Android Emulators for Windows/Linux PCs

Google's Android Emulator

Homepage: http://developer.android.com/tools/devices/emulator.html

Advantages: Runs on every Windows or Linux system. Emulating a ARM CPU means behaviour very close to usual mobile phones. Totally free.

Disadvantages: Not user friendly, some tasks require command line. Emulating a ARM CPU makes it slow.

BlueStacks App Player

Homepage: http://www.bluestacks.com/app-player.html

Advantages: Uses GPU, usually making it run faster.

Disadvantages: Requires a "supported" GPU and 2 GB RAM. Does not run on any of my virtual or physical Windows XP installations. Some features may end up in the commercial pro version.

Jar-of-Beans

Homepage: http://code.google.com/p/jar-of-beans/

Advantages: Community driven, totally free.

Disadvantages: Requires Intel HAXM acceleration, only availble on CPUs with VT-x and EMT64.support.

YouWave

Homepage: http://youwave.com/

Advantages: Runs on every Windows installation, no special requirements.

Disadvantages: Free only for a 10 day trial period. Long term usage requires commercial.license. Too slow to use on our virtual Windows installations.