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SprintDB Pro Reviews

Pocket PC Database Applications  

30 October 2003

KaioneSoft Releases SprintDB Pro 2.0, SprintDB Pro + Printing 2.0 and the Desktop Companion.

Well, the long wait is over at last! And it has been well worth it. KaioneSoft has truly exceeded all expectations with its new version of SprintDB Pro. This is not a mere tinkering of existing features in versions 1.x, but a carefully engineered upgrade and redesign of an already excellent database application.

What's New?
The most obvious changes are in the user interface design. The File and Tools menus have been rearranged to make them easier to navigate. The recently opened files list has been moved to the File menu and a couple of very interesting features have been added to the Tools menu: Encrypt and Decrypt Database . That's right, you can now protect your database files from unauthorised access or copying.

Improved Development Environment
The Form edit mode now provides the user with the option to display an adjustable visible grid. This makes the placing of controls far easier and more accurate than before. There is also a dotted line representing the top of Software Input Panel (SIP) - when it's displayed. This is a very handy feature, as it allows you to design the placement of the controls on your form without them being obscured by the SIP. This feature is also available in the Desktop Companion.

Module Support
Now supports code Modules . Providing you with unprecedented control over your code. Modules can be called from saved macros and you can also pass parameters to them.

Pocket Outlook Compatibility
SprintDB Pro 2 has now added full compatibility with the Pocket Outlook contact database, which is supplied as standard with all new Pocket PCs. Using simple macro commands and database functions, it's easy to manipulate any of the fields in the Outlook database. You can add new contacts, delete existing ones and perform complex searches.

Desktop Development Environment
The SprintDB Pro Desktop Companion allows you to develop your SprintDB Pro 2 Pocket PC applications on your Desktop or Notebook PC with SprintDB Pro version 2.0. This provides the user with a development environment which is far easier to use and therefore allows you to create feature-rich applications more quickly than is possible on the limited screen real estate of the Pocket PC. Of course there is nothing preventing you from using the Desktop Companion to create PC-only database applications or applications that you want to run on both platforms.

The user interface is the familiar Windows MDI format which allows you to open multiple windows simultaneously. You can, for instance, open a database in Table view, open multiple SprintDB Pro forms in either Edit or Run mode. This gives you unprecedented control over the SprintDB Pro development process.

Did I mention that you can import your existing SprintDB Pro Pocket PC forms into the Desktop Companion whilst your device is connected to your PC via ActiveSync? You can also export forms created on the desktop to your Pocket PC.

The Desktop Companion is sold separately and in this reviewer's opinion, is an indispensable tool for the rapid development of SprintDB Pro applications. Compared to its competition, it is great value for money at only US$24.89.

Conclusion
SprintDB Pro and the Desktop Companion makes database development on the Pocket PC platform a breeze. If you have been considering purchasing a Pocket Access development tool, then I strongly recommend you buy SprintDB Pro and the Desktop Companion. KaioneSoft offers existing customers - who have purchased SprintDB Pro since 1 September 2003 a Free upgrade to version 2.0. They are also offering discounts to customers who buy SprintDB Pro and the Desktop Companion.

- Taken in part from KaioneSoft's Press Release - also written by this author.

- Vitée Tao, InfoScape Systems

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8 August 2003

Update: SprintDB Pro Version 1.7a & 1.7b (for Microsoft Mobile 2003 Pocket PC)

This new version introduces:

• Support for colored Tab controls.
• Supports CreateControl(), ExecMacro(), OpenQuery(), RunSQL() macro actions.
• Supports AutoField: AutoIncremental, GUID, RandomNumber field.
• And more...

1 June 2002

KaioneSoft SprintDB Pro 1.5 Mini Review
KaioneSoft has done it again! The new version of SprintDB Pro (1.5) is truly astounding - with features you would normally only associate with sophisticated PC software.

First Impressions
What struck me immediately was the provision of the Quit command. By itself, this would seem to be nothing spectacular, but when it is combined with the ability to AutoRun an application - and hide the built-in Navigation buttons and File menu whilst in form view means that it is now possible to create an independent-looking program.

From the user's point of view, they are simply running a 'stand-alone' application. When they want to quit the application, they simply tap the exit button and return to Pocket PC's operating system.

The Sexy Stuff
Full support for Picture boxes - which can also be used as buttons - a Background picture property, and the Scribble box control, Timer event for forms and Sound file handling... What does it all add up to? A full featured multimedia, data-driven presentation tool! You can now produce slide shows, image databases and forms that will accept signatures using the Scribble control. Mobile users can now make sketches of work sites, floor plans, maps, accident and crime scenes, etc. - and save them along with associated data.

Printer Support
Printing directly from the Pocket PC via Infrared and Serial connections is smooth and accurate. You can print forms, tables and graphics. A major plus for business is the ability to print barcodes. Many of the most popular printers are supported, including Epson Stylus, Canon, Pentax and HP.

Development Potential
The independent software developer, software house or hobbyist can now develop state-of-the-art applications with friendly, appealing user interfaces, exceptional functionality and speed. Applications for real estate, car sales, engineering, point of sale or anything that can benefit from a mobile database are now within easy reach.

Customization
InfoScape Systems is in the process of developing SprintDB Pro button sets and skins. These will be available for downloading soon. Of course, we will continue to offer our Custom Development services.

More Information
For more information and a detailed rundown of new features, please visit KaioneSoft.

Review by Vitée Tao, InfoScape Systems.

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