Formatting e-mail and web sites for mobile devices
So apparently the mobile world has no standards. None that make my life any easier in terms of designing e-mails at least. Found this page which shed some light on what different BBs are capable of rendering. Also found this test e-mail from that post which is most helpful.
If you are looking to test your site and see what its mobile-readiness is try dotMobi’s page check. They also provide emulators and free templates and hosting for mobile friendly sites. The BlackBerry site also has a simulator package for developers that I am downloading as I write. I can give you an update and let you know if it is worth it.
Also worth noting, google has a site where you can see your page adapted for mobile devices.
Some common problems I’ve come across so far and how to avoid them:
Problem: Images, tables, etc. don’t render correctly
My solution: Eliminate them in your “mobile version.” My test mobi site used xhtml, divs and a linked stylesheet. Do the same.
Problem: Links show up as plain text.
My solution: Make your links explicit. BBs are all about being down and dirty, not cute. So don’t “click here” write it out “www.google.com” instead.
Problem: Your multipart MIME e-mail is being ignored by mobile devices, who beyond all comprehension, create their own plain text version from your HTML.
My solution: Cry, have a beer, and then stop trying to make things that should work actually work. How long have you been in this industry anyway?? Let me save you some heartache: nothing works as it should, everything takes twice as long as you plan and nobody likes you unless they need something from you. Stop being a baby and make your HTML mobile friendly. Or provide a click here to see the mobile version link with a mobile friendly site. TA-DA.
If you have any other problems feel free to comment, I will answer what I can.
xo,
admin
