Absolutely nothing wrong with dead reckoning. I navigated quite successfully in the Australian bush for a few years without the use of navaids. I did however, make sure my navigation was as accurate as I could make it. That required the use of a whizz wheel. Didn't have GPS and very few DMEs and VORs on the stations out there. ADFs were often rendered useless by the thunderstorms.
It seems that we've hijacked this thread. For that I apologise to the originator.
Scameron and others, check ebay for deals but know your prices first. Be sensible with purchases such as nav bags, clipboards and the like. As for a calculator? Find a nice cheap simple one that can fit in your pocket. That's all you'll need. Go the simple option first while you figure out your own personal style. Don't skimp on things that have a protective function, ie sunglasses and head sets.