PDA handheld that interface with Access?

[Kevin_S]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the use of hand held PDA/Pockect PC's and MS Access? Any recommendations on PDA's that could be used to interface with MS Access front ends/SQL Server tables? My Division is looking to expand or use of data management systems into the handheld/PDA area.

Currently, our managers conduct field inspection reports on clipboard and paper and then, upon returning from the field, enter the data into the db. What we are looking to do is to skip this paper/pencil step by capturing the data in a handhelp (preferably one with digital camera included in it - I saw some of the palms with this feature) and then upon syncing the handheld - transferring the data to the database. In the future we would like to skip even this step and look to wireless solutions.

I have done some investigating and I have seen that the windows CE operating system for handhelds supports mini versions of word and excell - but no Access - is this correct...? Would a work around be feasible for this - i.e. inputing the data in an excell spreadsheet and then importing this as a tabel in the db...? Anyone have any experience with this...?

Thanks,
kevin

 

[Fizzio]

If you are looking at a remote option with handhelds, the best way to go (I feel) would be using the web option - using a mobile in the field and web forms.

If this proves a bit costly, there are a few PDA alternatives (microsoft no longer ships Pocket Access)

Your excel suggestion is probably the easiest to administer depending on the complexity of your Db.

 

[Kevin_S]

Hey Fizzio,

Great suggestion - I never even considered this an alternative but I agree that this would be a good way to go, although I must admit that I haven't worked with DAP all that much (a few here and there) I dont really like the somewhat clunky nature of DAP's though - have you ( or anyone else) had any experience with this type of setup before? Any suggestions, things to look out for, other mediums to try (VB6, ASP, etc...)

thanks,
Kev

 

[Fizzio]

I've never used DAP - I use mainly PHP but I do not know how compatible the handheld browsers are - I assume that as PHP is server side, they would be able to handle it OK. That's about all I know (not much I agree!)

 

[Curtis]

Palm DB program that works with access

there is a program called HandDbase that interfaces with Access when you sync the Palm.

They also make a Windows CE version, but i havent used it.

The Professonal version includes the Access Add on. the standard does not. I am not sure how it would work with photos.

They make a demo downloadable program if you want to check it out.

 

[Kevin_S]

Hi Curtis -

Thanks for the reply. Right now I am in the middle of testing software by a company called pendragon. Their website is located at http://www.pendragon-software.com/

I chose this company because their db package will directly sync with either the MS Access FE OR directly to the SQL Server BE and because our application that this will be used for requires taking pictures and documenting jpeg files and this software already has a DLL that comes packaged to run the camera on the Palm Zire 71. Thanks for the post though as I'm sure it will help someone else down the line...

Thanks,
Kev

 

[mission2java_78]

My pda supports access.

At least it looks as though it does.

The new PDA's we are getting are WI-FI with blue tooth technology (HP PDA's)...

Nice ehhh

 

[Kevin_S]

The new PDA's we are getting are WI-FI with blue tooth technology (HP PDA's)...

Nice ehhh

Hey don't rub it in!

I checked out the iPAQ 5555 with WI/FI and Bluetooth (Finger print ID is soo sweet!) but the main function of the PDA's for our staff is to do inspection reports and the Palm Zire 71 is $300 smacks cheaper and has a built in camera so there wasn't a need to buy one that plugs into an expansion slot that may or may not behave with the software....

I wanted to use WI/FI and just have the user connect to an ASP FE/SQL Server 2000 BE in our Intranet but I was told that wireless was too risky and not secure enough... Remember...I work for the Government...

Take Care,
Kev

 

[mission2java_78]

And all this time I've been helping you!!!!