Creating a Mobi website - Joomla / Wordpress?

[CrazyFig]

Howzit,

Have someone enquiring about wanting a website that is viewable on mobile device browsers like smartphones, tablets etc but also on desktop PC browsers. The website will have a mix of blog items like ability to add articles, add images, calendar for events etc. So I then thought of Wordpress, why re-invent the wheel right. Get a kickass template for this guy and there you go, all sorted.

He then went on to say users would need to register on the website, and will have a username and password to log in with and access certain things like "extra" calendar items, extra articles, pictures etc. So some parts of the website will be restricted. So then I started thinking Joomla?

I normally do custom development from scratch....but due to the amount of time needed for this, the cost being higher with custom dev...Im rather opting for things like Wordpress and Joomla. I have used Wordpress for very simple sites, nothing that needs "extra" dev...and Joomla to maintain a website. So thats about it...no "real" coding experience with either.

So is Joomla the option here, or does Wordpress have templates that are this sophisticated?

PS: I have a PHP, ASP, JS background if that info is useful in any way

EDIT: Forgot to add, a backend admin section is needed to approve/decline registration requests...

[debonair]

Use wordpress as a starting point and extend it with a plugin for the extra functionality. Lots of tutorials how to do this.

[CrazyFig]

Ok thanks for the tip, lemme go chat to Mr Google about those plugins

[rpm]

Wordpress for sure. Many mobile themes.

The challenge will be to get a redirect plugin which does not mess up - but that is only if you want an automated mobile theme for mobile devices.

[CrazyFig]

Cool, thanks rpm

[optel]

I use: http://www.mobilejoomla.com/

[dragonboy]

Instead of trying to redirect user based on the device, you can look at Responsive Web Templates which you get for Joomla and Wordpress.

http://www.tripwiremagazine.com/2012...ss-themes.html

[rward]

I'm not too sure about the user management and 'frontendness' of it.
I think Joomla beats it there.

Else, if you can, check the Canvas Theme ( the demo ) from WooThemes, it's responsive
and well worth the money.

It includes the Portfolio post types which are basically Galleries, Magazine template and business template, sliders, support for the free woosidebars and and and and ..

It's very comprehensive and WooThemes have some great support for if you get stuck customising it,Plus they're an SA company, so why not..

Then, for Events, do yourself a favour and use The Events Calendar by Modern Tribe, Inc.

It's really cool, has all the features you might need and add-ons for the ones it doesn't offer out the box.
PLUS - It's got a really nifty API and GREAT Theming ..!!!!!!

[mcryan]

Look at getting a responsive theme for either. This will scale properly regardless of screen size and takes all the hassle out of maintaining multiple themes for different devices.

If you want to do your own, look at the Twitter Bootstrap which is responsive and a great place to start!

[Tim the Techxpert]

Wordpress is probably easier than Joomla but both will do the job. It has been around a bit longer too and hence more how to articles and lterature on it.
Why not do a short pilot project on both and see which is:
1) easier to develop in
2) easier to use on desktop and mobile
3) faster on the mobille device

Regards

Tim

[CrazyFig]

Thanks for all the info guys. Installed a theme, so had the basics which was great. Wanted some extras that it didnt cater for, so just searched for plugins...followed instruction to add them...and hey presto, starting to come together. Very cool

[Raevinn]

Have a look at elegantthemes, they have a mobile plugin

[CrazyFig]

Thanks all!

Will be trying Joomla for another project...so will see how that one goes