Best Mobile Development platform?

Forums › Legacy mobile platforms (Windows Mobile, Palm OS, Web OS, Symbian, Meego, Blackberry) › Best Mobile Development platform?

oDii

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Wannabe Geek
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#6709 17-Feb-2006 17:43

Currently I'm in the last year of college, and have managed to convince my CSC (computer sciences) teacher to venture into mobile development - namely Java on the iMate SP5 (given that it's a phone [justification for spending $800], supports Windows Mobile 5 and WiFi). I recommended this choice as they seem to be the cheapest option that supports Mobile 5 and WiFi, especially as I can get them for cost price thanks to work.

However, since recommending the iMate, a few more options have come to my attention (the Harrier) and wonder what you guys would recommend. Currently the iMate was chosen for its relative cheapness, nothing else - we don't see features such as a qwerty keyboard having much advantage given that most development would be done in class/on computers.

Thanks guys.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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#28693 17-Feb-2006 18:59

Welcome to Geekzone... If you are going to use Windows Mobile, why not use Visual Studio 2005 to develop this?

Java applications will need a J2ME environment, which is available on the i-mate Jasjar, but not in some other models.

Unless you want to use Java, I suggest using managed code on this platform. you will see it's much more efficient.

Are there any requirements?

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oDii

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Wannabe Geek
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#28696 17-Feb-2006 19:41

Hi, thanks for the reply.

I'm afraid my knowledge of the area is somewhat narrow - it's basically gleaned from what the head of department has said he wants to do, and my limited knowledge of cellphone technology (something I hope to rectify).

According to the iMate SP5 specifications (which are unfortunately a .GIF instead of text) it mentions under "Value Added Applications" a "Java virtual machine (J2ME, CLDC 1.1, MIDP 2.0)". I presumed this was what was required?

Regarding the use Visual Studio - I was told that we have the latest (beta?) version of the software running on a single machine, and presumed we were using this to develop. Going the Microsoft route appeals more I think, given that we'd be using stuff that'd supposedly work together instead of various technologies that'd require us to get over the quirks first.

I'll include a link to this thread in my update to the HOD; thanks again for the assistance.

freitasm

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#28697 17-Feb-2006 19:56

If it's a requirement to use Java technologies then you will need a suitable IDE for that. If you want to go the Microsoft route, then check the MSDN Mobility website.

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darrylb

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#28816 20-Feb-2006 10:07

My recommendation on developing for Windows Mobile is to use Visual Studio 2005 and the .Net Compact Framework. You'll find developing in the .Net CF to be much more efficient and straight forward than Java/J2ME, and you'll be able to do a whole lot more than you will with J2ME with a much greater level of compatibility between devices.
For example, if you developed a Bluetooth application for the Smart Phone with the .Net CF, you could then take that application to any other Windows Mobile smart Phone and have a very high level of confidence that it would work with zero re-coding. By very high chance I mean that I've never had an incompatibility problem between devices with the .Net CF - beyond versions of the Framework on the device.

In addition, Visual Studio 2005 includes really good emulators, meaning you dont have to use your device for testing - until you are ready to - of course you still can if you choose to. You'll also get emulators for Pocket PC in the same package.

I hope that helps!

Recovering technology geek, business owner, Christian, generally friendly.