Mobile Apps license - is it worth it?

I noticed Boonex is running a special through July to pick up both mobile apps for $299 - my question to those that have rebranded is: Is it truly worth it?

My members have expressed a great interest in mobile apps for the site, while I don't think it will promote new memberships I do believe it will give current members a reason to stick around (And put us above the competition).

What I'm fearing is that like the Dolphin license, I'll be paying money for something that doesn't quite work as it should and $299 is just the upfront cost, with much more to be invested to get it working properly. I have tested the OO versions on both android/iphone and it seems to get the job done. There are a couple features I'd like to remove and maybe even add a couple (forums interaction! impossible probably, which = $$$$$$$).

My specific questions:

1. Did your members sincerely appreciate the offering of mobile apps for your site?
2. Was it easy to rebrand and submit to both marketplaces?
3. What roadblocks did you run into, that you did not expect?
4. How long did it take you to implement?

Thank you for your time & feedback!

I have the exact same questions !

Would be nice to get some info.

But I heard that boonex are working on new version of the mobile apps?

Im really not sure it is worth it from what I have seen so far.

Have you guys seen this? http://www.boonex.com/m/dolphin2go

I have no idea how good it is yet.

Isnt the WAP mod better?

Havent got it (yet) but surely, this would enable the other mods on your site such as blogs, articles, events etc... and not just the membership actions side of Dolphin?

One thing I dont like with either boonex app, or the one linked here is the initial sign in screen.

Having to first type in the URL, then the user details.

May as well just go on a resized version of the site...

Both are not ideal. I am also looking at the possibillity of writing as i-phone app from scratch. I do know of people that have simple, fast versions of their site that they use for wap insted, and they think it is a better solution.

I can do an iphone app that will integrate with WAP version of site.

Have had a few apps in itunes but not done a dolphin version as yet.

Will be working on one soon, just need to get the WAP mod first to see how/if that makes things different!