Will I really need this big ass tablet?

[Bronchitis]

Just purchased a new 10" tablet to replace the "vintage" ones I rarely used. Hoping this will be more practical not only for maps but also as a substitue for a laptop. It's a real luxury as in the past the most I could expect was my using my phone. The one time I took a laptop it got bumped off and runover by the jeep behind me. Adios laptop! I'm going back & forth between OnX and GAIA. I like the features of OnX but find they don't alwyas work to create new routes -- but is that really important?

Given I'm new to Overlanding I think the basic green/blue trails will be sufficient to get me where I want to go doing what I want to do. But there's a ton on my list of things to learn and a few thoughts and comments will be greatly appreciated.

 

[ntsqd]

I use an iPad Pro for nav. With those it is crucial to get the cell capable version or you will need an external GPS connected to it.

I've looked at OnX, but been primarily a Gaia user due mostly to the ease of use in creating routes. The major stumbling block for me was not initially knowing that you have to use the webpage for creating routes, not the app on the ipad. I'm currently working on long routes (100's of miles) in both CA and UT. Still haven't run the Rattlesnake Cyn section, but other than that I've got a mostly dirt route from Big Bear to Bodie Ghost Town and am working on getting further North, but staying in CA and off of pavement up there gets difficult.

I've been using RAM mounts in my vehicles since the days of using an Asus Eee notebook for nav and haven't really seen anything that I like better.

 

[Bronchitis]

Thanks ntsqd, Ram Mounts Rule -- I used them on my motorcylce. Thanks for the insight on OnX; I'll look closer at Gaia as a better resource. I'd love to learn more and see any of your routes -- attach GPS data here or email: elroythedog@gmail.com.

 

[ntsqd]

Making your own routes is pretty easy in Gaia. Like anything there's a learning curve, but it isn't too bad. Looks like you can't try it without creating a login, at the least. Haven't used OnX enough to be able to comment about that aspect in it.