Dolly was nearly 3 when she arrived and despite previously only going outside she uses pads successfully. I bought the frame tray thing with the fake grass but dumped the grass and replaced with a vinyl perforated sink mat which is soft and squidgy to stand on and drains immediately. I bought a couple of these mats and put them in the washing machine regularly. Pads bought in bulk are pretty reasonable and this works well for us. No smell as I change the pad daily if she's used it.
We walk 4 times a day but she will often choose to go there in preference to going out - poop is always outside unless it is a surprise
Do what suits you best but it's great to have options sometimes particularly with the weather. Best of luck.