This is the way things are going and I am glad of it. Here you have an iPad and a GPS module. The iPad is running software called ForeFlight. Behind it are examples of some of the various publications one needs to be legal to fly in our area. These charts cost a bunch of money over time. When I do a long cross country flight I have to buy lots of charts. ForeFlight provides all these publications for the entire USA for $75 per year. A single sectional chart is $9 or so. It adds up. Additionally, you can use the software and GPS to plot your location and flight plan on the electronic charts. Very cool. I still think the iPad sux.
John, you are in danger of being labeled an iHeretic, someone who doesn't believe the written word about Apple products. Personally, I'm with you, I think although the products are good to a point, but they're woefully lacking in a lot of ways,(no replaceable battery, no upgradeable memory, no SD card reader just some of the issues), overpriced and part of a very clever marketing scheme to have buyers continually need to upgrade to the next model