i was thinking of using this smd regulator for a clone, just want to make sure if it would be ideal for the job, perhaps not ideal but good enough..
datasheet
Although the data sheet claims it is a low dropout regulator, its dropout (i.e. minimum difference between Vin and Vout) is actually rather high. You could consider the LM2937 instead, which has a lower dropout voltage and is protected against reverse input voltage. The downside is that its maximum output is 500mA rather than 800mA. However, drawing more than 500mA from the +5v line of an Arduino is generally a bad idea anyway because the device doesn't have much of a heatsink, so drawing 800mA even with just 7v in might cause the device to go into thermal limiting.
To the industry LDO means less than 2V (!) In practice the 1117 drops about 1.0V for moderate currents.
Yes the 1117 regulators are popular and I've used them - large enough to be easy to solder and to dissipate a reasonable amount of heat (if the tab is soldered to a large enough area of copper).
If you have special requirements such as micropower or high Vin it's not the right choice though
alright thanks for the feed back guys , i think ill stick with the 1117 mostly because of my aplications i will fine with the dropout voltages