1src Forums - Smartlist or HanDbase?

SuperSaiyan

03-07-2003, 06:14 PM

I guess it really depends on your priorities for a database app. I use SmartList To Go but it does have some drawbacks. There has been very little change to the app (except the name) since DataViz took it from Thinkingbytes. I've been waiting for HiRes+ support and MS functionality for quite some time. I really want to store DBs on the MS but, to date, you can't with SLTG. I'm pretty sure both HiRes+ and DB's on the MS are available with HandBase. The only drawback (for me) with HandBase is that it only supports blackand white images where SLTG supports 256 color images.

-SS

sebring

03-07-2003, 06:27 PM

I can't speak for HandBase, since I only demoed it for a few weeks about a year ago, before I bought ThinkDB (Smartlist To Go). I have never regreted my purchase, but like SuperSaiyan indicated, it is screaming for an update to hires+ and more efficient use of MS. Smartlist does store DBs on MS, but you have to move them back to RAM to use them (can't even view them from MS).

tstarky

03-07-2003, 08:55 PM

I like HanDbase. I don't know much about the other. The only complaint I have right now about HanDbase is that the jogdial will not scroll a full page, only one line at a time. They have a choice in preferences where you can select "page" instead of "line" but it does not work. They assured me that this bug would be fixed in a future update.

badboy

03-08-2003, 10:59 AM

I bought Handbase 3.0 when it came out, but dumped that piece of crap when it couldn't update older databases to 3.0 and caused a crash. This is the only program that has crashed my 665.

Tried Smartlist to Go a couple months ago and loved it. More powerful and more polished than Handbase, and stable. No contest here.

chazzz

03-08-2003, 11:54 AM

SmartList can store databases on a memory card, but the method of implementation and use seems quirky. The other but is that you can't edit a database on a memory card. You have to go through the tedium of copying/moving it to the machine RAM first. At least the not-aforementioned JFile does it for you.

I think the simple ability to store things on the card gives Dataviz the out to say, "Yes, we support memory cards" (as mildly misleading as that may seem).

I keep track of my DVD library, book library, software registration codes, personal property, web logins and keyboard (synth) patches all in SmartList. I used to track Survivor castaways. :)

SuperSaiyan

03-08-2003, 12:05 PM

I stand corrected. I mistakenly said "store" and I can store SLTG DB's on the MS......but it is useless considering that SLTG can't access it there. Until it can either seamlessly move a DB to RAM or access them from the MS........it will be somewhat limiting for me as I would like to have access to rather large DB's.

kstuart

03-08-2003, 02:11 PM

HandyShopper2 (http://www.palmgear.com/software/redirector.cfm/hs25009.zip?prodID=1350&type=zip) is a great list app which is FREE and has a huge user group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/handyshopper) as well.

OS5 enhanced, HiRes Icon support for OS4 and OS5, Free Desktop App (called HandyEdit).

But, if you buy Bayer brand aspirin, instead of generic aspirin, then you'll prefer Smartlist or HanDBase...

PS " it ".

LaStigmata

03-08-2003, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by kstuart
HandyShopper2 (http://www.palmgear.com/software/redirector.cfm/hs25009.zip?prodID=1350&type=zip) is a great list app which is FREE and has a huge user group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/handyshopper) as well.

OS5 enhanced, HiRes Icon support for OS4 and OS5, Free Desktop App (called HandyEdit).

But, if you buy Bayer brand aspirin, instead of generic aspirin, then you'll prefer Smartlist or HanDBase...

PS " it ".

What? Are you saying that Handyshoper is even close to the same type app as Handbase or SLTG? I guess I need to look into this app a little further. I must have missed something in my first test drive.

SprSaiyan8

03-08-2003, 07:57 PM

I like Smartlist to go also passwords plus is good too you can get a free 30 trial at www.dataviz.com

mdharris

03-08-2003, 08:35 PM

SprSaiyan8 I was checking out Passwords Plus, is it 320x480? Have you compared it to eWallet or SplashData?

SprSaiyan8

03-08-2003, 08:51 PM

no unfourtunatly i have not compared them have you is eWallet or SplashData any good where can i find them yes it is 320x480 i am hoping dataviz come out with a update soon

mdharris

03-08-2003, 08:59 PM

I have used both eWallet and SplashData. Currently using SplashData but eWallet is just as good. I like SplahData a tad bit more just because when you view the info it also includes whatever you have in the notes section of that entry without having to go the extra step by pressing the note tab as you have to with eWallet. You can find both of them at PalmGear or Handango. If you need further info let me know.

fengwei007

03-10-2003, 01:04 AM

Why nobody mentined JFile 5.5h? I'm using it for a while and really like it. It's hi-res and MS supported. Very fast too.

chazzz

03-10-2003, 01:32 AM

I mentioned it... you must have skipped my little post above. The HiRes feature of JFile 5.5h is a little deceptive too (kind of like SLTG's claim of memory card capability) -- HiRes only works on OS5 machines. But yes, it is most definitely fast, and really does have good MS access. (M$ Access!?) :)

notmuch

03-10-2003, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by kstuart
HandyShopper2 (http://www.palmgear.com/software/redirector.cfm/hs25009.zip?prodID=1350&type=zip) is a great list app which is FREE and has a huge user group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/handyshopper) as well.

OS5 enhanced, HiRes Icon support for OS4 and OS5, Free Desktop App (called HandyEdit).

But, if you buy Bayer brand aspirin, instead of generic aspirin, then you'll prefer Smartlist or HanDBase...

PS " it ".

Handyshopper is a GREAT list and shopping program. ...and it can serve as a poor man's database program..... but, to compare Handyshopper to HanDBase or SLTG is like comparing aspirin to morphine.

PurpleMD

03-10-2003, 10:27 PM

There is a HanDBase update (3/10/03)...no more crashing when converting old databases!!!

You can download it from www.ddhsoftware.com

kstuart

03-11-2003, 11:37 AM

Handyshopper is a GREAT list and shopping program. ...and it can serve as a poor man's database program..... but, to compare Handyshopper to HanDBase or SLTG is like comparing aspirin to morphine.

Perhaps.... but my comment came from reading the following list of uses in this thread, most or all of which can be done easily and quickly in HandyShopper2.

I keep track of my DVD library, book library, software registration codes, personal property, web logins and keyboard (synth) patches all in SmartList. I used to track Survivor castaways.

The HandyShopper2 Yahoo Group that I linked to in my original post in this thread, has a file area where people have uploaded their templates for many different lists, such as book library, etc.

If you are going to have a full database on all the employees in a corporation, you need a "Database" program, but it you just want your book library, trip packing list, etc. etc. HandyShopper2 is probably the best app out there (and free!).

LaStigmata

03-11-2003, 05:53 PM

Just purchased Handbase and this thing rocks. I had been using ThinkDB (Smartlist To Go). Handbase has it all over SLTG. With the Form Builder in Handbase you can make entry into your data base so simple. It is almost like being able to create your own app.

JM2C

jbarr

03-12-2003, 08:03 AM

Just curious. How is HandBase's Form Builder any different or better than SLTG's native "Design Forms" capability? Not trying to start a db preference war, but SLTG has this capability built-in without requiring a separate app.

Maybe it's because I started using SLTG (ThinkDB) first, so I may be biased, but I tried using HandBase, and found it kludgy in look-and-feel as well as function.

Obviously, YMMV!

LaStigmata

03-12-2003, 10:07 PM

I find it more user friendly and much better to look at. The actual data base is Hires+ but the forms are limited to 360X360. Handbase has been able to create db's that are much more extensive than SLTG. As far as the "kludgy in look and feel" part, I think that, just like me you will have to use it for a few days to settle in with it, just as you would any such extensive app. I have since deleated SLTG from my Clie and do not intend on looking back. I do not mind at all that the Form Builder is a separate app, because it is this function of Handbase that I feel pushes it above the rest.

feed_sheep

03-12-2003, 10:19 PM

If you want something free/cheap, you might want to try PilotDB - http://pilot-db.sourceforge.net

Personally, I use SLTG

stefe

03-01-2004, 11:26 AM

how do you convert Handbase files to SLTG?

stefe

03-01-2004, 11:28 AM

is the forms in SLTG better than Handbase?

sebring

03-01-2004, 11:57 AM

You may want to delay your decision about a month. SLTG v3 beta is looking pretty good so far. It addresses the main issues I had with it. Don't know when it will actually be released, but it's in beta now, so it shouldn't be too much longer.

stefe

03-01-2004, 12:17 PM

how can i get teh beta version?

sebring

03-01-2004, 08:34 PM

Contact DataViz. I don' t think it's a public beta yet, they haven't even completed the desktop portion yet. The first page of this web site has a link to a preview description. They emailed me to beta test it because of correspondence I've had with them in the past.

Unregistered

03-04-2004, 04:16 AM

Originally posted by jbarr
Just curious. How is HandBase's Form Builder any different or better than SLTG's native "Design Forms" capability? Not trying to start a db preference war, but SLTG has this capability built-in without requiring a separate app.

Maybe it's because I started using SLTG (ThinkDB) first, so I may be biased, but I tried using HandBase, and found it kludgy in look-and-feel as well as function.

Obviously, YMMV!

I own and use both.
For creating dbs which incorperate forms Smartlist is easier and much faster to create. Handbase forms are far more customizable.

Really both are equally capable, they each have unique features the other one lacks.

The new beta smartlist finally does have hi rez plus, and card capabilities now, but still lacks encription, and the flexibility in forms found in HB.
But I like how SL does calculations better. Also in sl you can have a default form which can be tweaked in no time, but hb form you have to start forms from the ground up.

I also have hanyshopper, know full well what it can do and it really is not in the same ballpark.

Yes it can keep the lists quite well that were originally mentioned.

But I can write a letter in notepad, doesnt mean I have no use for Word.

rened

03-04-2004, 07:13 AM

MobileDB cannot import/export a record (or a complete DB) to/from a memo.
Is there a db-program that can do this?

sralmas

03-04-2004, 07:20 AM

SLTG can export to memo.

Using the desktop software, if you copy a memo and paste it to a txt file, the desktop software of SLTG will import to a database (but you cannot do this on the handheld alone).

notmuch

03-04-2004, 12:00 PM

Originally posted by rened
HandBase cannot import/export a record (or a complete DB) to/from a memo.
Is there a db-program that can do this?

HanDBase can export a record or DB to memopad. You can even control what fields get exported. AFAIK, no import, you must convert to CSV and use the desktop.

roakleyhall

03-05-2004, 12:04 PM

I used them both, and settled on HB because it would print out reports which included linked records, something not possible in SLTG. I have an extensive sales reporting DB on HB and this function was key.

SamuraiCatJB

03-05-2004, 03:20 PM

I use SLTG, but then I got it for 2.95. :)

moejarv

04-28-2004, 05:32 AM

since SLTG 3.0 is out, and the VFS and hires+ function being added, I wonder how you'll compare this two now..
Besides, any news about handbase lately?

starbuckk

04-30-2004, 11:21 AM

Originally posted by moejarv
since SLTG 3.0 is out, and the VFS and hires+ function being added, I wonder how you'll compare this two now..
Besides, any news about handbase lately?

I'm looking right now at the whole thing. It will cost $29 to UPGRADE SLTG to version 3.0 (no discounts for beta testers). HandBase Pro is $39. That was almost enough to make me jump to Handbase, but in looking I see that Handbase 3 is getting a little old now. They may be due for an upgrade soon and I don't want a repeat of paying full price, then having to pay almost full price AGAIN very shortly in order to get the upgrade.

The thing is, HandBase has encryption, and the forms capability just plain blows SLTG out of the water. But on the down side it doesn't support Hires+.

Has anyone heard any rumblings about a possible new version of Handbase coming out soon?

SuperSaiyan

04-30-2004, 05:08 PM

The forms function in HandBase is a nice feature but an overall comparison made me a bit more comfortable with SLTG 3. If you look at the list of $10 plugins for Handbase, you'll see some features that are builtin to SLTG such a image display. Granted, Handbase will allow HiRes images but I prefer to use smaller size images to keep the databases from bloating. Also, you need to purchase an add-on Access sync feature for $19.99 which I can already do with SLTG 3. I'm a big fan of SLTG's clean VFS and HiRes+/horizontal support now too. Maybe Handbase will come out with an update soon but SLTG works best for me :D

-SS