Question regarding apps- Android and Apple

[a-10tankkiller]

I have an idea for an app, but I have no programming skill in that area, and a very basic skill level overall. Any idea of reputable people to work with for an idea? Also what would be a best way to search to see if it all ready exists? Just go through the various app markets? Do people normally patent this stuff?
Thanks

[Jeffbx]

I've had this question from a few people, and here's what I have picked up:

Depending on the complexity of your app, you might be better off with a professional dev firm than an individual developer. If you’re using a lot of different components – GPS, texting, remote storage, etc. it gets much more complex & can take an individual developer 6 months or more to get a working prototype.

Also, both the iPlatform and Android are completely separate items – there’s no easy way to port an app from one to another, so to develop both for simultaneous launch will just about double your cost. There will be a slight difference in cost since iDev is more expensive than Android (because of demand, I’m guessing), so base your estimates on iDev & double it to be safe. I wouldn't bother with any other platform - those 2 cover over 90% of the mobile app market.

If you want to PM me, I can give you the names of some development companies to talk to if you want to go that route - costs will of course vary greatly depending on what you're developing, but I'd say $5-15k per platform is ballpark.