The Palm application version of JFile is pictured in Figure I.

FIGURE I

The "eyeball" icon lets you open a database temporarily in read-only form.

The desktop version of JFile is pictured in Figure J.

FIGURE J

JFTrans for the PC allows you to work more smoothly with data from Access. Click picture for a larger image.

JFile is recommended for intermediate and Launch 'Em users.

List
List (at http://www.magma.ca/~roo/list/list.html) is the simplest of the databases reviewed here and is probably not suited for business purposes. It's pictured in Figure K.

FIGURE K

This is the database design screen from List for the Palm OS.

A free program, you're limited to only two fields, plus one that's set as a Notes field. This has the smallest number of pre-written applets of any program reviewed here and is the one with the smallest feature set. All fields are treated as text, for example. The desktop version is pictured in Figure L.

FIGURE L

A minimum of options keeps List from having a cluttered interface. Click picture for a larger image.

List is recommended for beginners and keepers of simple lists , such as Zip Codes.

Tips and tricks
Finally, here are a few general hints for using Palm databases.

With the multitude of pre-designed databases available, it can be quite tempting to install multiple programs on your Palm device. However, since tools exist for conversion, it makes much more sense to use the .CSV converters and then import the results into your program of choice. That way, you have the best of all possible worlds.

If you can't get something to convert seamlessly using a converter, you can still usually get a good look at how the database is set up and recreate it for your program of choice.

If your database program supports filters, use them. It makes it much easier to find the record you need in list views. Then, all you have to do is tap your way into the record you need.

When designing a database, break down your information into the smallest possible chunks. This gives you more flexibility when searching a record, and has the added benefit of making it easier to see when a record has been duplicated.

Hopefully this assessment of the pros and cons of the various database programs available for your Palm computer will make your decision-making process a little easier.

Marie Braden is a writer based in Bitburg, Germany, and can be reached at mariebraden@onebox.com.