Easy Databasing With HanDBase 3.0 Professional

[Peter Foot]

If you are interested in maintaining a database on your Pocket PC, DDH produces this complete Database application. Read on to find out more about this latest version.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/foot-mar03-handbase-01.gif" /><br /> <br /><!> <br /><i>HanDBase is a relational database system for both Palm and Pocket PC devices – obviously we are looking at the Pocket PC version here. It uses a proprietary database format which supports encryption and includes an ActiveSync conduit to support synchronisation with desktop Access databases. You can build custom forms to have data entry screens suited to your particular application. There is also a large library of free database templates for a variety of subject matter which you can start using immediately. The Enterprise version of the application adds support for synchronising with ODBC compliant data sources.</i><br /><br /><span><b>Installation</b></span><br />The installation process kept me informed of what was happening throughout the process. At the point when I was prompted to install the software onto my Pocket PC, there was an erroneous entry in the list of devices.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/foot-mar03-handbase-02.gif" /> <br /><i>Figure 1: Installation to Device</i><br /><br />It was fairly obvious which of these was the real Pocket PC. Along with installing the Desktop and Pocket PC software, the installation also sets up the Sync provider and optional Access import/export options.<br /><br /><span><b>Desktop Software</b></span><br />The package features a desktop version of the software. You can use this to build your database structure or import data from other sources from comma separated values (.csv) files or Microsoft Access. The desktop application also includes a separate forms designer, although a forms designer which runs on the device is available in Beta.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/foot-mar03-handbase-03.gif" /> <br /><i>Figure 2: HanDBase Desktop Application</i><br />The desktop application mirrors the functionality of the Pocket PC version while adding in other features such as additional Import and Export.<br /><br /><span><b>Synchronisation</b></span><br />Although the synchronisation program works in conjunction with ActiveSync, it is not totally integrated. Therefore when I wanted to synchronise I could not just click the Sync button from ActiveSync. You must click the "Synchronise HanDBase with Pocket PC" shortcut in the Start Menu, or disconnect and reconnect the device from the cradle. I was surprised there was no button or menu option in the desktop application to begin synchronisation.<br /> <br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/foot-mar03-handbase-04.gif" /> <br /><i>Figure 3: Synchronisation</i><br /><br /><span><b>Template Gallery</b></span><br />One of the selling points of HanDBase is that there is a collection of thousands of database templates available at <a href="www.ddhsoftware.com">www.ddhsoftware.com</a> so you need not build your database from scratch. A wide variety of topics are covered. For this review I tried out a DVD Database template submitted by Jeff Frankus. There is definitely something for everyone with topics including Delivery Tracking, Food and Drink, Sales and many more. You can search the library by category or keyword and there is even a link from the desktop HanDBase application to jump to the Web site.<br /><br /><span><b>Pocket PC Software</b></span><br />The Pocket PC client has a simple List based view which is the starting point for working with your data. <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/foot-mar03-handbase-01.gif" /> <br /><i>Figure 4: Main Pocket PC Screen</i><br /><br />The drop-down box at the top allows you to change the current view. We’ll look at views further on in the article. The File menu gives all the usual file operations, the DBProperties item is where you can view and alter the structure of the database and set views and security options.<br /><br />The Actions menu allows you move or copy records between different HanDBase files. It also allows you to beam records using Infrared or Print if you have the third-party <a href="http://www.bachmannsoftware.com/pbce.htm">PrintBoy CE</a> or <a href="http://www.fieldsoftware.com/PrintPocketCE.htm">PrintPocketCE</a> printer libraries.<br /><br /><span><b>New Records</b></span><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/foot-mar03-handbase-07.gif" /> <br /><i>Figure 5: New Record</i><br /> <br />The new document button on the menu bar is used to create a new record, opening the form ready for data entry. The forms can be built using the standalone Desktop Forms editor or the Beta Pocket PC forms editor.<br /><br /><span><b>Reports</b></span><br />Run Report allows you to generate statistical reports based on a specified field. There aren't many records in the sample I've used here but as you can see it is easy to determine the minimum, maximum and average values.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/foot-mar03-handbase-06.gif" /> <br /><i>Figure 6: Reports</i><br /> <br />I found an issue which could be confusing, HanDBase only supports reports on numerical, date/time or checkbox fields - which is fair enough. However the complete list of fields is displayed. Accidentally clicking Title (which is a text field) brings up an error message. This would be more intuitive if only valid fields were listed on the Run Report screen.<br /><br /><span><b>Security</b></span><br />HanDBase supports password-based access, either to the entire file, or just to perform specific actions> For example, you can require a password when editing or adding records and allow free access for viewing. You can even lock out the DB Properties feature, so users have full use of the program but can’t change the database setup in any way without the password. The database can be encrypted - either specific fields or the entire database.<br /><br /><span><b>Views</b></span><br />You can sort or Filter the data in a variety of ways. When you have defined these Views they will appear in a drop down box on the main screen.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/foot-mar03-handbase-05.gif" /> <br /><i>Figure 7: Customising Views</i><br /><br />Each View defines which Fields are displayed, up to 6 Filters and 3 Sort Orders. As mentioned earlier you can quickly switch views using the drop down box on the top right of the main screen. Views are a very powerful way of navigating through a large database or providing complex filtering and searching.<br /><br /><span><b>Customising Forms</b></span><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/foot-mar03-handbase-08.gif" /> <br /><i>Figure 8: Forms Designer</i> <br /><br />HanDBase installs a Forms designer onto the desktop although an optional beta forms design tool is available for the Pocket PC. The forms designer is a standalone application from HanDBase itself. After opening a database file you are presented with a list of forms, along with the option of creating a new one. I decided to create a new form for the DVD database I’ve used above. You start off with a blank rectangle, the form you design here is used on either Palm, Pocket PC or Desktop applications simply by scaling up the form to fit the screen size. You can decide if the form is default for adding new records or editing existing data, or both. When you set up the form name you have a number of preset options for the title – you can display the form name, or "Record X of Y" to give an indication of your position within the data.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/foot-mar03-handbase-09.gif" /> <br /><i>Figure 9: Custom Forms on the Pocket PC</i> <br /><br />I noticed that the basic form I had created on the PC suffered from a few alignment issues on the device which would require some tweaking. The Title field overlapped the Label. This is a nuisance but can be fixed by allowing more space in the forms editor. The moral of the story is not to place items too close together to allow for the scaling up which is applied to the co-ordinates of the items.<br /><br /><span><b>Gotchas</b></span><br />As already stated I had a minor issue with installing onto the device, though I put this down to my own hardware setup. Also as previously stated, a forms designer which runs on the device is still in beta although is available free to all HanDBase 3.0 users. Because the forms UI is designed to be applicable to both Pocket PC and Palm OS clients, some of the look and feel is slightly different to what you expect from a drop-down box on Pocket PC. The fact that the forms designer is a separate application can be annoying, but I guess the logic behind this is that you don't need the forms design capability for day-to-day interaction with the database.<br /><br /><span><b>Where to buy</b></span><br />HanDBase 3.0 Professional can be <a href="http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&platformId=2&productType=2&catalog=0§ionId=0&productId=15478">downloaded from Handango</a> or purchased for $39.99 (affiliate link). The full HanDBase family is also available from <a href="http://www.ddhsoftware.com/software.html?CatID1=3&CatID2=2">DDH Software’s Web site</a> and there are four versions available:-<br /><li>HanDBase for Pocket PC $24.99<br /><li>HanDBase Plus for $29.99 which adds the two-way Synchronisation feature <br /><li>HanDBase Professional (<b>as reviewed here</b>) for $39.99 which adds the forms designer and Access synchronisation and synchronisation support for multiple users.<br /><li>HanDBase Enterprise for $99.99 which has all the features of the Professional version except features ODBC synchronisation allowing you to synchronise with any ODBC compliant database in your Enterprise.<span><b>Specifications</b></span><br /><li>700-750 Kb of available Storage Memory <br /><li>Pocket PC 2000 or higher<br /><li>Windows 95, 98, ME, NT 4.51, 2000 or XP with 4MB of hard-disk space on the desktop PC<span><b>Conclusion</b></span><br />HanDBase is an easy to use tool for keeping data on your Pocket PC. You don’t need programming experience to setup a database and enter your data, the ability to define custom forms means you can really make your database just what you need. You can also apply sorting and filtering views to your records. Some of the user interface has been designed to apply to both Pocket PC and Palm platforms, which means for example drop down boxes don’t look or behave quite like you would expect. That said, this is of great benefit to a scenario where both Palm and Pocket PC clients can be supported from the same database.

[Deslock]

I've been playing with SprintDBPro for the last couple days... it's pretty powerful (has SQL and VBA-like macro abilities) and being able to build the DB on the PPC itself is a nice feature that occasionally comes in handy.

On the other hand, SprintDBPro doesn't have a desktop component, so you *have* to create everything on the PPC, which can be time-consuming. As far as I can tell, it doesn't work with the PPC's clipboard, which is very annoying (for example, you can't copy and paste SQL from a query to a form control, or copy macro-code from a form to a control). On a side note I find it ironic that people are wondering whether or not you can copy and paste on a Palm in the "Is Palm Easier? Magazine Article" thread when I can't always do it on a PPC.

Anyway, back to this topic... SprtinDBPro is also missing table relationships and a TimeStamp fieldtype.

I am planning on installing the HandBase trial, but am wondering if anyone has comments on HandBase vs SprintDBPro or on what I've written above.

Thanks!

[dazz]

Deslock,

I think that once you have tried HanDBase out you will like it quite a bit. I have tried a bunch of other DB apps for PocketPC that are more like Access and they require a fair bit of work to get things just right.

With HanDBase you can crash out a DB with relational capabilities VERY quickly and it will run faster than any other DB program I have used on PocketPC.

Of course, you may miss the thrill of creating SQL queries... :wink:

Darren
DDH Software Inc.

[Jordan Rosenwald]

On the other hand, SprintDBPro doesn't have a desktop component, so you *have* to create everything on the PPC, which can be time-consuming. As far as I can tell, it doesn't work with the PPC's clipboard, which is very annoying (for example, you can't copy and paste SQL from a query to a form control, or copy macro-code from a form to a control). On a side note I find it ironic that people are wondering whether or not you can copy and paste on a Palm in the "Is Palm Easier? Magazine Article" thread when I can't always do it on a PPC.

Anyway, back to this topic... SprtinDBPro is also missing table relationships and a TimeStamp fieldtype.

I am planning on installing the HandBase trial, but am wondering if anyone has comments on HandBase vs SprintDBPro or on what I've written above.

Been a relatively long time user of SprintDB and have to say I agree with the lack of desktop component being a little annoying.
However, the clipboard issue is not PPC's fault. Is is a limitation of the application. Interestingly you can get around it. Bring up the on-screen keyboard and do a good old ctrl-c (or x), ctrl-v. Not sure why it works that way, but I actually contacted Kaione Soft. about it some time ago.

Timestamps can be done programatically. There's no need to devote an field type to it. And relationships are done through SQL in queries. Is there something relationship you're trying to do that doesn't seem to work?
My general opinion (I used Handbase for years on the Palm, though my favorite still remains ThinkDB), is that Handbase is great for simple to intermediately complex databases. For really powerful databases, I can really see where SprintDB will shine.

I'm surprised that you didn't mention my chief complaint with SprintDB (not actually their fault, its a limitation of the portable database file)... Forms are contained in separate file.... hate that.

[GadgetMan]

Does anyone remeber when HanDBase 3.0 was released? If I recall, it was in July 2002. Do you remember that DDH Software was advertising Pro version as containing form designer, which turned out to be false?

Well, nine months later I am still waiting for DDH Software to deliver the product I paid them for - Form Designer component for Pocket PC. And I do not mean some half cooked beta, buf final version.

I am really disappointed because of this. This is no way to treat paying customers.

Cheers,

[Sven Johannsen]

I have played with HanDBase and I use SprintDB. The drawback of SprintDB not having a desktop component is in how you look at it. The Desktop componenet is Access, a program I already have DBs in.

My thought was always that I, as a DB user, would tend to have databases on my desktop, in some format or another. Most typically for a Windows user that format is Access. Active Sync provides an Access conduit (limited though it is, but that is another beef). Why should I deal with another desktop DB and another sync conduit.

I design my SprintDB forms and apps 'on the desktop' using Pocket Controller.

I think I would like the option of using some of the HDB apps that have been developed and are available on their site, I just can't get past it not using Access/.cdb. To me it would be like Textmaker on the PPC not using Word on the PC, but having an independent word processor format.

That's just me though, I'm sure there are lots of folks that Access integration isn't that important to.

[dazz]

Gadgetman,

Actually HanDBase Pro for PocketPC has always had the Desktop version of the Forms Designer. With the release of HanDBase 3.0 DDH software introduced a LOT of new features and they have been working hard to stay on top of the development projects that has created.

DDH has been concentrating on making sure HanDBase is stable and as such the PPC Forms Designer has become a secondary project. I know they are close to release and the current Beta is almost exactly the final version and has been available since last year.

DDH is more focussed on customers than almost any software company around and they are working hard to make sure HanDBase is highly useful. I will pass on your concerns to make sure they are addressed.

Darren
DDH Software

[huangzhinong]

Yes, handbase is handy, I Like it very much. But in other words, it is only a simple small program, the function is very limited, it works like listpro. In strict definition, it can't be regarded as a database program. Please don't get me wrong, I still think this program is good. This program was targeted at Palm OS, so it still keep Palm Zen.(K.I.S.S).

SprintDB is much more powerful, which support SQL and other programable function. Of course for most users who never use access at all, SprintDB is not their type.

[GadgetMan]

Actually HanDBase Pro for PocketPC has always had the Desktop version of the Forms Designer.

Not the Pocket PC versions before 3.0. In any case the HanDBase Pro was advertised by DDH as having Forms Designer for BOTH desktop AND Pocket PC.

DDH has been concentrating on making sure HanDBase is stable and as such the PPC Forms Designer has become a secondary project.

The advertised NEW feature of HanDBase Pro 3.0 for Pocket PC - Forms Designer module for Pocket PC has not been delivered to date. Yet, DDH Software did not hesitate to advertise as if it was already included (can you spell "false advertising"?) and charged Pro customers up front for this feature (incl. in the higher purchase price of Pro version) and then not delivering. This is a very questionable business practice.

I will pass on your concerns to make sure they are addressed.

You are kidding right? Acting as if it was a new concern brought up by an isolated client? Your company advertised a feature, and charged for it. That feature has so far not been delivered. I do not care in the least how many problems you created for yourself releasing this product (that, by the way, was one of the most buggy Pocket PC applications I have ever used. Took you 10 releases to make it more or less stable). You lied to your customers and you charged your customers for a feature that is not there. Maybe DDH Software needs a class action suit to wake up and stand up to their legal responsibilities!

[dbman]

I am a long time HanDBase user and I purchased each version from Hand base from the basic to the Pro version. Even on the Palm, where this software originated, the form designer is fairly primitive and a major pain to use. Item alignment and selection tools are non-existent. You can not select more than one item at a time and it is all too easy to put items behind other items where you can not select them using the stylus. There is no nudge feature so fine adjustments are just out of the question. Finally, the designer is not truly WYSIWYG so the run time form has different buttons and layouts from the designer.

Even the PC components of Hand Base are showing their age! The database portion of the desktop software is fairly crude by Windows standards, but it is functional and stable. The form designer, on the other hand, is just as primitive as its PDA counterpart. Given the power of modern computers, one would expect a desktop form designer to offer snap-to grids, multiple item selection, grouping and group movement as well as a zoomed workspace. Unfortunately, the desktop form designer has none of these! After trying to align items on a form using either version of the designer, I usually get so frustrated I quit and forget the idea of using a form.

Despite these problems, I stay with Hand Base because it is a relational database that works. On the bright side, DDH offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but buy the pro version only if you have the patience of a saint!.

[Deslock]

Timestamps can be done programatically. There's no need to devote an field type to it. And relationships are done through SQL in queries. Is there something relationship you're trying to do that doesn't seem to work?

I'm surprised that you didn't mention my chief complaint with SprintDB (not actually their fault, its a limitation of the portable database file)... Forms are contained in separate file.... hate that.
Thanks for the tip on using the keyboard to copy and paste! I also just realized that you can copy multiple lines of code in the macro build... so two of my main complaints with SprintDBPro just vanished. Sure TimeStamps can be done manually, but it's a lot quicker and simpler to be able to set it at the table level.. same goes for enforcing referential integrity. But these are relatively minor issues compared to the others I brought up. The forms-in-a-different-file is annoying, but not really a big deal to me.


I design my SprintDB forms and apps 'on the desktop' using Pocket Controller.

I didn't know about Pocket Controller... that's a cool app that I may have to purchase.


Of course, you may miss the thrill of creating SQL queries... :wink:
I didn't realize Handbase doesn't let you write SQL... is its query capability on-par with SprintDBPro's?

[Sven Johannsen]

I design my SprintDB forms and apps 'on the desktop' using Pocket Controller.

I didn't know about Pocket Controller... that's a cool app that I may have to purchase.


Just wanted to mention that there are a couple of these types of apps around, even a free one in the PPC Powertools. (You get what you pay for though). They are pretty nice for getting things setup on a PPC, entering basic info, reg codes, etc.

[Ed Hansberry]

Of course, you may miss the thrill of creating SQL queries...
This is exactly why I like HDB on my Pocket PC. I loathe even editing SQL queries on my desktop, much less on the Pocket PC. HDB was designed for use on the PDA form factor device and it is a joy to use.

[Ed Hansberry]

Actually HanDBase Pro for PocketPC has always had the Desktop version of the Forms Designer.

Not the Pocket PC versions before 3.0. In any case the HanDBase Pro was advertised by DDH as having Forms Designer for BOTH desktop AND Pocket PC.
I beg to differ. I'll admit www.ddhsoftware.com wasn't completely clear that the PPC forms designer wasn't ready, but it was always in the fine print if you clicked far enough through. They have since made it more clear.

[dazz]

Of course, you may miss the thrill of creating SQL queries... :wink:
I didn't realize Handbase doesn't let you write SQL... is its query capability on-par with SprintDBPro's?

You can create filters and views (with nested filters). It is done by selecting the fields and criteria on up to 6 different items. You can also use and/or/not as a criteria.

Each View you create can have an associated filter that will include as many of the six filtered items you need. As you can imagine this will give you a ton of filtering options.

Darren
DDH Software

[trapper]

I've been playing with SprintDBPro for the last couple days... it's pretty powerful

I have to agree. SprintDBPro is not only powerful it's also extremely clean, intuitive and very fast. It's so intuitive you can build a database along w/a form in a couple of minutes. The forms designer is fantastic and also very easy to use. You have fine control over the position of objects and can get forms to look exactly the way you want them. SprintDBPro is the best designed program I've seen for the PPC.

HanDBase on the other hand is one of the poorest designed and least intuitive programs I've seen for the PPC. It makes terrible use of screen real estate and is very awkward to use. It may be pwerful but I wasn't able to use it enough to determine.

[ddhsoftware]

GeorgeC,

I read with disappointment your thoughts on our lack of a forms designer. I believe I have communicated with you when 3.0 was first released, and the fact that the one section on one page of our site where we listed a PPC version of the forms as being available was an honest mistake when we first released 3.0. The text was copied from the Palm table cell and the web designer forgot to delete the text. As soon as it was reported, we removed the typo and even added text to clarify it. We have provided the beta version as soon as it was ready to PPC users, and have taken the slow approach to releasing it since we wanted to be sure it was fully stable before it's official launch.

What was more disappointing is that you still felt to this day we were false advertising the product- that is just not true. It was an honest mistake and was corrected immediately. Of course, we have always had a 30 day satisfaction guarantee, so anyone who purchased the product under the wrong pretense was welcome to a refund, and I'd extend that to this day for anyone who bought 3.0 at it's release who still felt that way!

We are not in business to rip people off, or misrepresent the products we sell. Quite the contrary, we strive to offer powerful and easy to use software at a competitive price and to help customers be more productive.

Lastly, our PPC Forms beta is not 'half cooked', it's about ready for release, and we're expecting to release it shortly. I know some people won't run anything labelled beta, and I can understand that! But this beta is pretty close to go, so don't be afraid to give it a try.

Apologies again for that typo last July, and on my word I attest that it was indeed a mistake!

[sudermatt]

I've been using Sprint DB Pro for about 6 months and love it. like many have said before, I use access to do my desktop design. What I like most about them is there tech support. Every time I've sent them an email wondering how to do something, they have responded acceptably fast and actually followed up to make sure my issue was resolved. They seem to be making improvements all the time. I love SprintDB

[Kathy_Harris]

To make use of limited screen real estate, I'm still looking for an simple app to create a database that can be viewed and edited in tabular (spreadsheet like form) with a buttons at the top or bottom to auto insert data into the row/column you were last in. For instance:


Yesbutton Nobutton Sortofbutton

Name Data 1 Data 2 Data 3 Data 4

Test data1 Yes Yes No Sort of
Test data2 Yes No Yes No
Test data3 Sort of Yes Yes No


I've seen some other programs that come close (VB & Listpro) but they have limited programmable buttoning.

[Duncan]

I'm afraid I'm with the SprintDB people. SprintDB is clean, powerful and exudes professionalism (honestly - these are database programs - if they were too simple they wouldn't be worth having!).

HDB (which I d/l'ed and played with) was just amateurish. Frankly if it wasn't for its Palm pedigree (and 'convertors' wanting to stick with it) I don't believe it would be nearly as popular...

[GadgetMan]

[quote="GadgetMan"][quote=Dazz]I beg to differ. I'll admit www.ddhsoftware.com wasn't completely clear that the PPC forms designer wasn't ready, but it was always in the fine print if you clicked far enough through. They have since made it more clear.

Actually, they only modified their web page after a lot of customers bought HanDBase Pro only to find out that it was incomplete and raised uproar in the forums. Of course DDH Software then started to play dumb, claiming that that was an ommission on their part, that they would correct the web site, that the missing component was coming soon (yeah, right!), etc.

All in all pretty disgusting practice that I have never encountered before, although I have dealt with many Pocket PC software developers, large and small....

BTW, the fact that HanDBase has the most lame Forms Designer I have ever seen is besides the point here. What I am talking about is dishonest marketing practices.

Cheers,

[GadgetMan]

Apologies again for that typo last July, and on my word I attest that it was indeed a mistake!

OK, Dave, lets put the issue of Forms Designer missing from the final release of HandBase Pro 3.0 to bed :)

I am still dissapointed though that after nine months since this product was released we still do not have final version of that component. Come on, nine months to develope just a relatively small and very simplistic component???

Cheers,

[JoeMoon]

I have to agree. SprintDBPro is not only powerful it's also extremely clean, intuitive and very fast. It's so intuitive you can build a database along w/a form in a couple of minutes. The forms designer is fantastic and also very easy to use.

Your kidding right?! SprintDB is not for the average Joe. There is no way someone who has no understanding of database design will get that app functioning for them. I agree that it is clean, and the UI is well designed. But it is not intuitive enough for a beginner to sit and slam out a DB WITHOUT reading the manual.

HanDBase on the other hand is one of the poorest designed and least intuitive programs I've seen for the PPC. It makes terrible use of screen real estate and is very awkward to use. It may be pwerful but I wasn't able to use it enough to determine.

I think you have these two apps somewhat confused. HanDBase will enable the average Joe to build a DB within minutes of installation. BUT - I do agree, it is the lamest interface with the poorest tools for form deign. It took me days to build a form... Not because it was difficult, because it was like laying bricks in the dark...

After reading several of the posts... HanDBase should come clean on the PPC Form Designer. Although the beta is close to completion, it is still useless. The desktop version is hardly acceptable - how can the PPC version provide anything better?

Outside of some DB crashes I have had with HanDBase Professional, I will say their email tech support is quick and percise. Be ready for technical answers, and the ability to read between the lines cause these guys are rough on the edges when it comes to walking you through a problem. They may have the answer - but getting it resolved may be for you to figure out! Is it worth the $40? It is if the DB dosen't go south on ya... Otherwise all your time and effort in building the DB and entering the data is a waste...

Although they do keep BILLIONS of copies of your database files as backups all over your drive... So if it does blow out (and from this automatic procedure, it appears HanDBase is planning on it) you can recover. How to recover and how to restore your data is more of a trial than a procedure.

In my opinion... It is a good solution until something better and more reliable comes along... Maybe MS will come out with a PPC version of Access...

Joe...

[Sven Johannsen]

Maybe MS will come out with a PPC version of Access...

Joe...

They have a Pocket Access. It is just not available on the PPC, only the HPC platform. Haven't used it myself, but the reports indicate it is about as faithful a companion to Access as Pocket Word and Pocket Excel are to their desktop counterparts. We should maybe count our blessings that MS did not provide Pocket Access and Pocket Powerpoint leaving a vacuum with numerous excellent fillers.

[Deslock]

We should maybe count our blessings that MS did not provide Pocket Access and Pocket Powerpoint leaving a vacuum with numerous excellent fillers.
Yeah, no kidding. After spending a few days trying out these databases, I bought SprintDBPro. I would've paid twice as much as they were asking... I'm surprised it's only $20. Even if Handbase was the same price, I still would've chosen SprintDBPro... it seems a lot more powerful. That said, I agree with the comments about Handbase potentially being a better choice for inexperienced DB users. Anyone who hasn't used SQL or built forms with something like MS Access should go through the SprinDB tutorials before buying it.

Just wanted to mention that there are a couple of these types of apps around, even a free one in the PPC Powertools. (You get what you pay for though). They are pretty nice for getting things setup on a PPC, entering basic info, reg codes, etc.
Thanks again for the tip. I downloaded both Pocket Controller and the PPC Powertools Remote Control. Useability is somewhat limited due to how slow they are. Pocket Controller has some nifty features, but for now I'll stick with the free one... being able to enter things with the PC keyboard quite nice in some situations.

[dazz]

HanDBase is truly meant for those that don't want to have to use programming skills or learn SQL. If you like using Access I think you will like SprintDB.

However, there are a lot of people that can and do use HanDBase right out of the box. You can learn how to set up relationships easily and can use calculated and conditional fields to do just about anything you could need.

Even if you do know SQL many will use HanDBase because it is simple and quick to blast a new database onto your PDA. You can import from CSV or Access and the database is ready to use.

It looks like SprintDB is certainly a good program and looks quite powerful but there are some things that HanDBase does that go beyond SprintDB's capabilities:

- HanDBase has a desktop environment that is FULLY compatible with the mobile version.
- You can sync with other users wireless (IR and Bluetooth)
- Sync multiple users to one server (without jumping through hoops)
- Works on both PocketPC and Palm. This may not be a big feature for individuals but for corporations there is very often both platforms.

There are a lot of programmers out there that could do the same with SprintDB but for overtaxed IT departments and people without the programming skills HanDBase is an excellent option.

Over the next short while you are going to hear about new features that will advance HanDBases appeal to users. These changes are in response to customer requests and comments like we have seen in this post.

Darren
DDH Software

[JoeMoon]

Well, this post really got me thinking... And here is what I thought...

I have had some issues with HanDBase. Some I thought I could live with, and some I thought were user issues and I needed to learn a bit more abot the program. Then I got a phone call from a friend who I told to buy HanDBase cause it was easier for him to use. In the recent phone call he told me that a certain field in his database turned all the data in all the records to "No Value". Interesting, I thought. His confidence in the application was getting sketchy too. That was it... I wanted a refund, and suggested he do the same. How can someone use an application for real time, real life purposes when they don't feel confident in the applications stability. maybe it is a freaky thing... But I started to really scrutinize my application and some of the quirks I was uncovering with daily use. The more I used it, the more I was losing confidence. The more data I put into the database, the more nervous I became. And yes, I did experience the unfortunate corrupted database once... As well, as data being blown out of the fields and several blank records added to the database...This is just from using the thing... Not to mention the problems I had in setting up the databse and the forms from the very beginning...

To me, HandDbase has INCREDIBLE potential... But it is not ready for the big time. I received an email from a HanDbase representative last week who was interested in hearing my gripes and suggestions, but after two days of promised phone calls - it never happened. This too was another red flag.

Finally, the lights came on in my head, and I thought, "Did I just pay some company $39 for me to test their software and give them feedback... Because this program is not commercial grade?! It is not finished yet... It still has some issues and needs a cleaner interface, both on the desktop and on the PPC." I guess I may never know the honest answer to that question...

Now, as a side note. It appears that they just inked an agreement with Jason and PocketPCThoughts and their banners are all over the site - and I understand that it would be tasteless for us to bash an advertiser... But I believe the users MUST come first. It is us users who purchase the software and without the users - these companies have no one to sell to... My rant is two fold - to warn others of potential issues of a potentially weak application and second, for software developers/companies to realize they can't push half baked goods under our noses and think we will tolerate it.

Any thoughts?

Joe...

======================
UPDATE: April 22, 2003
======================

Dave from DHSoftware and I were finally able to connect yesterday on the phone. I can tell you that he is dedicated to improving HanDBase. His attitude and approach to the conversation was very refreshing, and it restored great confidence in the development of this application. Many of the issues I brought to his attention as a user have already been addressed, and hopefully we the user should be seeing these enhancements or fixes in future releases. In fact, alot of the stuff is already available and functioning with the application - it is just not easily visible to the user. Dave and I found ourselves having alot in common, and found that made it very easy for each of us to share our views and enlighten one another on where we were coming from. Without rambling, my perception of the product and the company is restored and strengthened. I can sense that Dave is willing to make whatever changes need to be made to make this a better program. He is not so proud that he spent the entire time defending his position and product, but was amazingly humble to receive input, ideas and suggestions. Outside of Alex at PocketInformant, I have not come in contact with another product/producer that is as intersted in inproving their product based on what the end user is requesting.

Two thumbs up and I hope anyone who is expeirencing difficulty with the application will provide Dave an equal opportunity to hear your views and comments and allow him the opportunity to correct the situation - because I believe he really does.

Thank you Dave - and I look forward to watching your success... May your honestly and integrety take you places you've never dreamed.

Joe...

[thomas1973]

I'm bringing the discussion away from 'which is the most professional Database', to the average joe user (me)...

I must say one of the few things I miss from my Palm days, is my ThinkDB. It's not an advanced DB, but has every feature I need for making small DB's, or 'advanced lists'. I used to keep track of CD's, books and wine I wanted or had bought, and I could search and display these in any way I needed. AND ThinkDB had a proper forms designer! How hard can it be?? With your PPC you've got a fairly advanced machine with a high resolution color display, different font sizes and other formatting available, and the best you can do is to list the DB files like you were still using DOS on your 286 desktop?? Really, come on! I need a tool to easily design a nice forms layout to make my DB's easy to glance through - as I've already said: How hard can it be? :evil:

The form designer on HandyBaseDB looks like a joke! We should expect something a bit more advanced and streamlined and userfriendly in this day and age, and from a program in this price category! :devilboy:

Thomas.