new PDA coder question?

[Unregistered]

Hello guys, I just found this cool site in doing research on PDAs. I need one to organize/play/program. I've done lots of apps in lots of languages(C++ incl), just never have messed with PDAs.

Now that that crap is out of the way time for a few quickies:

1. When you program apps for PDAs do they stay in the internal memory, or do you have to put them on a memstick or can you do either?

2. I am considering a Clie SL10 or Palm 125(steering to the Clie), which one should I get?

3. As far as I can tell the SL10 has Palm OS 4.1. I like to have a manual to learn a language by. Which book would you guys suggest(I've heard about the OS bible), also, does this cover Clie programming(like jog dial use) or should I look for a Progamming Clie book?

4. Any limitations/issues for programming apps on the SL10?

Any questions and comments would be appreciated. Thanks guys, and keep those keys flying!

[Eric S]

1) They can be placed in internal memory or on memory stick, but if placed on memory stick, it must be copied to internal memory (usually automatically) in order to run.

2) Hmmm.... to be honest, I'd say to try to save the extra $50 for the SJ20. Twice the RAM and rechargable batteries built in. I'm not sure about the backlight. Does anyone know if the SL10 has the same paper-white backlight the SJ-20 does? If not, that's one more (really good) reason to go with the SJ-20. The only advantage that I know the M125 has over the SL10 is that it uses SD rather than Memory Stick expansion. If the SL-10 uses the same display as the SJ-20 then the M125 will also look better with the backlight off, though MUCH better with the backlight on. Its display is not only lower resolution, but fuzzier than the Sony products.

3) I don't think you'll find any books that cover Sony programming in particular. If you go to the Sony Clie development page (can't remember the URL), you can sign up for their development program, and download the SDK (include files and documentation) for developing Sony-specific software.

While the Bible isn't my favorite PalmOS Programming book, it's the only one that I strongly like that has been updated for any PalmOS more recent than 3.5, so it's my recommendation at this time.

4) No. As long as you don't take advantage of any Clie-specific features, your software will run on non-Clie PDAs. It's not too hard to write code that only takes advantage of those Clie-specific features when they're available.