Embedded Programming with the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: duty roster, active locations, extensible emulator, Micro Framework, Visual Studio, Interface Display (more...)

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Product Description

Learn how to use the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework to develop applications for the next generation of embedded devices. Embedded programming is set to move into the mainstream as a variety of new devices come to market. A key embedded device enabled by Windows Vista(tm) that requires the .NET Micro Framework is Windows SideShow(tm), the external display that will be incorporated into many notebook computers. This reference shows developers how to use the .NET Micro Framework to create new applications for Windows SideShow displays and small, resource-constrained devices. With insights direct from the product team it covers essential topics, including interface design and managed drivers, device capabilities, and how to use emulation technologies. In addition, it delves into how to port key functionality from existing applications into other form factors. Ideal for developers with experience working with Microsoft Visual Studio® 2005 and Microsoft Visual C#®, this essential guide includes practical examples and code samples.

From the Publisher

Key Book Benefits:

-Provides critical information about key topics--ranging from interface design to managed drivers

-Features insights from the product team

-Includes a companion Web site with tools to help simplify .NET Micro Framework development

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Microsoft Press (June 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735623651
• ISBN-13: 978-0735623651
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #679,383 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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4 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The book is okay, the subject matter is questionable, September 9, 2008

By	R. Balsover "bob_b0917" (SF, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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The book seems well written, there are examples with commercial development boards in the examples that most any developer can follow. However, the whole Micro Framework is very disappointing as it there is no native code compiler.

If you are interested in this book then chances are that you are a MS developer. While I do have a MCSD certification I have been an embedded software engineer (usually with Linux or VxWorks) for over 10 years and most/all embedded development work is generally done in C/C++ or assembly language for a reason; size and speed. If you don't count something like a Cisco OC-192 router most embedded systems run with the minimum possible hardware. Every nickel that you need to add to compensate for lacking development tools hits the bottom line much more than it does in the PC world.

While I believe that the Windows CE environment would produce adequate runtime performance something like this Micro Framework which always runs as interpreted code is only suitable for a research tinker toy. IMHO I still believe that embedded projects are better done with C/C++/Linux but if you want to work with MS tools then focus on Windows CE. There are Windows CE books that cover the same ground and the end result would probably be more marketable than one based on the Micro Framework.