Apps What device do i need to start developing

[yokkotorro]

Hi, I am looking at getting into Android development and would like to know what Android device is suited best from a developers perspective. I have been asked to develop a simple Android phone app, do i actually need to purchase a phone or will the simulator be sufficient? Is developing for a tablet the same as developing for a phone? If anyone could give me any guidance or recommended a suitable device it would be highly appreciated.

Cheers

 

[blundell]

It depends what you will be developing, for simple applications the emulator will suffice, but you can never beat real device testing!

Don't trust the emulators for video testing, for this you will definitely need a device.

If you can't afford a device you could try Mobile Application Testing on Real Devices - Perfecto Mobile these will give you 1 hour free testing everytime you 'sign up' ;-)

As for a device to test with I would recommend the Nexus One, this can be bought sim free with no locks and runs 2.2 but is capable of being flashed to any Android Version. There is an actual developer device android offer but why would you want that since know one is ever going to use in in real life, the nexus one gives you this.

For now developing for a tablet is the same, although device testing will be different and your folder structure for resources will have to include hdpi drawables and maybe even layouts, but there is no clear guidance on this I have read yet.

 

[yokkotorro]

I will check out the Nexus One. If anybody has anymore information about the differences between phone vs tablet development i would love to hear it.

Thanks for the response.

 

[yokkotorro]

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