Java ME UI libraries

Question

I\'m developing a Java ME app & need pointers to some really good UI libraries. I did see a few such as Java ME Polish. Are there any more out there? For e.g. ebuddy\'s

Answer 1

Digitalapes has developed a framework for J2ME application development that includes a high level UI library.

The library is lightweight and well documented, you can get have a look at the Gear framework page for more information, or you can directly download the JAR and javadoc from Gear's sourceforge page.

Digitalapes blog includes also a series of tutorial about how to use the framework.

Answer 2

I've used SWT when deploying to a full profile J2ME (IBM J9 on PocketPC), I don't know if it is usable by MIDlets however. It's quite a nice GUI library in its own way, and far better than AWT.

Answer 3

Unfortunately companies usually end up designing their own GUI's when it comes to mobile development. It's the only way to have full control over your interfaces, but you should consider if it's worth the additional development time, and you're also on your own when it comes to device compatibility issues / handset bugs - of which there are plenty.

If you are happy with a less flexible interface, you can go with one of the existing libraries. I currently use J2ME GUI from http://www.garcer.com/. We get the same flexibility as with desktop development and it also features custom styling, so with a little extra effort you can make it look the way you want it to.

Answer 4

Most of the apps with amazing UIs (Opera Mini, Gmail, any game from an AAA developer) use custom UIs developed in-house. These developers take the task of developing an UI as one more in their projects and give it personality, involving professional graphic designers. Going with a packaged library would quickly accomplish the task but it would make the application look generic and bland (less bland that with the default UI, but still bland and limited).

In short, go with a packaged UI for quick development, but don't expect the level of quality to be near the apps you mentioned.