JavaME vs WMEv6 for deployment to a WME device????

Hi all,

I'm getting a Windows Mobile 6 based phone (HTC 3600i). What are your thoughts on what development approach to use if I wanted to knock together some applications for myself. I have some Java background. From what I see:

Windows ME based development:
* I'm assuming I may get nicer looking applications?
* Won't be cross-platform (but doesn't really matter for me)
* Easier integration with on-board contacts/calendar data?
* But seems to need the Visual Studio Professional edition, which is several hundred $$$$ :( Expensive for a hobbyist! Am I missing something here?

Jave Mobile Edition:
* I have a little java experience
* Could use netbeans IDE (Free)
* How much functionality would I lose however? (e.g. UI, access to contacts/calendar data?,

What would you recommend, and what would be the development tools I'd need to use?

Cheers
Greg