Recall, ArcPad is ESRI's solution that enables GIS data collection in the field, integration with additional devices (like a GPS or camera) and provides for efficient data sharing. ArcPad 8 was recently released and offers some much improved functionality - most notably, better use of screen real estate, advanced data sharing and data sync, and much more.

Below are just 10 compelling reasons to look at ArcPad 8 or as I like to say... 10 Cool Things About ArcPad 8

1. Synchronize Edits with ArcGIS Server
2. The new ArcGIS Server ArcPad extension will allow users to publish an ArcPad project to ArcGIS Server.
3. ArcPad 8 will have a new look and feel with modern icons and toolbars that use less screen real estate
4. The GPS position dialog will be replaced by the new GPS status bar, which is a translucent toolbar
5. The ArcPad Data Manager extension will give users more options when preparing data for ArcPad
6. Maintenance is currently offered with ArcPad 8.
7. ArcPad supports field devices, such as GPS receivers, rangefinders, and integrated digital cameras with GIS data collection
8. ArcPad Data Manager Extension for ArcGIS Desktop replaces the ArcPad Tools for ArcGIS Desktop that came with previous versions of ArcPad.
9. The ArcPad user interface is available in a number of languages
10. The StreetMap extension is included in ArcPad core functionality and is bundled with the latest streetmap data from Tele Atlas - this is tremendous value!

Just a few recent uses and users of ArcPad include:

• Weed Abatement - City of Riverside, California
• Field Mapping Time Cut in Half Using Edgecombe County, North Carolina
• Mobile GIS Improves Asset Inspections and Cuts Costs, Laurens Electric Cooperative (LEC), South Carolina
• Disaster Relief, North Carolina, Division of Public Health
• West Nile Virus Surveillance System With ArcPad
• U.S. Census 2010 Supported by ArcPad Mobile GIS Technology

A huge selling point for ArcPad 8 is the tighter integration with ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Server  - think integration with the enterprise GIS!

Up and running fast, easily customized, simple to integrate with the enterprise. Users looking to create custom mobile GIS apps developed on ARcPAd will require ArcPad Studio

ArcPad is supported on the following Mobile platforms:

Windows Mobile 5.0
Windows Mobile 6.0
Windows Mobile 6.1

Suggested Resources:

• To hear about ArcPad 8 direct from the development team listen to this fine podcast (MP3)
• More ESRI Podcasts here
• what's Coming in ArcPad 8
• The ArcPad Team Blog
• Video from EDN - Effective ArcPad Customization
• ESRI's ArcPad 8 Features Improved Customization and User Interface 
  
• For an interesting user story see Reykjavik City Graffiti Tracking and Cleaning Project with GPS Mapping