I'm looking to update my Garmin Nuvi 2595 to a Dzel 770 but want to run some ideas by others first. In a perfect world, I could use Google My Maps to create routes and then navigate them using an Android tablet. There are several waterproof Android tablets that are cheaper than the Dzel 770 ($300 refurbished with warranty).
Currently I ride with a Nuvi 2595 and Garmin 78. I make my routes using Google, My Maps and then export them as a *.kml file and import into Basecamp. From there I can create Garmin routes and tracks. I load the routes into my Nuvi and the tracks into my Garmin 78. The advantage of having the tracks in the 78 is that it won't change them like the Nuvi will. By using enough way points and making sure that routing preferences are the same in Nuvi and Basecamp, things usually go well there too but it's good to have a backup with the 78.
My problem is this is all a pain. I wish I could create a route in My Maps and go jump on my motorcycle and ride. The route would already be there on my Android tablet. You can SEE routes but not navigate them using the mobile Google maps app. This year Google did add a feature that lets you add "a stop" along a route but you're still limited to going from A >> B, not A >> B >> C >> D.
This means that I can't stop using Garmin and Basecamp. I can't use Google My Maps for multi-point routes. So why the update to the Dzel 770? It has the ability to connect via bluetooth as a headset (not just as a phone) to my Sena SMH10 which means that voice navigation commands will work through the Sena microphone. Is it worth $300 to be able to speak to my Garmin unit while riding and find a McDonald's and gas station along my route? Totally! <grin> So, if I can't go directly from My Maps to navigating on an Android tablet, at least I can enjoy a breakfast burrito on the road while I wait for Google to get its act together.
Advice? I know that some of you ride with tablets. I'm interested in doing this eventually. If there are good reasons to spend $200 on a waterproof tablet (like the Galaxy Tab Active) instead of $300 on a newer Garmin unit, I'm all ears. Ram makes a nice locking case for the Galaxy Active Tablet. It's not the fastest tablet out there these days but it is waterproof and can be found for under $200, new with warranty.