Windows CE and VB.net

[BodwadUK]

We are looking to use windows CE on a cheap system but I need to know if vb.net will work on windows CE and if there are any pit falls to this approach.

We need the ability to use the media player control and the winsock control

Anyone got any feedback on this?

[-TPM-]

AFAIK you can't just install windows CE on a normal machine, you maybe able to do it with the source code they provide. You'll need to check the CE site: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/emb...e/default.mspx

That aside you shouldn't have any trouble running the compact framework, it's scaled down but you can still write network apps. Media player maybe a bit tricky though, I think it's possible though. You might want to check the mobile section.

[Half]

Also check what is supported before you plan it. It is really frustrating to plan on using something and when you get to it, to find out that it is not offered. Not editable data grids, missing PerformClicks, missing line property of the textbox, missng tab order...those are specific things I had problems with. Just check in advance if the used version of the CF will easily let you do what you have in mind.

[Shaggy Hiker]

I've done a fair amount with PDA programming with the Compact Framework (CF). Much of what you have on the desktop exists in the CF. However, there are several seemingly critical controls that are missing, and others are somewhat crippled. The MSDN does a pretty good job of showing what is included in the CF on an object by object basis (I've never seen a list of what is and isn't in the CF).

Sockets are there, but you can't make a device a listener, so you have to be the client. I'm not sure about the media player.

The biggest issue is how to use the reduced screen area, which can be a BIG issue indeed. The next is to figure out how to get the functionality you want out of the reduced sets of controls. For instance, if you want a buton that changes color, you can't do it with a buton because the backcolor property is not supported. Gee, a touch screen system where the button can't be used as a toggle....what were they thinking? However, you can get around this by adding a panel (which responds to clicks, and has the backcolor property) with a label on it. Presto, instant placebo!

[BodwadUK]

Thanks for the feedback peeps.

We only need a simple playback computer that plays mpgs, flash and jpgs. We also need it to grab new content off a server.

And of course being company driven it needs to be cheap hence Windows CE.