While I don't like the idea of carrying superfluous electronics on a thru hike, this gadget looks like it'd be nice to have for backpacking trips where more time is spent camping, or for bike touring.

https://www.meetearl.com/

It can use gpx files, so the track and waypoint files we use on our handheld gps devices should work with this. This will be even better if this uses a standard battery that can be changed by users so that old batteries can be replaced in a few years.

The flexible screen should mean the screen will be more durable--no cracks.


Android 4.1 • Flexible 6" E-ink screen (1024x768) • Sunlight viewable with lunar lantern mode • Glove friendly IR touchscreen • Waterproof shell • Kickstand • Solar charging • i.MX 6 DualLight 1GHz Cortex A9 • 1GB ram • 16GB memory + microSD • Wifi b/g/n • BT 4.0 • ANT+ • NFC • FRS/GMRS/MURS • GPS + GLONASS • Accelerometer • Gyroscope • Magnetometer • Temperature • Barometer • Humidity • Anemometer • AM/FM/SW/LW • IR blaster • 20+ hour battery • 20" usb lanyard • 303 grams (10.8 oz) • 183mm x 121mm x 15mm (7.2" x 4.75" x 0.6")