Best DB program for synchronizing via Pocket Access?

[xa_glen]

I'm looking for a good way to take my desktop's Access databases on the road with me. I've been looking around, but I haven't found a clear winner yet.

Two that are emerging as front-runners are Data On The Run (http://www.biohazardsoftware.com/dataon.htm) and abcDB (http://www.pocketsoft.ca/).

I've also looked at HandyDB (http://www.soft4ce.com/handydb_page.htm), Visual CE (http://www.syware.com/), Pocket Database (http://www.pocketdatabase.net), and HanDBase (http://www.ddhsoftware.com/software.html?view=DDHHB301)

Any thoughts?

[Mark (NL)]

I guess it comes all down to a matter of taste and what you want to be able to do with the database on the road... If you'll use it mainly for just entering information I would say (read personal opinion) that Visual CE is the best option... When you however want to be able to make Databases on your PPC and use SQL (with all the poor PPC limitations) than you probably end up using abcDB (personally I don’t like Data on the Run…)

I myself use the VisualCE Enterprise Edition and I’m quite happy with it… It has its limitations, and I wish it could do a little more but with the ReportCE companion and mEnable that is included in the Enterprise edition I can get done most things and make most applications for my customers…

I have become quite fond of the mEnable technology to access remote databases…

On the downside… the Price (ouch).
Just Remember VisualCE is mainly developed for data-collection and viewing rather than processing, per form you are limited to sync to one Access database, it doesn’t support SQL…
Quite some limitations although with a little help from ReportCE you can get more done…

Hope this helps, although I know this is a fairly personal opinion on the Database subject…

If you want an more in-depth discussion feel free to e-mail me J

[mpattman]

I found this one, not too bad for price and I found it to be the fastest out of the ones that I tried. I recommend trying the demo out....

SprintDB Pro from http://www.kaione.com

[digital-doc]

I'm looking for a good way to take my desktop's Access databases on the road with me. I've been looking around, but I haven't found a clear winner yet.

Two that are emerging as front-runners are Data On The Run (http://www.biohazardsoftware.com/dataon.htm) and abcDB (http://www.pocketsoft.ca/).

I've also looked at HandyDB (http://www.soft4ce.com/handydb_page.htm), Visual CE (http://www.syware.com/), Pocket Database (http://www.pocketdatabase.net), and HanDBase (http://www.ddhsoftware.com/software.html?view=DDHHB301)

Any thoughts?

This is more far fetched but: You might want to consider bidrectional use of Desktop Access to Excel for use on your PPC's excel. I have never done this but it should work in theory.

[Mark (NL)]

Excel ain't quite a database program :) But thanks for the thought

[topps]

This is more far fetched but: You might want to consider bidrectional use of Desktop Access to Excel for use on your PPC's excel. I have never done this but it should work in theory.

You would only get file level sync, not record level.

[dazz]

I find HanDBase to be extremely useful. You can synch with Access, create and customize DB's on the PocketPC and it is fully relational. I'm sure there are things SQL will do that HanDBase can't but HanDBase is very quick and easy to design in.

Additionally, I find that abcDB is fairly slow in comparison.

FYI, DDH Software is going to release a new version (3) for the PocketPC soon and it is VERY nice. Some of the new goodies include: sych multiple users, more comprehensive calc features, syching by BLUETOOTH and other wireless, and customizable forms. Yippeeee!

dazz