[Qtce-preview-feedback] Qt UI design for Windows CE

[Mateusz Loskot]

Hi,

I'm looking for some details on how does Qt handle specifics of UI and
layout management under various systems based on the Windows CE.
I've never worked with Qt on mobile/embedded platforms, but only on
desktops (designed or generated UI from coded, well-known patterms
dialog, window + menu + toolbar, etc.). So, I have a few questions
regarding Windows CE.

1. Is there any run-time difference in how UI elements are manged
between designer-based and manually coded interface, or difference in
performance, or one of these two options is recommended for Windows CE.
Or there is no difference between coded by hand and generated UI with
designer, in case of Windows CE.

2. Depending on target version of Windows CE/Windows Mobile,
there are a few options of menu bar/tool bar layout.
Does Qt support old-fashion toolbar with buttons placed at the bottom of
a windows, under Windows Mobile 5.0+ ?

3. Considering standard Pocket PC screen size 240x320 and 320x240 in
horizontal orientation, are changes of screen orientation handled
automatically by ie. adding scrollbar. Also, is there any dedicated
signal emitted?

4. Qt and the designer does not uses dialog units (DLU) specific to
Windows, but all elements are resizable and positioned by layout
managers. Considering standard screen of Pocket PC size and the fact
that windows and dialogs under Windows Mobile are full screen,
would you recommend to
- use static form size 240x320
- set min/max size properties accordingly
- fit all controls to this size of form

or may be there is no problem with designing forms of 480x640 and
layout managers will take care of appropriate resizing, in most cases.

Generally, I'm aware of how UI works in Qt and I'm aware of how UI works
under Windows CE/Mobile from its native API point of view.
However, I'm wondering of how to transpose my experience
with native WinCE API to Qt/WinCE :-)

What I'm asking for is a bunch of recommendations and best
practices specific to design UI with Qt for Windows CE.


Greetings
-- 
Mateusz Loskot
http://mateusz.loskot.net