I would like to include some text and images in an ebook style app. Are PDFs a good way to do this? Do most users have a built in PDF reader on their device? Do you have any tips on how best to format and use them? I would be grateful to know. Kind regards, John PS My apps are Android 1.4.

I have a PDF reader that I added on (actually had three, deleted one now two). PDF readers are common. Perhaps a built in survey would answer your question. Under a help tab you could refer a user to a free reader. PDF vs. HTML Is your content source in PDF? Cost of conversion? If you know HTML there's lots of neat tricks. I would think HTML is a natural for mobile devices, but I've seen some very nice PDF ebooks. Fred

Thanks, Fred. John

Hi John, iOS allows you to read PDFs natively, with no need to install any additional software like you do for Android (no, that's not an Android slam, just the way it is). I use PDFs extensively in a couple of my iOS apps, and have had no issues at all. However, the same apps on Android have had issues with PDFs, Word, and Excel documents. All require additional software to view them. @Fred - again, this is not a slam against Android...just my personal experience! Mark

Mark, it's both a strong point for Android and weakness. So many to choose from, but nothing preinstalled. User has to know not only that a PDF view is available but which one to choose. Every little hurdle adds up. Hence my suggestion of a link to a PDF viewer. Several very good free ones. With a quick survey hopefully you'll get feedback if it's a good choice. Fred

Thanks, Mark. Now I just need to find a way of getting my emulator to display the PDFs in my apps - not proving easy! Kind regards, John

Hi John, If you find a way, let me know! I tried one method, but it never worked. So I'm at a loss as well. Perhaps @Fred has a tried and true method? Mark

@Higgey, Add an email account to the emulator. You can then email links to yourself. Several weeks ago I spectulated that one could add via Android Market. Either install Android Market or use Google to browse to the desired app. Within the hour someone tried it and confirmed that it worked. Fred

Interesting. I've tried adding Android Market before without success. I'll see if I can figure out adding an account and trying again. Thanks, Fred. Most appreciated. John

John, I just bought an Android tab and test on it instead of the emulator. All my apps use lots of PDF.

@ WolfTimJ, did the tablet come with a preinstalled viewer? Fred

No. Adobe reader, free download from market.

Any clues on getting a pdf to display in the iPhone simulator? I linked to the pdf file in the BT and when I click the menu link in the simulator I get "Data for this screen has not been downloaded. Please check you internet connection" I want to include the pdf in the app itself and not have it download the pdf every time, just once with the app install.

sorry, found the answer http://www.buzztouch.com/resources/Adding_Files_To_A_Project_v1.0.pdf