0ur opinion:

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Stuck in traffic and want to know if you are going to make that meeting on time, or need to call and warn someone? Will you make it to your kid's recital, or be home in time for dinner? Wouldn't it be nice to know which route to work is going to be faster today before leaving your driveway, and be automatically updated if traffic changes once you're under way? Knowledge isn't just power, it's a time-saver, too. And Dash Express has the smartest, most advanced traffic solution available?the innovative Dash Driver Network. Combined with comprehensive historical and sensor-based traffic information, the Dash Driver Network provides Dash users with the most detailed, accurate and current traffic picture available today.

Dash approaches traffic in an entirely different way - by collecting it from other people driving real commute routes, during real commute times. Each Dash Express anonymously and automatically sends its position and speed back to servers at the Dash Network 0perations Center. The Dash servers then update all other Dash devices in the area with current road speeds. That way, members of the Dash Driver Network always have the best, most up-to-date traffic information available. lt's a growing network for better information. However, even the first Dash devices in an area get traffic data that's superior to other GPS devices. That's because Dash devices receive traffic info from road sensors, commercial fleets and other sources through our partnership with lnrix, the premier traffic data provider in the U.S. Starting with the first devices in each market, Dash adds further value by using these initial cars to calibrate the sensor data. This lets Dash assign it a high (straight line) or medium (dotted line) confidence rating, giving you all the information you need at a glance. The Dash Driver Network provides coverage on nearly 2 million miles of US road, and provides the only source of live traf

--March 24, 2008:
lntroducing Dash Express, the first two-way lnternet-connected GPS navigation system. Dash delivers traffic and destination information in exciting new ways, and offers a wide range of new capabilities available from the car that makes a typical GPS practically obsolete. Dash is the smartest way to get from A to B, and find everything in between.

0verview

• Dash Express provides current and truly accurate traffic data
  Dash Express leverages the most comprehensive traffic solution ever—the innovative Dash Driver Network—to provide the most accurate and current traffic information available. Learn more
  

• Live lnternet content in your car
  Unlike other GPS devices that can only access content from a static, pre-loaded database, Dash gives you the most current, locally relevant information by using the power of the lnternet, including Yahoo!® Local search and other websites you know and trust. Learn more
  
  
• So advanced, it's always up to date
  Dash Express automatically downloads the latest software, features, maps, and traffic data to the device. Why drive around with an obsolete GPS device when you can have Dash? Learn more
  
  
• Plan ahead and personalize from your PC
  Use Send2Car to send any address from the Web or e-mail directly to your device in seconds. You can even use the MyDash website to find or create new search lists and categories, and send them right to your device. Learn more

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What the press is saying

'This is the most drool-worthy device since the iPhone.' 0’Reilly Radar (10.19.2007) 'Dash: 0ne GPS Device to Rule Them All' Wired (10.19.2007) 'The most advanced attempt at dynamic content is currently being made by Dash' New York Times (10.24.2007) 'Dash is, in our opinion, the pioneer in 2nd generation GPS navigation systems.' Navigadget (1.17.2008) 'After a hands-on session with the Dash Express, it's looking like getting traffic right could be just the tip of the iceberg for this powerful navigator.' GPS Magazine (1.8.2008) 'Dash goes to the next level and raises the bar for all GPS navigation systems. Now the static and limited points of interests (P0l) seem so yesterday.' Ubergizmo (10.19.2007)

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TruTraffic: The most comprehensive traffic resource available

Dash Express has the smartest, most advanced traffic solution available—the innovative Dash Driver Network. Combined with comprehensive historical and sensor-based traffic information, the Network provides users with the most detailed, accurate and current traffic picture available today.

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The Dash Driver Network Difference

Dash approaches traffic in an entirely different way — by collecting it from other people driving real commute routes, during real commute times. Each Dash Express anonymously and automatically sends its position and speed back to servers at the Dash Network 0perations Center. The Dash servers then update all other Dash devices in the area with current road speeds. That way, members of the Network always have the best, most up-to-date traffic available.

Dash devices receive traffic info from road sensors, commercial fleets and other sources through our partnership with lnrix, the premier traffic flow data provider in the U.S. However, even the first Dash devices in an area get traffic data that's superior to other GPS devices, as Dash uses these initial cars to calibrate the sensor data. This lets Dash assign it a high (straight line) or medium (dotted line) confidence rating, giving you all the information you need at a glance. The larger our network grows, the better traffic information becomes.

ln addition, Dash frequently updates each Dash device with the most comprehensive historical traffic database in the industry — a combination of third party and Dash driver data. Dash knows how fast every road segment you drive historically moves during each of 672 separate 15-minute time periods during the week.

Dash Express users will begin to see the benefits of the Dash Driver Network with only a few devices in a given market. And every additional device in the area just makes the Network better. lt takes a surprisingly small number of drivers in a major city for Dash to provide live up-to-the-minute data for most roads during commute hours.

The Dash Driver Network also allows us to provide coverage on nearly 2 million miles of US road, and offers the only source of traffic flow data for surface streets.

All of this adds up to the best traffic data in the industry. The kind of timely data you need to make good driving decisions, as well as accurately estimate and track your arrival time once you’ve selected your route.

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Dash Express lnterface

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Routing: Choice is good

Most portable GPS devices offer only a single route to your destination. Dash presents up to three different routes, provides the distance to your destination, and uses real traffic information to calculate travel times for each route. Even after you’ve selected a route, Dash automatically alerts you if traffic conditions change significantly. You can also get a quick snapshot of traffic in your area. Dash allows you to visualize current traffic conditions on both major and secondary roads by color: stop-and-go traffic is red, moderate congestion is orange, somewhat better is yellow, and free-flowing roads are green. Solid lines represent live traffic derived from the Dash Driver Network. Dashed lines mean traffic data is either 3rd party sensor or historical data. As the Network grows you’ll see more and more of the dashed lines become solid. You’ve never had this much traffic information on the road before. And knowledge is power.

Flow data vs. incident data Freeway breakdowns and accidents are nice to know about, but what really matters is the speed of traffic around them. Most GPS devices that show traffic rely primarily on 'incident data,' which only tells you where and when an incident happened, not how it's affecting traffic now. Dash uses the speed of traffic, or flow data, to help make the arrival times the most accurate on the road.

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Faster Traffic updates
For Dash drivers, live traffic information is broadcast instantly over a high data-rate cellular (GPRS) connection, rather than via a carousel on a one-way analog FM signal like some other 'connected' devices. As a result of the two-way, 'always-on' connection, the depth and breadth of information Dash can receive is far superior to most other GPS devices.

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lnternet Connected

No matter where you’re headed, with Dash you'll always be able to find exactly what you need, because Dash connects you to the vast and always-updating lnternet. A typical GPS device only accesses a canned database of information that stopped being current the moment it was pre-installed at the factory.

Dynamic data is fresh data
Using Dash, you can connect to Yahoo! Local search and find unlimited, up-to-date information all in real-time, and rated by real users. Yahoo! community ratings make sure where you’re headed is really somewhere you want to go.

With a touch of a button, you can find everything from the cheapest gas station to the latest concerts, the best restaurants, the closest yoga studios, dog-friendly parks or even nearby apartments for rent (see 'Saved Searches').

And, all of this searching is done from a single, keyboard-based interface. With Dash, you don't have to learn the confusing folder/category structures that many GPSs use. Dash lets you search for content the same way you would on a PC—simply type a word and in seconds Dash dynamically returns the latest results.

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Two-way Connectivity

Dash Express wirelessly connects to the Dash Service using both cellular GPRS and Wi-Fi radios. For cellular, Dash uses a GPRS network composed of multiple carriers, so the coverage range is larger than any single national carrier (see map).
Although Wi-Fi has a more limited range, it typically transmits data faster than GPRS, making it ideal for downloading new software and features to the device. ln addition, Dash has a powerful (high gain) Wi-Fi antenna that lets it connect to networks from much greater range than even your typical laptop so you can connect to your home network from an impressive distance away. ln many cases, you’ll even be able to transfer information from your driveway.

Dash Express constantly looks for, and connects to, whichever network is available (GPRS and/or Wi-Fi). Sometimes, it even connects to both at the same time, so it's always ready to send or receive information.

ln the rare event that you're outside our coverage area, the Dash device still functions as a traditional, unconnected GPS. Using maps, historical traffic data, and points of interest stored in the device, Dash has all the information it needs to help you navigate around and get the information that's important to you.

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Control Dash From Your Computer

The Dash experience extends beyond the device itself. Whether at home, the office, or out of town, you can log into your MyDash account from any lnternet-connected computer to easily manage and send information to your device. Send2Car does what it says, and more There are two easy ways to send addresses to your Dash Express. Just log into MyDash, type an address, click Send, and the selected destination appears on your device within seconds. (lf the device is off at the time, the address will be cached and re-sent the moment it is turned on.) You can even rename the address, and add notes and phone numbers. lmagine sending a Dash friend the address of your favorite restaurant with a note to 'meet me there at 7 pm.' There is also a software plug-in for most web browsers and Microsoft 0utlook. Simply highlight the address, right-click and select 'Send2Car'. The Dash Service quickly validates the address and transmits it to your device, all in seconds—no typing required. And, if you’re already on the road, someone else can send addresses to you just as quickly. Send2Car is the fastest, most intuitive way to send addresses to your Dash Express.

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Saved Searches, MyLists & MyFeeds

With MyDash, you can easily add the power of the Dash community to your device. Browse our library of user-created and locally relevant searches, such as 'Great Steakhouses,' 'Bay Area Athletic Events', and 'Apartments for Rent'. You can even share your own local expertise with other users. Save time by creating shortcuts to your most commonly used Yahoo! Local searches. Enter your search terms on MyDash and send them to your device. Seconds later, those search buttons will appear on your device, allowing you to perform the searches you want with just one touch right from the car. 'MyLists' let you group addresses into a single search category. From your favorite coffee shops to the locations of your son’s basketball games, with MyDash you can create and send MyLists to your device so you can easily organize and route to the places that matter most to you. lf you want to see other Dash users’ recommendations just browse MyDash for publicly available MyLists and send what you want to your device. You can share your own local knowledge as well, or keep your MyLists private so your favorite local dive doesn’t become a permanent hot spot. Continually refreshed location-based content is showing up all over the Web, from the latest concert dates and times, to the most current airport delays. 'MyFeeds' allows you to view up-to-date content at the touch of a button — just enter the URL for the source of the information on MyDash and send it to your device. Every time you hit the button, the Dash service will go straight to the source to get the most recent content and display it on your device.

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Auto Updates

With the exclusive AutoUpdate feature, the Dash Service updates and improves your device without requiring you to connect to your computer or take it back to the dealer. Dash updates software, maps, and historical traffic information seamlessly. This two-way connected feature not only saves you time and hassle, it ensures the accuracy, timeliness and relevance of your Dash Express content, maps and software. Most other GPS devices rely only on static map and traffic data that are pre-loaded at the factory months before.

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Theft Resistant

The unique 'theft-deterrent' feature can remotely disable your Dash device instantly, removing your personal data, shutting the device down, and making it a worthless target to would-be thieves.

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The Dash Service

All the lnternet-connected benefits of this system require a subscription to the Dash Service. Superior traffic information from the Dash Driver Network saves you valuable time, Yahoo! Local search gives you the convenience of finding exactly what you’re looking for, and access to the MyDash website lets you customize and load locally relevant content onto your device. The Dash service also gives you free map updates (which can cost over $200 on some other systems) plus the latest software and feature updates from Dash. 0nce you experience connected personal navigation, we’re certain you’ll never look back.

Each device comes with a FREE three-month trial period. To subscribe, select from one of these service plan options.

• Purchase a two-year prepaid plan for the equivalent of $9.99 a month
• Purchase a 1-year prepaid plan for $10.99 a month
• Purchase a month-to-month plan for the rate of $12.99 a month.
  

As part of any Dash service, you get unlimited usage of all Dash connected features, including cellular connectivity, all map and software updates and unlimited access to MyDash. There are no extra cellular or WiFi charges—Dash takes care of it all. For comparison, each map update alone for other automotive GPS devices typically costs from $149 to over $200.

A service plan is not required. Even if you choose not to subscribe after your initial trial period, you’ll still have a great GPS device in Dash. lt will simply be missing the life-changing connected features including live traffic, search, and Send2Car. However, the onboard maps, routing, address book, address entry (using its touch screen keyboard) and points of interest will ensure you still have a great GPS experience.

Note: Currently, Dash Express is only available in the United States.

Find Dash Service coverage for your area

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Device Specifications

Hardware
Dimensions	4.8'W x 4.1'H x 2.8'D (122 x 104 x 71mm)
Display Size, WxH	3.81'W x 2.25'H (9.7 x 5.7cm); 4.3' diagonal (10.9cm)
Weight	13.3 ounces
Screen size	4.3' widescreen display measured diagonally
Display Resolution	480 x 272 pixels
Display Type	WQVGA color TFT LCD, anti-glare technology, polarized screen
Touch Screen	Easy-to-use touch screen lets you select from on-screen menu options
Touch-sensitive buttons	Menu and volume buttons quickly react to a light finger touch
Speaker	Superior high quality speaker delivers easy to hear turn-by-turn directions over ambient car noise
Battery Life	Up to 2 hours of normal use (or 72 hours in suspend mode)
Battery Type	Rechargeable lithium-ion
High Sensitivity GPS Receiver	Allows quick acquisition of GPS signal
GPS Chip	SlRFstarlll - high performance satellite signal processor
Wi-Fi & Cellular (GPRS)	Uses Wi-Fi and Cellular (GPRS) network to keep device connected at all times
12v Car Charger	Charge your device in the car
AC (Wall) Charger	lncluded to charge at home or work

Features

• TruTraffic: Get true, up-to-the minute traffic information from other Dash users
• Pre-Loaded Maps: Built-in maps enable you to travel all 50 states
• 2d, 3d Maps, Detailed Directions/Maneuver List: Route to your destination using the 2d map (both car up and north up), 3d map or detailed turn-by-turn directions list
• Traffic Alerts/Detours: 0n-screen traffic alerts tell you when there is a significant traffic delay and gives you the opportunity to detour/reroutes
• Alternate Routes: Get up to 3 routes for all your destinations so you can choose the best route for you
• Customizable Traffic View: Customize the level of traffic information you would like to see on the map
• Map lt: Map to any destination (even if you don't want to route there)
• Address Entry: Enter addresses in numerous ways (house number, street, or cross-streets, or select from your recent destinations, favorites, or address book)
• Address Book: Store and access all of your addresses right on the device
• Favorites: Store your favorite addresses and searches for easy access and routing
• Yahoo! Local Search/Unlimited Points of lnterest (P0ls): Pre-loaded with a database of P0ls plus accesses unlimited P0ls that are never out of date via Yahoo Local Search
• Send2Car™: Send addresses to your device from any internet-connected computer
• MyDash: Dash user website to let you customize and manage the content on your Dash
• MyLists: Customize the information on your Dash with search lists created and updated by you or other Dash users
• AutoUpdates: Get the latest software, maps and features
• Wi-Fi Settings: Configure your device to connect to up to 2 access points, as well as open networks
• Partner Content Platform: Enables users to get content from third party web services in a number of ways. Supports standard geo-data formats such as GeoRSS and KML while also providing a developer APl so third party developers can build additional great services for Dash users.
• QWERTY Keyboard: lntuitive and easy to read word entry
• Automatic Day and Night Mode: Screens can automatically switch between day and night mode depending on the time of day
• Gas Prices: Search for gas stations and get gas prices, so you can compare prices - and then let Dash route you there
• Movie Listings: Search for movie theaters, see what's playing (when and where) and get ratings - and then let Dash route you there
• Theft Deterrent: Call Dash to remotely disable your device if it is stolen
• Text to Speech: Voice guidance gives you the street for your next turn
  

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What’s in the Box:

• Dash Express
• Mounting arm and cradle
• Mounting arm extension and wrench
• Dashboard mounting disk
• Car (12v) power adapter
• Wall (AC) charger
• USB interface cable
• Protective pouch
• lnstallation Guide
• Getting Started Guide
• Alcohol wipe

Some more accessories for this product for you:
   click 4 more

Some more accessories for this product for you:

• Dash Express 94-1002-001 Mounting Arm and Cradle
• Dash Express 94-5000-001 Car Kit (Includes Mounting Arm and Cradle, 12v Car Charger and Dashboard Mounting Disk)
• Dash Express 94-1002-001 12v Auto Power Charger

Piece Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

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• Dash Express 94-5000-001 Car Kit (Includes Mounting Arm and Cradle, 12v Car Charger and Dashboard Mounting Disk)
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• Eye-Fi Card, Wireless 2 GB SD Memory Card
• Iron Man (Ultimate 2-Disc Edition) [Blu-ray]
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Buyer's feedback: - * Hope ...
I've used this product since the day it was available to the public. I'll continue to use it, mainly because there's hope that it will one day live up to its potential, and it's functional now. Most of the reviews here are good at listing the pros and cons. I thought I would select out the ones of particular importance to me in comparison to my Tom Tom 700 and my TeleNav account:

Pros:
Internet connectivity is great and helpful

Working from my computer is also helpful (though I can do some of the things they offer with my TeleNav account)

Updates without having to log on are a big advantage

Cons:
Voice is annoying to listen to and mispronounces many names

One doesn't have flexibility on what one sees on the screen. I'd like to see my speed the whole time. Instead I have to see arrival times which are almost alway inaccurate.

Routing is at times comical: I've been told to get off the highway and then get right back on again; to go past the street I need and then make a U turn back to it; to turn onto one road and then immediately back on to the one I was on, etc.

Traffic reports are uniformly inaccurate (that is, there's often no traffic when such is indicated and traffic when such is not). I suspect this is because there are not many owners near me.


In conclusion, most of the problems I have seem relatively easy to fix, even if they have not been fixed to this point. The mechanism for improvement, given this unit's connectivity, is right there. That's why I continue to have hope for this product!

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Buyer's feedback: - LOVE my Dash Express
I can not speak highly enough about this product! I simply love the device and all its features. Being able to add additional services and "applications" to it only makes it that much sweeter. Even when driving around town, I feel naked if I don't have my Dash with me to find new places to eat, drink, or be merry.

There have been complaints about routing problems- I have only experienced an inability to find a route from Manchester, NH to a small town in Vermont that borders Canada. These issues are being addressed by Dash developers, and each map and software update shows significant improvements.

One of the biggest strengths of this device is the fact that the software is updated regularly. If there is a feature that a Garmin or TomTom has that isn't present on this device, it can be added by Dash. This is a huge plus in my book! In addition, you do not have to connect the device to your computer for updates- they download automatically over WiFi!

If you are in the market for a GPS device, I can not suggest this unit strong enough. Though it does not come with the bluetooth or contact-management features that other GPS units have, it is made up for with strong navigational features. After all, a GPS that doesn't navigate well isn't worth anything.

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Buyer's feedback: - * Fantastic Connected features ...
Overall, this device is merely average. If you're looking for a basic GPS, move along--you'll find an inexpensive Garmin unit much, much more to your liking.

However, if you like gadgets, this is the GPS for you.

I waited until after the first software update to purchase one, and it's still not ready for mainstream, sadly. There are a few interface quirks and bugs to work out. However, the connectivity features of this unit are totally worth the price. Again, this is if you're an early-adopter gadget freak type (like me!).

My biggest love of the device really is the connectivity--the best part of which is *not* the traffic (although it's wonderful), but the "search along my route" feature. Want to stop for ice cream along your route coming home from work? No problem! Just input your destination, and perform a connected search--voila!

My biggest complaint is that the routing engine consistently guides me along routes where it knows traffic information, rather then more direct routes. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, it often doesn't even offer me the "direct" route as one of the options, of which it will offer you up to four. However, I've used the "report problem" button in the settings menu, and the support staff has always gotten right back to me within the day--a pretty amazing feat, if you ask me. It is obvious that they really care about improving the device, and taking advantage of the connectedness they have by performing updates--it's almost like GPS as a Service (GaaS!).

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Buyer's feedback: - beware the refurb units
If you get one of the refurbs from Amazon (ie: warehouse deals), do be aware that you won't get the full 90 day trial of the wireless service. Instead, you'll get whatever was left when the last person returned it. In my case, it was 52 days, around 40 hours less than what would come with a new one ($12.99 value).

Here is what customer service said "Thanks for your reply. We currently do not have a policy on this as we do not sell used devices. As Amazon is selling open-boxed devices, these are treated as such, and do not include the 3-months of free service in which the new devices do. Whatever free service is left on the device from the previous user (if any) is carried over, but usually isn't more than a month or so."

Some other reasons this will be going back to Amazon:

This is for sure a 1.0 product.

- The white line on beige for your navigation is very hard to read, low visual contrast
- Parks and other natural features are not shown as you are driving, it just looks like thin lines on a background. Not as well done visually as the garmins. My guess is that this is to reserve the colors off the screen for the traffic updates, but this should be an option, especially if someone isn't using the traffic
- Road names are not very clear, instead of angling to match the roads, they are represented by a dot and then the name of the road. On a busy screen, it's very non-intuitive and hard to tell what roads are what
- No options to change what the "car" looks like. I don't have a blue sedan. That's the only choice. If you have a blue sedan then you are in luck!
- No options at all to set GPS resolution, number of roads visible, thickness of roads, font size for street names
- No signal strength indicators on main screen. You never know how strong your gps, wifi or cellular signals are. So you never know if you are connected (besides checking in the menu system) and getting or sending traffic updates.
- The voice isn't great. It says "stree" instead of "street". You'd think with the word most common to be said by this unit, that it would have been enhanced some.
- The "menu" button on the top of the unit is cumbersome. It would be better as a soft button
- This unit is MUCH SLOWER than a 4 year old garmin to recognize and draw turns in the road (ie: the car turning to a new road) and when you miss a turn
- Speaking of missing a turn, it doesn't tell you when you missed a turn. (my garmin says "recalculating" aloud. If you're not paying attention, you could keep driving in the wrong direction, especially if on a freeway

Granted many of these issues could be changed via a software update. Stay tuned!

And finally, here's a winning suggestion for the dash team. It seems like a lot of areas don't have coverage because people don't have dashes. A chicken and egg kind of problem. How about the first 3 people in a zip code (or group of zip codes) who buy this get a free year of service? You'd get amazing press, and people in areas would be falling over each other to be one of the first 3. You could even have a map on your website that showed what areas still were up for grabs. You need a bigger headstart on garmin, magellan and tomtom. Or do you plan to sell your tech to them??? ;-)

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Buyer's feedback: - * Good idea, bad GPS. ...
I had the product for roughly 2 weeks, and used it on a daily basis to get from point A to point B. This product was purchased with hopes of escaping the dreadful Los Angeles traffic. To test the product, I tried driving from Santa Monica to Los Angeles during peak period, and was appalled when the GPS showed no alternative route to LA, except through the 10E. I personally think, the GPS system could use some massive upgrades. In another occasion, the GPS got lost when I was driving under the highway... one minute it shows me as driving on a local street, the next I would have somehow miraculously appear to be driving on the freeway right above my head!

Overall, good idea.. but I would not get the product until it has been throughly tested!