Re: Mobile Application Development

[ickyb0d]

I've actually had some experience developing applications for cell phones. I've only used J2ME for those applications. Basically it's a smaller version of Java: Java MicroEdition. I found the language extremely easy to pickup since I had already done some work in Java already. There's also a Java Wireless Toolkit that can be VERY helpful in simply debugging and creating programs.

Although a majority of PDA's, Cell Phones and Mobile devices come with J2ME; there are still some devices that do not support it. So that might limit your compatability. If it's just going to be a small application (like on a cell phone) I would recommend J2ME. I'm not sure if you need all the bulk (that I assume comes with) Win CE.

[scmason]

Uhm, WinCE/PocketPC devices are not supported with J2ME, and they do make up a larger portion of the PDA market than is being given credit here. Additionally ( and unfortunatley) is is growing on the 'smart phone' market.

Previous versions had Sun Java support, but that was years and years ago. This information is available from the supported device list

[ickyb0d]

Upon doing some quick web browsing. I was able to find some Pocket PC's with J2ME and MIDP support. But I do agree with you that J2ME is meant for mostly phones and a limited amount of other mobile devices; although it might not be geared towards PDA's. It seems like it's getting hard and harder to classify everything with all of the new technologies and (as you said) 'smart phones' coming out.