I used paper maps for years, primarily the DeLorme Atlases. I would copy the sections I needed, then rely on free state/county/local maps from the various Chamber's of Commerce. I have used my smartass phone, as well as the eTrex. I love the eTrex but still back it up with some version of a paper map. For trip planning I use Google Maps and quite often head into street view to get a general idea of what an area looks like. I also like to use the terrain overlay if it is somewhere I don't normally ride, it has saved me more than once.

Aaron