Mobile site detection server side vs client side

Question

Can anyone recommend the best way to detect mobile device accessing a site - we want to re-direct to a mobile version rather than restyle the existing page due to CMS restrictions.

We also need the option to be able to return to the full site on mobile if requested.

We have a .net server, but aren't .net developers so would have to pay for dev work to be done server side - we are just wondering the best method to use.

Answer 1

take a look at this URL: http://detectmobilebrowsers.com/

they have code for both server side and client side (jQuery/JavaScript).

Answer 2

If by directing to a mobile version you mean just a design change specific to mobile and not functionality changes for mobile users, then look into Responsive design which dynamically changes your design based on resolution of the current users view using media queries.

Media Queries Spec W3C

Responsive Design Guidelines

This approach should not be limited by any kind of CMS as it is straight CSS use.