User Interface + Web UI.

[Sami]

We would like to update our Windows CE 3.0 and PocketPC 2003 apps to the
..NET Compact Framework. Before we start rewriting our old apps there are 2
questions that we need to be answered.

1) Since our old app UI looks quite boring we would like to update the UI to
be a bit more modern. Is it advisable to use a 3rd party UI Component? The
only thing that hinders us from buying a 3rd party UI Component Package is
the ROI?

2) We would also like to be able to make our app platform independant. Is it
better to have a WindowsForms application or a Web application for best
results. I always thought that in order to take advantage of the system it
is better to develop a WindowsForms app.

Any information would be appreciated.

 

[tamberg]

1) Using 3rd party controls can make sense. More important than the
cost: you'll be dependant on the manufacturer. Once your needs exceed
the features of the 3rd party product this might become an issue.

2) The trade-off here is (always) online vs. (sometimes) offline rather
than web vs. WinForms UI. And as you said a NET CF application will be
able to make full use of the device (and still remain platform
independant to a high degree!) while a web application will be somewhat
too unaware of the underlying device.

Another possibility would be to develop additional controls yourself.
It's quite easy given .NET CF and you remain in full control.

 

[Alberto Silva]

Hi,
Take a look at Resco developer products - www.resco.net


Alberto Silva
MS Mobile Devices MVP
http://msmvps.com/AlbertoSilva

 

[Lars Black]

1) Since our old app UI looks quite boring we would like to update the UI

to
be a bit more modern. Is it advisable to use a 3rd party UI Component? The
only thing that hinders us from buying a 3rd party UI Component Package is
the ROI?

We used VDS from www.labitweb.com to make nice looking GUI - and they are
cheap as well..

Cheers,
Lars