HanDBase: A "Must Have" Database Application for the Pocket PC

Do you believe in love at first sight? The object of my affection here is HanDBase, a simple "flat-file" database program (see sidebar) for the Pocket PC. HanDBase lets you create your own custom databases to store the information you need on your Pocket PC.

Build your own databases with HanDBase

Database applications store and organize information so that you can get at it easily. The Pocket PC and Handheld PC come with specialized databases built in, including Contacts, Tasks, Calendar, and Inbox. What's missing on the Pocket PC is an easy way to create custom databases to organize other information in a way that makes sense to you. HanDBase adds this capability to the Pocket PC.

The beauty of HanDBase is that it's easy to learn and simple to use. With it you can build useful and functional databases in just a few minutes right on your Pocket PC. Note: I cover the process of creating a HanDBase database in detail in a separate article, titled, "Building Your First HanDBase Database Applet," found on the PocketPC.Com Web site (www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/stepbystep/handbase.asp).

Information is entered into the database using customized data entry forms, which can include pull-down menus, check boxes, calendar pop-ups for entering dates, and more (see Screen 1). You can create or download many different database files and use HanDBase to view them, to enter or delete data, and more.

Screen 1: HanDBase lets you create data entry forms that can include pull-down menus, check boxes, calendar pop-ups for entering dates, and more.

Using HanDBase to access your data

After you open a HanDBase database, the main screen displays a list of all of the records in that database. For example, Screen 2 shows a database of the American Film Institute's list of the top 100 movies of all time. You can scroll left or right to see all the data fields associated with each record. You can add a record by tapping the page icon at the bottom of the screen. You can edit a record by simply tapping it. 

Screen 2: The HanDBase main list view showing the American Film Institute's list of the top 100 movies.

The HanDBase Actions menu is accessed at the bottom of the display (see Screen 3). It pops up a menu that lets you move, copy, export, print, or delete records. You can also use the Action menu to Find specific items. Sort the database, and Run Reports. You can even share databases with another Pocket PC or Palm OS device using the Infrared transmission option.

Screen 3: The HanDBase Action menu lets you move, copy, export, print, or delete records, and more.

One of the best things you can do from the Action menu is to create a filtered view of the database (see Screen 4). Filters are the key to effectively using HanDBase. They help you find the records you're looking for by narrowing down a large database into a smaller subset. For example, using the AFI Top 100 Greatest American Movies list, you could use a filter to display only movies that won the Academy Award.

Screen 4: Filters help you find data by narrowing down the database into a smaller subset containing just the data you're looking for.

Download over 700 free HanDBase database files