Chris,
I think the answer to this question depends entirely on the content that's being displayed, and what's most important to your client:
1. accessible content 2. reliable layout in all browsers
The thing is, if you design for tables, then you're forcing the browser (UA) to render tables. On hand-helds and small screens, this will more than likely result in lots of horizontal scrolling.
Alternately, if you design with a CSS layout, then the content is separate from the presentation, and some UA's can choose not to use the style sheet (thus just rendering the content in an accessible manner). You can even design stylesheets specifically for those devices and (with some luck) those devices will do what you want.
However, for some designers, clients and mindsets (marketing depts especially), the layout is *everything*, and they'll want pixel-perfect, locked-down design that works for every desktop browser. In this case, tables still have the upper hand if you ask me.... but since you're asking, I probably wouldn't work for a client like that these days, because I'm busy enough to pick-and-choose.
If you're genuinely looking at support for alternate devices (PDA's, etc) then I think CSS (with a lot of research into alternate stylesheets, media-specific stylesheets, etc would be well worth it -- far more than tables.
Justin
On 03/09/2004, at 12:20 AM, Wasabi wrote:
a client with an international market needs a site redesign. The currently use tables, but would like a transition to CSS. My concern is their market, an international base of travelers on various platforms with varying skill levels.
I'm reluctant to do a full CSS redesign, fearing someone will try to access the site from a PDA while on foto safari in the outback. Would a well crafted, minimal table solution, i.e Designing With Web Standards, fit the bill; or is CSS 2 penetration enough to ensure seamless integration, as much as can be expected, for the diverse client base?
--- Justin French http://indent.com.au
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