HanDBase
HanDBase (at http://www.ddhsoftware.com/software.html?view=handbase) is a much simpler relational database than thinkDB, but its greatest strength is in the number of applets already written for it. It's pictured in Figure E.

FIGURE E

HanDBase has a more streamlined appearance than thinkDB.

While most of the programs reviewed here do have galleries of pre-written databases, HanDBase simply shines in this arena-both in terms of depth and breadth. HanDBase Desktop even includes a "Download new applets" menu function, as seen in Figure F.

FIGURE F


HanDBase Desktop includes a "Download FREE applets" menu function. Roll over picture for a larger image.

While its relational features are not as deep as those in thinkDB, it's easy enough to use that anyone with any database experience can pick it up almost immediately. Like thinkDB, HanDBase supports up to 100 databases, more than any of the flat-file programs reviewed here, but still not a lot for a relational database system. The Macintosh platform is supported.

HanDBase is recommended for intermediate users, simple relational databases, and Macintosh users who need relational features.

MobileDB
A simple program to use even for beginners, MobileDB (at http://www.handmark.com/products/mobiledb/index.html) is a veteran program that's been around the block and back. It's pictured in Figure G.

FIGURE G

MobileDB for the Palm OS has a very simple interface.

There's also MobileDB Lite, which differs in that it doesn't allow you to edit databases on the Palm device. The Lite version is freeware and may be a good choice if you want your users to have access to unchanging information on their Palm devices.

The desktop version of MobileDB is pictured in Figure H.

FIGURE H


MobileDB offers a familiar look to anyone who has worked with tabular data before. Roll over picture for a larger image.

The desktop tools for MobileDB are a breeze to use, and it offers the simplest, most accurate conversion to and from comma-separated format. Macintosh, FreeBSD, Perl, and various Unix/Linux distributions are supported at the desktop level. It also has a Java-based converter, making this an excellent choice for companies that have a variety of workstation types.

MobileDB is recommended for intermediate users and non-Windows users.

JFile
JFile (at http://www.land-j.com/jfile.html) is a well-recognized name among Palm databases, but the current version (4.0) isn't backwards compatible. Thankfully, Land-J software provides an onboard converter for the Palm device. JFile also has the largest group of third-party utilities of any program mentioned here. JFile is the only database reviewed here with third-party support for the almost-forgotten OS/2 Warp, as well as for DOS, Unix, Macintosh, and PC. JFile excels in its filtering capability, especially when working with Access data via a third-party application.

Another interesting feature of JFile is the ability to launch a database directly from Launch 'Em, a well-known Palm Launcher replacement at http://www.synsolutions.com/software/launchem/. Still, because of the additional costs involved in getting JFile to work at its highest potential, I'm leery of recommending it for most users.