How to create/compile Palm app using J2ME?

[Rion Segura]

Wondering if anyone knows where I can find current "step-by-step" instructions (for newbies) on how to create a Palm app using J2ME, beginning with downloading the software and setting up the environment? I found 2 web sites (www.oreillynet.com and http://webdev.apl.jhu.edu/~rbe/kvm/) with this info but were written a few months ago.
I can never get past unzipping the software for J2ME, because the info that I have found from the websites do not match the current version of the J2ME software and thus does not make sense to me. Any info or links would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

[Richard Taylor]

To develop for the Palm, using MIDP, you only need:
1. a way to edit Java files (any text editor or IDE, will do)
2. JDK 1.3 from java.sun.com
3. Sun's J2ME wireless toolkit, snappily named J2MEWTK from java.sun.com/products/midp
4. The MIDP for Palm from java.sun.com/products/midp again
5. A Palm OS 3.5 or better (or Palm Emulator + Palm ROM image) from www.palmos.com
A few points to note before you set off:
1. You don't need a separate build tool - its all in the J2MEWTK
2. J2MEWTK and MIDP for Palm both come with example MIDP Java applications
3. J2MEWTK and MIDP for Palm come with documentation, but NOT how to program MIDP, only how to run their examples. What you need is either:
- an J2ME intro book (there are two or three out there. Try searching Amazon for 'Mobile Java' and 'Micro Edition' as well as 'J2ME'.
- or, some patience with the MIDP API, plus careful examination of the examples. If you're new to Java, as you are, then is not the best way. Maybe try
- http://www.anywhereyougo.com for J2ME tutuorials
- http://www.microjava.com has some good stuff
4. You must register as a developer with Sun to get the MIDP for Palm, because currently its early access (i.e. beta). However, its an online process, that isn't painful.
5. If you use a Palm emulator, you will need to get a ROM image, because the emulator doesn't come with one (it emulates many sorts of Palm/compatible - and expects you to supply one). You can get one by:
- requesting one from Palm
- asking an owner to download their ROM image. There's a utility to do this, on the Palm site I believe.
6. Other useful sites:
- http://www.billday.com/j2me
7. Useful toolkits:
- Sun's Forte (J2MEWTK integrates with it - you need to install Forte first, though)
- Zucotto Whiteboard
- Borland JBuilder

There, I think that's about it. The most awkward step, is if you don't own a Palm, then getting hold of a ROM image. Its a notoriously long process for folks outside outside the US. At $150 you may as well buy one...
Finally, J2ME is NOT the best way of learning Java. However, it is one of the few ways to get Java onto a mobile device.