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Cell Phones and Services for Java Developers?

Posted by Cliff on from the for-those-who-can't-get-enough-caffeine dept.

Xi asks: "My cell phone recently died, forcing me to start looking for another cell/provider. I want one which will allow me to do some simple client/server Java programming but I'm perplexed by the array of choices. Some providers let you pay to download Java apps but do they let you create your own? Several providers can utilize phones on which Java runs but do they have to host some sort of software on their side? For instance can I use a Java enabled phone with T-mobile? Nokia, Nextel, Motorola (who shipped a Developer's CD with my October copy of Java Developers Journal) and its recent acquisition, AT&T, Sprint (new pricing), and others are all claiming Java this and Java that but what am I really 'getting' and what are fellow Slashdot-reading Java developers really using?"

1 of 18 comments (clear)

  1. Quite simple by Korgan · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I use a Nokia 7650 (which replaced a Nokia 6310). This phone is fully J2ME (in fact, I use a Java app to browse HTML pages coz the internal WAP browser doesn't cut it).

    (Disclaimer: My J2ME experience on cellphones is limited to the Nokia 7650 and the 6310i. Everything stated for here applies only to those platforms)

    When you download a J2ME application, 2 things need to be taken in to account. 1) Does the app use a resolution that will fit on your screen (same size or smaller that is). 2) Do you have enough storage space for it?

    Once you've answered those, there is no other hassles with a J2ME application (short of any programming or compatibility issues). Just install it and run it from the menu.

    You can download the J2ME applications from anywhere you choose. Download them to your PC and then transfer them across (via irda or bluetooth in my case), or download them directly from the net to the phone. With the Nokia 7650 you can even get them via POP3/IMAPv4 if you wanted.

    Anyway.... J2ME applications reside on the phone, run on the phone, and are controlled by you and the settings of your phone. Once you've downloaded the application, the Telco/ISP has no control over the application itself (outside of licensing issues).

    You do not need the Telco/ISP to write your own J2ME applications and run them on your J2ME capable phone.