[EVO 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] flexgrip:
It is insane that people think like this. Especially in general terms like, "Multiple PC's networked into each other".

Just about any modern pc bought in the last 4 or 5 years would be great for native or web application development. Sure more is always better. But you shouldn't discourage people by giving them ridiculous figures about ghz and ****. A decent refurb x64 laptop would work great.

You definitely do not need (even in an advanced development workflow) multiple computers networked to compile ****ty java applications. Sheesh. The biggest performance hit is going to be the android emulator (and iOS simulator if you're on a mac). If you have a cheap android, you may not really need them anyway. Even then, they will work on low memory systems. Just be prepared to hear your hard drive go to town.

Anyway, here is some real advice on getting into mobile application development...

[Let me start out by saying that your tool set becomes more important as your progress. Text editors, IDE's etc. That being said, you can get away with a lot at first, but in the end, you really need to be on linux or a mac. Now, if you've never used linux before, I don't think its a great idea to try and become familiar with a new operating system AND a new skill like programming at the same time. However, they really do go hand-in-hand. My daily routine would take me 2-3 times as long if I didn't run linux and occasionally osx. Anyway, you can do android development on windows. But if you are really committed to doing this, you will thank me later for recommending ubuntu and fedora.]

Second, if you are stuck on android, don't start with java. Therefor, don't start with android/mobile. Its always good to start off learning proper programming on a more simple scale. At least for the first few weeks if you are really committed. Python is bad ass. So is web development. Hell, if you really wanted to make mobile apps, start with mobile web apps in html5. If you learn JS and understand OOP principals, its not a huge step to start working on an html5 app. With modern frameworks, its actually quite simple. Sencha Touch, ExtJS, and Titanium are fantastic for crossing that bridge. Obviously you can't make killer 3D games that rival gameloft, but you can make some kick-ass stuff in there.

Finally, pick a simple starter project and make it. You know? Pick a simple tool that you care about or really need, and just make it yourself. Examples: A graphing tool that keeps track of something in your schedule. A little tool to log your billable hours. Etc. My first python app was a plugin for XBMC that let me burn my xbox360 games using my remote control on my tv. Simple simple simple.

I guarantee after you build something simple for youself like that, you will get hooked and be on your way.

If you can postpone being a mobile app millionaire for a little while, I really recommend (again) python. Its great for learning object oriented stuff, and with django, cherrypy, and other frameworks/tools, you would really start to understand that thinking that goes into being a programmer... MVC, etc.

This will help you no matter where you go. I hope the swearing filters don't strip this out.

http://programming-************.com/

One final AND THE MOST IMPORTANT note... When, not if but WHEN you get stuck, just go read more tutorials and documentation. Hell, read a book or a magazine. Just read ANYTHING. Reading is the most valuable tool a programmer has. Don't immediately run to forums and beg for help. That won't get you anywhere. Read read read then search search search. I cannot stress that enough. Can't find a solution to your problem? Try going back a few chapters and reading some more. That doesn't work? Search for similar problems. If that doesn't work either, try to redesign or rebuild your app in a way that just removes the source of the problem. If that fails, THEN you probably have a tough problem that people will actually want to help you fix. I promise.

College DOESN'T effing stress reading enough. That's why you see a bunch of idiot java developers coming from universities and don't know ****. I went to college for BS-ACS Chemistry. Now I do mobile application/web development. The only reason I found it so easy was because I was not scared of reading. Try it, you might like it :)