect? No. Can it be improved upon? Absolutely. But for $299 (I paid $399 in March but that's what happens when you are an early adopter) it is a GREAT deal! Especially since it includes the revolutionary technology of including two different forms of internet connections (I won't go into the details of the features as you can read them in the product information above). This makes the information that you receive when you conduct a search (via Yahoo) much more accurate. And, you can find something that does not have it's own category a lot easier. Example: If you are looking for a wine store on one of my Garmins you have to type in "wine" under the shopping category. You will only find stores that have the word wine in them. So "Billy Bob's Beverages" (which happens to be only 1 mile away) won't show up, but "Pay-Too-Much Wine Shop", 21 miles away, will. Not with the Dash Express. The Yahoo search engine will pick stores that fit that category even if they don't have that word in their name. A huge advantage.
The Dash Network also allows the units to report real-time traffic conditions. Traffic updates are available on some other GPS receivers, but not with this degree of accuracy. Yes, there is a monthly fee, as there is with the Garmin MSN or XM traffic service. In addition, when you ask for directions on the Dash it gives you choices of routes, letting you know how long it will take and what kind of traffic you will encounter on each route.
Yes, this is a first generation product, but if you are looking for a GPS in this price range (or even higher), try the Dash Express. As software updates become available the Dash sends it to you automatically. Other devices require you to hook your unit to your computer, log into the appropriate website, find the update and then down load it. Plus, Garmin and several others charge you for major map updates while, at this time, Dash does not. I am hoping that Garmin and the other key manufacturers of GPS receivers get the message that things have changed. I own the best hand-held on the market (Garmin's Colorado) yet my cell phone (BlackBerry 8830 World Edition) has GPS functions that my Garmins never will. However, even the current Dash can have these features added later thanks to their internet connectivity. I would buy this for a friend or family member, that's how much I like it.
Bracketron UFM-100BL Nav-Mat GPS Friction Dash Pad
UPDATE: JUNE 21, 2008
I just received and email from Dash telling me that because I was an early-adopter and purchased the unit before May 31, '08 (for $100 more than it's current price) they are giving me another 3 months of free Dash service. You gotta love a company like that! I have paid extra to be the first to get something many times but I have never had a manufacturer or retailer reward me for doing it. Way to go Team Dash!!!
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 07, 2008
Dash has announced that it will no longer be producing this GPS (or any other for that matter). They are going to try to stay in business by selling their technology to other manufacturers. It's a shame, it wasn't perfect but it IS the future of GPS units. I am on the month-to-month plan with their service and was still renewed this month so I am guessing that they will continue offering it for a while at least. Unless these really go on sale (like for $100) I would not suggest that anyone purchase a Dash now. It was a good product that would have been better if they could have hung on. Pity.
Bracketron UFM-100BL Nav-Mat GPS Friction Dash Pad
UPDATE: JUNE 21, 2008
I just received and email from Dash telling me that because I was an early-adopter and purchased the unit before May 31, '08 (for $100 more than it's current price) they are giving me another 3 months of free Dash service. You gotta love a company like that! I have paid extra to be the first to get something many times but I have never had a manufacturer or retailer reward me for doing it. Way to go Team Dash!!!
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 07, 2008
Dash has announced that it will no longer be producing this GPS (or any other for that matter). They are going to try to stay in business by selling their technology to other manufacturers. It's a shame, it wasn't perfect but it IS the future of GPS units. I am on the month-to-month plan with their service and was still renewed this month so I am guessing that they will continue offering it for a while at least. Unless these really go on sale (like for $100) I would not suggest that anyone purchase a Dash now. It was a good product that would have been better if they could have hung on. Pity.
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