Windows Mobile 6.5 Development
Posted: Apr 15, 2010 @ 11:36pmA brief history...
Microsoft has flip-flopped on the Windows CE / Windows Mobile development tools a few times now. Originally, Windows CE 1.0 and 2.0 required Microsoft Visual C++ (5.0 or 6.0), which had to be purchased, then an additional add-on had to be purchased which integrated Windows CE development into that IDE.
With Pocket PC (CE 3.0) Microsoft released free, stand-alone IDEs - Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++ 3.0 then 4.0. IMO this was the best option, as it was free, and all-inclusive. Of course this greatly encouraged 3rd party developers to write software for the platform.
With Windows Mobile 6 Microsoft went full-circle. Developers have to purchase the standard version of Microsoft Visual Studio, which comes with the Windows Mobile SDKs already.
The reason I'm posting is I found the "cheapest" solution for developing for Windows Mobile 6.5. That is to purchase the older Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition for around $60. There are two service packs which makes it fully compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7. With that toolset you can upgrade the Windows Mobile SDK all the way up to Windows Mobile 6.5.
For Windows Mobile 7 you have to use Visual Studio 2010, which is still only in RC state.
Note that MS has pulled all free downloads, and most references, to Visual Studio 2005 from their website, in an attempt to get developers to purchase the newer tools (which cost 10 times more).
Microsoft has flip-flopped on the Windows CE / Windows Mobile development tools a few times now. Originally, Windows CE 1.0 and 2.0 required Microsoft Visual C++ (5.0 or 6.0), which had to be purchased, then an additional add-on had to be purchased which integrated Windows CE development into that IDE.
With Pocket PC (CE 3.0) Microsoft released free, stand-alone IDEs - Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++ 3.0 then 4.0. IMO this was the best option, as it was free, and all-inclusive. Of course this greatly encouraged 3rd party developers to write software for the platform.
With Windows Mobile 6 Microsoft went full-circle. Developers have to purchase the standard version of Microsoft Visual Studio, which comes with the Windows Mobile SDKs already.
The reason I'm posting is I found the "cheapest" solution for developing for Windows Mobile 6.5. That is to purchase the older Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition for around $60. There are two service packs which makes it fully compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7. With that toolset you can upgrade the Windows Mobile SDK all the way up to Windows Mobile 6.5.
For Windows Mobile 7 you have to use Visual Studio 2010, which is still only in RC state.
Note that MS has pulled all free downloads, and most references, to Visual Studio 2005 from their website, in an attempt to get developers to purchase the newer tools (which cost 10 times more).