Palm OS Database Review: Database Professional, HanDBase, MobileDB and SmartList To Go
Posted December 2004 by Tanker Bob

Page 4: SmartList To Go 3.001 by DataViz

DataViz produces an entire line of office apps geared to Microsoft Office compatibility. Their Documents To Go Pro ships with a number of newer Palms and Sonys. SmartList To Go 3 brings a nice database app to the office mix.

As you might guess from the name, SmartList works primarily with tables. However, you can use and design forms and views. In fact, SmartList creates filterable summary-type reports (totals and percentages) on the fly—very slick implementation that’s not limited by field type. Like other DataViz products, databases may be located anywhere on the card, and SmartList will search for them when asked and HotSync them as well.

The interface will be familiar to users of other DataViz office products. The icons provide quick, self-explanatory access to key features. The use of pop-up menus under some of the icons provides ready access to a host of even more context-sensitive capabilities. For example, when in a table, tapping on the Tools icon brings up a list of all possible actions that you can take on a table, including designing fields, forms, views, filters, and lists, as well as actions within the table like sorting, recalculating, or generating a report. This implementation shows considerable thought behind it. Alas, it does not include query support.

Security didn't get the short shrift here, either. Separate passwords may be assigned to opening a SmartList, changing records, designs, or views, and for beaming or copying a database.

Wizards make creating new SmartLists and forms on the handheld very easy. The user is offered 24 field types in a pull-down list, including cross-table relationality, and basically walked through the process. Even a beginner could create a fairly complex table this way. Alternately, you could use one of the large number of templates available on-line. You'll want to be careful not to exceed the 60,000 record per database limit, though. (Yes, that was a joke.)

The desktop program serves multiple functions. The user can edit records and fields, design or redesign databases, import/export from/to CSV files, or set up a sync with Access. The interface provides easy access to all the functions. Note, however, that the program doesn't convert direct to Access, only to/from CSV files. I found that a disappointing limitation in light of SmartList To Go’s capabilities in other areas. HotSyncing worked flawlessly through a conduit that provided excellent feedback on the current process. Direct bi-directional Microsoft Access synchronization may be set in the conduit itself.

SmartList To Go 3 sells for $49.99 and comes with Microsoft Access support. It provides noteworthy reporting capability for a handheld app, and sports an excellent desktop program that's more than just a companion. It rounds out an already excellent office app stable from DataViz.

Pros: Consistent interface with other DataViz office products Relational support across tables Good security flexibility Excellent report generator Bi-directional HotSync to Microsoft Access Cons: No query object support Only imports/exports CSV files

Conclusion

Database applications on the Palm OS platform have grown considerably in capability over the years. As PDA processor speed and available memory have grown, developers took full advantage of the situation. For maximum Microsoft Access compatibility on your Palm, MobiSystems’ Database Professional with Windows Desktop delivers incredible power and compatibility. Its overall design follows the Microsoft Access paradigm closely, and stands alone in this review in its support of queries and treating database objects as objects. If you’re looking for a Microsoft Access equivalent under Palm OS, this is as close as it gets. DataViz’ SmartList To Go 3 runs not far behind, though, offering a nice reporting feature and direct bi-directional sync with Microsoft Access. One thing came out loud and clear during testing for this review—in this information age, the power can truly be in your Palm!

The End