why you should be excited about dash
Published on January 17th, 2008 in gps navigation
Dash is, in our opinion, the pioneer in 2nd generation GPS navigation systems. Big names in the market are sure to follow their lead, and have actually started releasing their own models (see magellan maestro 5340). But, it looks like Dash will be the first to hit the market. They are currently taking pre-orders.
Here are a few reasons why you should be excited about these second generation GPS navigation systems, more specifically Dash Express:
use it everyday for your commuter traffic
If you are like us, most of the time you will drive to and from work without the assistance of driving directions. But, what if we said Dash Express can generate a traffic report using other Dash users on the road. As a result, you save time. Traffic information can’t be more live than that.
plan trips on your computer, then send to GPS
No matter how friendly the software is nobody wants to enter addresses with one finger on a small screen. With Dash Express you can send addresses to your GPS navigation system wirelessly from your computer. It will be as easy as right click>send to GPS with a Firefox add-on.
have someone else send addresses to your GPS
Your GPS system will have a unique number which you can share with friends who also can send you addresses wirelessly.
always up-to-date maps
Your maps will never be out of date since they will be upgraded over the air from central Dash servers.
Yahoo Local search
This means unlimited number of POIs. You can search other internet resources as well.
personalize
Create custom search buttons and send to your GPS. See below:
Wi-Fi
Did we mention in addition to GPRS and GPS antennas, Dash Express also contains a Wi-Fi antenna which allows for faster software and map updates?
With such great features comes some cost: There will be a monthly subscription fee somewhere between $10 - $13/month depending on the length of your service plan. This is in addition to the $600 you’ll pay for the device. We think it will be worth it.
Related:- Dash Express monthly rates
- Dash Express historic traffic update goes smoothly
- Dash looking for road testers
- Dash Express - send2Car
- my.dash.net
January 17th, 2008 at 7:44 am
I don’t have a gps.
Well I do, when I need it I use my laptop, streets 2007, and a usb GPS that came with it. It’s handy but I only use it when I’m going somewhere new.
I’ve been really excited about the dash since it was first announced.
I assumed the data service would be about $10 and figured I could swallow that. But when I heard it was going to be $600 for the unit I’ve really lost all excitement for the device, especially when I read comments from detractors claiming other vendors have similar products already or soon and better prices/size/whatever.
I was planning to get a GPS around March just to finally have one (and actually the initial reason for the timeframe was simply cause that’s when the dash comes out) but I don’t really know what to do.
Is the dash going to be worth $1000? (Figure it lasts for 4 years) How much do map updates cost from other vendors, how much does traffic cost from other vendors?
Their concept of having the devices report back is great, and idea I had myself, but with the device costing soo much I’m concerned that they won’t build up enough of a fan base for that killer feature to even matter. Which means it’ll just be relying on regular traffic reporting that other people have for $3.
So again, it goes back to how much are the features it has worth that justifies it’s expense over another device and do those features really matter. How do I evaluate if I need this or should just get some $200 device.
Sorry I’m new to this and this site is the only source of info I’ve really found other than maybe trying to just read a few dozen different reviews on cNet.
January 17th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
[...] Good little Dash overview at Navigadget.. [...]
January 19th, 2008 at 5:38 am
To compare with a typical Garmin device, map updates are $70 every 18 months, FM traffic is $60 per year and MSN traffic/info is first year included, $130 one time or $50 per year. BTW the FM traffic and MSN traffic are awful, don’t cover side streets and not particularly timely.