Yep what 1Louder said, all you need is a Bluetooth GPS, no need for buying something else with a screen. So how do you like under $60 as opposed to under $600?
Well, I wouldn't say I completely disagree, I don't have GAIA but I have HEMA Explorer and everyone has told me it's the same thing. I don't like it all that well, but there are some things about it I like, probably a matter of preference or experience using it in a real world setting. I can use it but I don't prefer it to try and accurately describe my opinion.
Same engine. Different maps. Big discussion on the Hema thread and I will leave it at that. Hema licensed Gaia code for now and it may change down the road. Gaia's out of box map offerings are second to none.
Like ANY software take the time to learn how to use it. Gaia has a small learning curve. Some folks might say it is a huge learning curve BUT if you go to the help site and read up you CAN learn how to use the software. It's very powerful. MotionX is a good cheap app. I don't like the maps in it. They are a pain to download as well compared to GAIA. However, if I want to use my phone as a backup and even use a different app instead of say, Gaia, to record a track. Motion X works great. I don't rely on it for maps though.
Gaia also just did a big update. When "hand" drawing a route in the app if you choose Vehicle mode the route will snap to the road you are drawing over. While it is not 100% perfect it is now a big time saver as it does seem to draw on top of most of the forest roads I have tried it with. Again learn how to use the tool. All of these apps are very powerful.
In Summary:
Use Tablet with a Bluetooth GPS. Or you can use your phone as your device. Phone will not work as a GPS unit for the tablet.
Get good software - You can easily do a search on this. All of these apps have been discussed many times over
Learn how to use said software
- Learn how to import and export tracks
- Learn how to record tracks
- Learn how to download maps for offline use so you don't have to a cellular connection
MANY personal preferences for software. I am a "power" user of Gaia. I also own Hema, Delorme Earthmate, Motion-X, and probably a few others I am forgetting about. I have tried nearly all of the current apps. My opinions are that. We all have them and mine are free.....