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SmartList To Go 3
May 6, 2004
SmartList To Go requires 750K of memory on your Palm OS device, plus some extra space for the lists that you create or sync from the desktop. When you open the application, you’ll see a list of all of your databases, along with the number of records and the last modification date. There’s also a category picker in the top right-hand corner, in case you have so many that it’s necessary to organize them into categories. Open up a list, and you’ll be presented a screen that looks much like a spreadsheet, until you start noticing some of the advanced features. The two arrows on the second line of the screen allow you to quickly customize and apply various views and filters to your data.
At the bottom of the screen you will find several icons. The first one returns to the main screen, while the others allow you to add new records, delete records, work with a variety of tools, or search for a specific piece of information. At the right edge of the screen you’ll see tiny plus and minus signs that allow you to change the font size. It’s possible to get a great deal of information on the screen, especially if you have a high res + device. The Tools icon deserves more attention, because this one is the heart of the application’s functionality. This one icon brings up a menu that allows you to design fields, forms, views, filters, and lists, as well as control the SmartList properties, recalculate, run reports, manage plug-ins, and set application preferences. SmartList comes with timer, checklist, and datebook plugins.
The handheld application is very fast; I didn’t notice any delays opening any of my test lists. The controls are elegant and intuitive, and sometimes they know what you need even before you know. A perfect example of this is when I tapped the “new” button to add an extra record to my database. I hadn’t yet created a form, and honestly had forgotten that I needed to do that— no surprise since it’s been quite a while since I worked with databases. SmartList To Go nicely asked me if I wanted to automatically create a form based on my current view, I tapped yes, and the form was created instantly. I didn’t have to waste any time trying to customize something that wasn’t important to me, though of course it’s nice to know that if I really get into this sort of thing, I can create custom forms and filters. That makes SmartList To Go a complete information management package, whether it’s a complete newbie trying to keep track of some simple lists or a corporate professional that needs to track huge inventories.
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SmartList To Go, like many handheld applications these days, includes a desktop component—and this one is top notch. While the handheld portion is well-designed and fully featured, you’ll likely find yourself using the desktop to create your data entry forms. It’s just easier with a larger screen to see all of your fields and lay things out exactly the way you want them. An intuitive tabbed interface keeps all of the necessary functions close to hand, and the list picker on the left allows you to keep track of all of your different databases at a glance. The desktop also comes with a variety of templates that make creating your own databases a snap. Choices include a cookbook, packing lists, book and DVD collections, calories guides, inventory trackers, and many more. An even greater variety of templates are available for free download from the Dataviz web site—more than 400 of them.
Importing and exporting is also surprisingly simple, with the built-in wizards that practically do the work for you. It’s possible to import data from Microsoft Excel, as well as from any comma- or tab-delimited file, or from a plain text file. And of course full support for syncing with Microsoft Access is included, since this is a database application, after all. I wasn’t able to test that portion of the program, since I don’t have Microsoft Access. If you have any hints or tips about that feature, please feel free to discuss them in the forums.
SmartList To Go is a surprisingly powerful database program, but don’t let that scare you— it may be powerful, but it’s also extremely easy to use and completely non-intimidating. I should know, because even though I have little to no experience with databases, I was creating new forms and setting up databases with abandon. If you have lots of information to organize and you find that a spreadsheet just isn’t going to cut it anymore, do yourself a favor and get SmartList To Go from Dataviz. You can get your own copy for $49.99 at the Dataviz web site.
PocketGoddess Rating for Dataviz SmartList To Go 3.0: 
