There is nothing wrong with technology. I'd wouldn't worry about it. What do you need for your written? What do you need for your flight test? If the iPad in not need for those, wait. I've managed 16,000 hours without an iPad, so it can be done.

Two sectional charts per year = $18.00
Six airport facility directory = $33.00
Clip board from Staples = $2
Pen = $1
Total = $54

Sportys ipad kit: kneeboard, cloth, charger, sleeve, stylus, 2 mounts. = $99.95
Bad Elf Pro = $149.95
Foreflight Basic = $74.99 per year
Ipad 64GB = $699.99
And for back up:
Two sectional charts per year = $18.00
Six airport facility directory = $33.00
Clip board from Staples = $2
Pen = $1
Total = $1078.88

Difference = $1024.88
Using $6.39 for my local avgas and a C172 burn of 8gph, that is 160.4 gallons of fuel or over 20 hours of flight fuel. Easy choice for me, but I'm not rich so I think about money.