Sure, but isn't that the key of Lean Startup, which is what OP was hammering on anyway? Web apps do perform less optimally, but they are also platform independ

Sure, but isn't that the key of Lean Startup, which is what OP was hammering on anyway? Web apps do perform less optimally, but they are also platform independent and can be done quickly. Why not start there, make sure you are hitting the right user needs, then invest in app development?