How do I detect a mobile browser, and direct appropriate content to it?

Question

I've read that its bad (not advised) to use User Agent Sniffing to send down the correct content for a mobile browser, so I'm wondering what IS the best way to do this?

I'm using ASP.NET MVC, and I've built my site and it works well on desktop browsers, so I'm looking to begin building a mobile version. When a mobile browser comes to my site, I'd like to use a different set of Views, which ideally posses the following attributes:

1. Link to pre-scaled images
2. Use minimal javascript
3. Remove all but essential content

My first thought was to sniff the user agent, and then send down a different .CSS file, but as stated above I've read that this is a bad way to do this, so I'm asking you for your thoughts.

Answer 1

The user agent is really all you have in a HTTP GET request, but you should let someone else maintain the list. We use the Microsoft Mobile Device Browser File with a custom view engine in a manner roughly similar to this Scott Hanselman post.

Answer 2

The best way to detect a mobile browser is to use this wonderful codeplex project:

http://mdbf.codeplex.com/

For background on how you could create targeted views read here:

http://www.hanselman.com/blog/MixMobileWebSitesWithASPNETMVCAndTheMobileBrowserDefinitionFile.aspx

Answer 3

The simplest approach could be use a separate domain "m.yourdomain.com" or "yourdomain.mobi" (Source) that way you can assume that the user is on a mobile device.

Answer 4

While I believe it's frowned upon to sniff for browser to determine capability and you should use capability sniffing, such as JQuery.support. When it comes to actually presenting significantly different layouts then I think you have to sniff for the browser ID and act accordingly.

Answer 5

Use http://51degrees.codeplex.com/. It is an ASP.NET open source module which detects mobile devices and provides auto redirection to mobile optimized pages when request is coming from mobile device. It makes use of WURFL mobile device database. For redirection there is no need to modify existing ASP.NET web application pages.

Apart from this it also gives upto-date mobile capability information like manufacturer, model, screen height & width, image formats supported and MANY MORE...... which helps to customize pages for best mobile output.