Handheld media type in css vs another domain or subdomain for mobile enabled site?

Question

While Handheld option is available in CSS then why some people use different subdomain and make different site for mobile?

Answer 1

My guess is to make the distinction more apparent to the user.

That, and the Blackberry Browser (and possibly the iPhone) identifies itself as a mobile device (depending on settings)...but could theoretically be able to display the full page. Using CSS, you're also depending a lot on the mobile browser to do the correct thing with your page.

You'll provide a much more reliable interface if you let the user specify the experience, not the site.

Answer 2

I second what Justin Niessner said. Also, the mobile version of a site is usually structured differently from the "main page". Other content may be displayed on the front page, an only a selection of menu items, or a whole different menu altogether. Videos have to be embedded differently, images as well, Javascript effects altered and so on. Using different style sheets mostly just won't cut it.