You don't really have to have any knowledge of Linux to use this device. I hadn't touched Linux before I bought my tablet Unless your trying early alpha/beta software, its usually a One-Click install.

The only real problem with the GPS is a slower lock time than stand-alone devices. Installing A-GPS usually gives me a fix time of less than a minute (most of the time). If I don't get a signal immediately, its usually not a huge concern because I know most of the areas that I start driving away from.