I recently read a discussion on facebook requesting that ESRI create an ArcPad version that runs on the Android OS. Several ESRI employees associated with ArcPad development responded in one way or another. I was amazed or should I say dismayed by their contention that no one would want to use a phone as a data gathering platform because in general, they are not rugged devices.
As a long time ArcPad and rugged PDA user, I would like to point out some of the realities of using so called rugged PDAs. First, the low end devices may be rugged while still in the box but in fact out there in the real world, they don't last as long as we expect. These devices are expensive ($1,000+) and expensive to fix. Unlike phones, you usually can't buy parts on eBay or even from the manufacturers so do it yourself repairs are normally out of the question. For example, a dealer or factory screen replacement for my Trimble Recons exceeds $600 per unit. I buy new NEC screens on eBay for about $25 and replace them myself in about 20 minutes. None of the other Recon components are available so when something like a CF slot goes dead (a common problem), the Recon is toast.
Second, though there are videos on the web were people drop them on the floor or throw them into swimming pools, most of us know better than to abuse them like this. The fact is, rugged PDAs aren't as necessary as many people think.
I would like to be able to buy a cheap mobile device that isn't rugged and throw it away if it breaks or get it repaired for something less than 50% of the original purchase price. Low end android based tablets are getting cheap so why use a high priced rugged device? Maybe the only barrier to this strategy is ESRIs unrealistic assumptions about the needs of its user base.
