New Data Input Controls for Mobile Development

Data input is part of every mobile application nowadays. But it is the data input that causes complicated situations for programmers due to relatively limited options of mobile devices.

Considering relatively slow-pacing text entering, as the most of the mobile devices do not dispose of a hardware keyboard, the most common means of data input are:

1. Data selection from a list of predefined text strings — ComboBox
2. Numeric
3. Date/time

Even though all herein mentioned data input types can be solved by standard Visual Studio controls, their functionality is far too simple and can be controlled by stylus only. These constraints do not meet the demands of a modern mobile application development.

There are three new controls highlighted in this article. All of them solve the modern way of data input and provide developer enough of comfort and customization options.

Resco AdvancedCombo for .NET CF

AdvancedCombo for .NET CF is a robust control for entry selection from a list. The basic purpose of this control is similar to the standard Combo Box. On the contrary, AdvancedCombo offers extra functionalities. It fully supports Touch Scroll functionality. The design is customizable: templates support, support of pictures, links and buttons depiction. Furthermore, DelayLoad functionality facilitates the work with huge amounts of data and there is an option to use XML Templates. Finger touch control is extended by a new feature: the list can be displayed over the whole screen.

Resco NumericUpDown for .NET CF

Flexible control for numeric input — that is a brief description of this new control. The most important features are support of decimal numbers and support of hexadecimal numbers depiction. This control offers multiple number formatting options. Moreover, keeping visual attractiveness in mind, the control supports Visual Customization such as Vista Style and Gradient.

Resco TouchDateTimePicker for .NET CF

TouchDateTimePicker is visually attractive and easy to use time picker control. The most important features it comes with are Touch Scroll functionality, format customization: allows changing the rollers’ order and displayed format. Besides, the whole control abounds in very attractive graphics.

Utilization of these controls can be easily extended: all three can be used along with the Resco DetailView for .NET CF. It is the control for creating mobile user input forms with immense versatility that is being even enlarged by new controls. AdvancedCombo, NumericUpDown, TouchDateTimePicker, and DetailView are creating one of the most robust control combinations that are very easy to use and bring perfect outcomes.

About Resco MobileForms Toolkit

Resco MobileForms Toolkit is one of the richest and most comprehensive sets of Microsoft Visual Studio controls and libraries designed for developers of software solutions for mobile devices. In its portfolio there are controls and libraries that tackle most problems developers encounter in the mobile environment. Flexible keyboard, professional list control, powerful grid control, charting control, and scheduling control — to mention only the most frequently used ones.

For more information about Resco MobileForms Toolkit, visit http://www.resco.net/developer/mobileformstoolkit/default.aspx.

About Resco

Resco is a developer of wide range of mobile software products for Windows Mobile. Besides the best selling end-user mobile applications, Resco offers also powerful developer controls and tools as well as mobile business solutions.
For more information, visit http://www.resco.net/developer/default.aspx.