Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter
Vol. 11 No. 30- July 24, 2006
Pocket Genealogist Version 3.0
The following article is from
Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter and are copyright by Richard W.
Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information
about the newsletter is available at
http://www.eogn.com.
NOTE: The online version of this article has many images
and screenshots. I left those out of the e-mail version of the newsletter in
order to reduce the size of the message that you need to download. You might
prefer to read this article online
HERE or without the ads on the Plus Edition Subscribers' online
newsletter
HERE.
I have carried my entire genealogy database in my pocket for
some time now. In fact, for the past few months my genealogy database has
been in my cell phone. Whenever I leave home, the records of 3,000+ people
in my family tree go with me. That includes all relevant facts, text notes,
and source citations. At genealogy conferences or society meetings, I can
quickly compare notes with others. When doing research at a genealogy
library, a county courthouse, or other archive, I can take the cell phone
out of my pocket and easily compare new information against the research I
have already completed.
All of this is possible with a program called The Pocket
Genealogist, produced by Northern Hills Software. A new version of
The Pocket Genealogist was released recently, and this week I had an
opportunity to upgrade.
Note #1:
In the "good old days" of only two or three
years ago, there were two separate devices: handheld computers and cell
phones. However, today's world often sees them combined. Many
"intelligent cell phones" now include complete handheld computers in the
same casing as the phone. Even better, the software involved usually
links the two together. For instance, you can usually dial a person's
telephone number simply by clicking on his or her record within the
Microsoft Outlook data stored on the handheld computer. Most such
devices allow you to "surf the web" as well as read and write e-mail.
You can also install new programs on these combination cell
phones/handheld computers.
Purchasing a combined cell phone/handheld computer is
always cheaper than buying two separate, similar devices. Strangely,
most of the combination units are even cheaper than buying just a
stand-alone handheld computer of similar capabilities. If you have a
need for both a cell phone and a handheld computer, you can save a lot
of money by purchasing both within a single unit.
The Pocket Genealogist is a program that operates on
handheld computers that use Microsoft's PocketPC or Windows Mobile 5
operating systems. Such handhelds include the Hewlett-Packard iPAQ, Dell
Axim, Toshiba PocketPC, and similar devices from a number of other
manufacturers. The same program also works with a wide variety of cell
phones that include PocketPC or Windows Mobile computers, including the Treo
700w, several units from Samsung, several more from Motorola, and my
favorite: Cingular's 8125. It does not work with Palm operating system
handhelds, however.
Note #2:
The PocketPC operating system was recently
split into two versions: Windows Mobile 5 and Smartphone. However,
Smartphone hasn't gained much acceptance. Most cell phones that use
Microsoft's software use Windows Mobile 5 or the earlier PocketPC, not
the less-capable Smartphone version. The rest of this article applies
equally to handheld computers and cell phones that use either the
PocketPC or Windows Mobile 5 operating systems.
When I first started researching my family tree back in the
years B.C. (before computers), I carried my notes with me in the form of
hand-written family group sheets and pedigree charts. I inserted them into a
3-ring binder.
As time went on, I obtained more information and filled more
sheets of paper with information. Eventually, I needed a second binder.
Later still, I added a third and even a fourth 3-ring binder to carry all my
records with me on library visits. I had to obtain a book bag and then a
second book bag. Did you ever carry four fully stuffed, 3-ring binders in
two book bags for several city blocks from a parking garage to an inner-city
archive? It's a wonder that my arms didn't stretch to orangutan length!
Of course, finding the information I wanted within all those
books was another challenge. Some days I spent more time turning pages in my
own 3-ring binders than I did in turning pages in the record books! More
than once I muttered, "I thought I already had him listed in here
somewhere…".
Handheld computers have changed all that. Anyone can carry a
device weighing only few ounces in a pocket, a purse, or even clipped on a
belt. Information is available almost instantly, thanks to the search
capabilities of The Pocket Genealogist and similar programs. Want to find
stored information about a distant ancestor? The Pocket Genealogist
will find the information you seek and display it on the screen within
seconds.
All genealogy programs for handheld computers will read
genealogy data from desktop or laptop computers and transfer the information
to the handheld device. You do not need to enter information about hundreds
or thousands of people by using a stylus or a tiny keyboard! Anyone who uses
Legacy Family Tree as a primary Windows genealogy program will appreciate
one unique feature of The Pocket Genealogist: you can also enter data
into the handheld while on site at a library or archive and later transfer
the updated information back to Legacy Family Tree on the desktop or laptop
computer.
The Pocket Genealogist is available as a download file
on Northern Hills Software's web site. The company offers a 30-day free
trial as a "Try before you Buy" version. This is a fully functioning
version, except for some features, such as data entry, direct imports, and
the "Tree" views. The trial version also allows for a maximum of 5 "Field
Notes" to be entered at one time. You can later return to the web site to
purchase either a Basic or Advanced version, as explained later in this
article. The Pocket Genealogist is also available from a number of
retailers in the USA, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Norway.
The Pocket Genealogist actually consists of two programs.
The primary program installs on the handheld device, and a "support program"
is automatically installed on a Windows desktop or laptop computer. The
support program converts desktop data to the proper format for the handheld
and then transfers that data, using Microsoft's ActiveSync program the same
way as other PocketPC and Windows Mobile applications. The support program
also later retrieves data from the handheld, storing it on the desktop. The
same support program also performs a few other housekeeping tasks.
I found the installation of The Pocket Genealogist to
be simple although it does require several steps. First I connected my
Windows Mobile device to my Windows XP computer, using the cable that was
included with the handheld when I purchased it. This is the same cable that
is used to synchronize the handheld device with Windows applications on the
desktop PC. Some other handheld devices use a "cradle" for this purpose.
Next I opened a web browser on the Windows XP computer and downloaded the
appropriate file from The Pocket Genealogist web site. Once I stored
the file on my computer’s hard drive, I double-clicked on the filename to
install the software on my Windows XP computer the same way as any other
Windows program.
A series of menus appeared, asking for my preferred
language, the location to install the program, and similar information. I
selected the defaults on every menu. A minute or so later, The Pocket
Genealogist was installed on my handheld device, and the "support
program" was installed on my Windows XP desktop computer. The program was
ready for me to start entering data on my handheld. However, I already had
information about nearly 3,000 ancestors and other relatives stored on my
desktop; so, I elected to import that data instead of entering the same
information manually.
I am delighted with one feature of The Pocket Genealogist
Advanced Version: it will import data directly from Ancestral Quest,
Genbox, Legacy Family Tree, RootsMagic, or The Master Genealogist. In
addition, it will import data from Personal Ancestral File or Family Tree
Maker by using GenBridge, not GEDCOM.
GenBridge is a more sophisticated solution that results in
more accurate transfers of information than GEDCOM. The GenBridge method
imports data directly from your genealogy program's database; there is no
need to go through a two-step GEDCOM conversion. However, if you use a
genealogy program not listed above, The Pocket Genealogist also
supports GEDCOM imports. You should be aware that GEDCOM is notorious for
losing data during transfers. Nonetheless, you can export data from
almost any genealogy program in GEDCOM format, then import that GEDCOM file
into The Pocket Genealogist.
The import process asked a number of questions about the
data to be imported, such as which data elements to import, whether or not
to add commas at the end of place names, convert surnames to all upper case
(or not), and similar formatting options. Depending on the database being
imported, you may have options to import regular notes, research notes,
medical notes, marriage notes, LDS ordinances, addresses, telephone numbers,
ZIP codes, and more. Obviously, this works only if similar items are in your
original database. Not all genealogy programs support all of those data
elements.
You can store the handheld's information either in the
handheld computer's main memory or on an extra memory card, if available. On
most handheld devices, you can purchase storage cards (Compact Flash, Secure
Digital, etc.), which can hold programs and data. Note that those cards are
a lot slower than "main" memory. My 3,000-person database with all text
notes, source citations, and more requires about 7 ½ megabytes for storage.
That is a modest amount for today's handhelds. My Cingular 8125 handheld has
128 megabytes of internal memory. I also added a one-gigabyte memory card.
That's enough space to store information about millions of people! Luckily,
it is also cheap: one-gigabyte cards are available for $40 to $50 from a
number of retailers.
The import process also asked if I wished to import
information about all the people in the originating database or if I wished
to limit it to a subgroup, based on any of several selection criteria. After
entering selections on a number of screens, I selected START. All the data
was converted to The Pocket Genealogist's internal format and then
was copied to the handheld device. I was now ready for operation:
information about all my known ancestors and many other relatives was
residing in my cell phone.
I then disconnected the handheld computer from the cable
that had attached it to the desktop system. I launched The Pocket
Genealogist and started navigating through my data on this
shirt-pocket-sized device. I had the advantage of being familiar with
earlier versions of the program, so I was able to navigate quickly. If you
have not yet used The Pocket Genealogist, you will want to spend some
time becoming familiar with its navigation. There is a lot of information to
squeeze onto the tiny screen, so navigation is a bit different from desktop
systems that you have used previously. Still, I found the navigation in
The Pocket Genealogist to be loosely similar to other programs in
handheld computers. Luckily, the accompanying user’s manual has step-by-step
instructions, lavishly illustrated with screenshots. Even if you are new to
handheld computers, I suspect you can become familiar with the menus in this
program within a few minutes.
The primary screen features a 3-generation view of your
data. The layout of the screen is divided into 4 areas.
- Current Couple - In the middle of the screen are the male and female
who make up the currently selected "couple." All other information on
the screen relates to this "Current Couple".
- Children are listed in a scrollable list below the current couple.
- Marriage or union information is displayed immediately above the
current couple. To the left are buttons to select other spouses or
parents for the male and to the right for the female.
- Parents are displayed above the marriage box.
The 3-generation screen is used both to navigate through the
database and to view information about the currently selected couple. Using
your stylus, you can tap on one of the parent boxes. That person will become
the "current couple," and the other information on the screen will change,
relative to that person. The same is also true for the child list.
Tapping on either person of the "current couple" will
display more information about that person. Tapping on the marriage box will
display family information about the "current couple". Tapping on the spouse
and parent icons will display a selection dialog where you can choose a
different spouse or set of parents to display.
Other icons and selections include:
Descendant and Ancestor Tree View
Individual View (new with Version 3) will show a
scrollable list of all the individuals in your database. Individual
information will display a series of tabs with information for that
individual.
The "Main" tab is used to display the main information
about the individual. This would include the primary name, the sex of
the individual, a "living" indicator, ancestor and descendant interest
settings, and other items.
The Names tab is used to work with the primary and
secondary names for the individual.
The Events tab lists the events of the person's life.
The exact list of events shown varies, depending on the desktop's
database from which the information was created.
The Notes tab is for entering notes about the
individual. Depending on the desktop genealogy program you are using,
you may be able to enter many notes. Pocket Genealogist splits notes up
into roughly 30,000 characters per "chunk" (because of database
limitations and speed considerations). If the note in question has more
than 30,000 characters, you will see buttons that will allow you to
switch between the "chunks" so that you can see the entire note.
The Sources tab lets you see all the citations that are
attached to all items at the individual level. The drop down list allows
you to pick the type of citations you wish to see in the lists.
The LDS Tab is used to display the LDS Ordinances (if
any) for the individual.
The To Do tab will be displayed if your desktop
genealogy program supports that type of information.
Field Notes are never transferred back into your desktop
program. However, the desktop side of Pocket Genealogist lets you
display on your monitor any information you enter here, using its Field
Note reporting feature. How you use Field Notes is entirely up to you.
You may decide to enter them as notes into your desktop program or
simply print them for later reference.
The DNA tab provides a means to view/edit DNA
information for the individual, if supported by your desktop genealogy
program.
The Identifiers tab shows some additional ID fields as
defined by your desktop genealogy program.
The Relationships tab is only available for The Master
Genealogist imports. This tab shows the relationship information for the
individual, both backwards (as a child) and forwards (as a parent).
Family Information displays a series of tabs with
information for the "current couple" (family).
The default setting of The Pocket Genealogist is to always
display black letters on a white background. However, it is easy to select
colors and to set the color of data fields that you can edit as well as
those that you cannot edit, as well as the background and text color for
push buttons, list columns, and text within the list. You can have the
father's information shown in one color, the mother's info in a different
color, the marriage information in a third color, and so on. Font sizes are
also adjustable, a handy feature when information is displayed on a tiny
screen.
Unlike some other handheld genealogy programs, I found that
I could navigate from screen to screen almost instantly. Even with 3,000+
individuals in the database, clicking on any icon resulted in a new screen
being displayed within a blink of the eye. Some other handheld genealogy
programs are not as fast, and they usually become slower and slower as the
database size increases. This was not a problem with my database.
One of the things that I love about my Cingular 8125 cell
phone is that it has a full slide-out keyboard. I do not have to enter data
with a stylus. Note that I said a "full keyboard" but did not say, "full
sized." It is a rather petite keyboard, but it does have real keys. I like
that much better than using the stylus as required by many other handheld
computers. Luckily, The Pocket Genealogist supports either a stylus
or keyboard for data entry and navigation.
Another item that often does not always work on programs
designed for handheld computers is the switch from portrait to landscape
mode and back again on the handheld's screen. With the Cingular 8125 and a
number of other Windows Mobile devices, the screen displays data in portrait
mode when the keyboard is retracted. When the keyboard is pulled out the
side, the screen automatically switches to landscape mode. I was delighted
to find that the display on The Pocket Genealogist switches from one
mode to the other and back again without difficulty.
The Pocket Genealogist version 3 has a new feature that
is not available in other handheld genealogy programs: GPS integration. If
you have a GPS device and software that is already working on your handheld
computer, The Pocket Genealogist version 3 can retrieve the current
GPS coordinates for use with locations, repositories, addresses, and notes.
The later use of the coordinates depends on the capabilities of your desktop
genealogy program. There is no GPS connected to my handheld device, so I was
unable to test this feature.
Note:
GPS only works with Windows Mobile 5 and a GPS
device that works with the Windows Intermediary driver.
NHS Note: Version 3.01
added full GPS support for all device types.
The Pocket Genealogist version 3 also includes:
- A Date Calculator to calculate a second date based on a first date
and the number of years, months, and days between the two.
- A Calendar that displays months in any year. You can use the
calendar to pick the date or the calculator to derive a date based on
the number of years, months, or days from another date.
- A Soundex Calculator is used to calculate the Soundex code for a
name.
- A Coordinates Converter allows you to enter a latitude and longitude
value and then convert it to a different format.
- A Relationship Calculator is used to determine the relationship
between two individuals.
- A History List keeps track of the individuals viewed during a Pocket
Genealogist session. You can quickly backtrack to records that you
viewed earlier.
- The Date Selector allows you to assign a date qualifier to any date
being entered. This can be useful for things such as "Before" or
standalone items such as "Dead". Stand-alone items make up the entire
date value, and no actual date is allowed.
- Much more…
I could go on and on about the various features available in
The Pocket Genealogist. However, you can download the entire user’s
manual, which describes all the features in more detail, at
http://www.northernhillssoftware.com. If you are considering using
this program, you will want to download the excellent 154-page user’s
manual.
The Pocket Genealogist fully supports Windows 98, ME,
NT, 2000, or XP on the desktop or laptop computer. The handheld device needs
to be running Windows CE version 2.11 or newer. (That includes all
Windows-based devices manufactured since 1999 except for the Casio BE-300.)
The only required software is Microsoft ActiveSync, which is provided with
your device or as a free download.
NHS NOTE: Support for Windows 98 and
ME has since been discontinued and support for Windows Vista has been added.
The Pocket Genealogist Version 3 is available in three
versions:
-
The "Unregistered" version is a "try before you buy"
version. It is fully functioning, except it does not allow data entry,
direct imports, or the "Tree" views. (Ancestor and Descendant) - FREE
-
The "Basic" version has full data entry and supports the
display of up to 3 generations in the "Tree" views. Data imports may
only be done via GEDCOM. $20.00 (U.S.)
-
The "Advanced" version has all the features of "Basic"
plus support for direct (no GEDCOM) imports from Legacy Family Tree, The
Master Genealogist, Genbox, Ancestral Quest, and RootsMagic. It supports
the display of up to 255 generations in the "Tree" views. It also
includes a backup function for your databases. $35.00 (U.S.)
You can download the Trial version of The Pocket
Genealogist Version 3 at
http://www.northernhillssoftware.com. You can also purchase the Basic or
Advanced versions via a safe and secure shopping cart system from the same
web site or from a number of retailers that are also listed on the site. The
retailers may offer discounts.
The Pocket Genealogist Version 3 is my personal pick as "the best
genealogy program for Windows Mobile and PocketPC handheld computers." It is
inexpensive, powerful, fast, configurable, and it holds a lot of data. I
don't leave home without it riding in my combination cell phone and handheld
computer.
Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter
Vol. 9 No. 23 - June 7, 2004
Pocket Genealogist
Version 2.80
The following article is from
Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter and are copyright by Richard W.
Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information
about the newsletter is available at
http://www.eogn.com.
Pocket Genealogist is an excellent
genealogy program for the handheld PocketPC computers. I have it installed on my
Hewlett-Packard iPAQ and take my genealogy database with me everywhere, along
with my calendar, telephone numbers, to-do list, and more. The Pocket
Genealogist runs on all PocketPC and compatible handheld computers, including
the iPAQ, Dell Axim, NEC MobilePro, Hewlett-Packard Jornada, Toshiba e740, Casio
E-15, IBM WorkPad z50, Sharp Tripad, and others. It is not compatible with the
Palm operating systems, however.
The Pocket Genealogist is available in two different versions: Basic and
Advanced. You can read more about the Pocket Genealogist in past newsletters,
most recently at
http://www.eogn.com/archives/news0348.htm#PocketGenealogist .
Author Kevin Phillips has now announced the release of version 2.80 of the
Pocket Genealogist. New features include:
* The "Basic" version now allows data entry.
* A new Ancestor and Descendant tree "view" provides 3 levels for "Basic" and up
to 255 for "Advanced."
* Database Backup/Restore option. ("Advanced" only)
* Data storage either in main memory or in plug-in storage cards.
* A new user’s manual is available.
As always, the Advanced version of the Pocket Genealogist will read data
directly from Legacy Family Tree databases or The Master Genealogist. Both the
Basic and Advanced versions can read data from GEDCOM files created with any
modern genealogy program.
I am pleased also that author Kevin Phillips made a change to the Soundex
calculator to fix the issue that I described in a Plus Edition newsletter a few
weeks ago.
Version 2.80 is available for $20.00 (for the Basic version) or $35.00 (for the
Advanced version). It is also available as a free upgrade for current users.
Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter
Vol. 8 No. 31 - August 4,
2003
Pocket Genealogist
2.50 Released
The following article is from
Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter and are copyright by Richard W.
Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information
about the newsletter is available at
http://www.eogn.com.
I have written several times about the Pocket Genealogist. It is
a great genealogy program for PocketPC handheld computers. I use it a lot in my
iPAQ handheld. The Pocket Genealogist is the most powerful genealogy program I
have found for handhelds. Now Northern Hills Software has announced a new update
with a major addition: the Data Entry version of Pocket Genealogist is now
available.
There are many new features in the 2.50 release, including the
following:
- Data entry (Advanced)
- Direct import of The Master Genealogist databases using GenBridge™ by
Wholly Genes Software. (Advanced) This includes roles and research log.
- Faster Synchronization
- All new interface on the device
- Support for To Do lists (if the desktop genealogy program supports To
Do's)
- Better and more flexible GEDCOM imports.
- Better support for LDS Ordinances.
- Support for "Multi-linked" events (witnessed events)
Of course, the new program can import data from any modern
genealogy program by use of GEDCOM files. However, those who use Legacy Family
Tree databases or The Master Genealogist will find that data is imported
directly using GenBridge™ technology instead of the older and more error-prone
GEDCOM method.
Version 2.50 is a free upgrade to current users. If you wish to
upgrade from "Basic" to "Advanced" to take advantage of the new features, you
can do so for $15. See the Pocket Genealogist Web site for details.
Author Kevin Phillips reports that two additional features are
being created now and will be available in a future release:
- Support for direct synchronization back into Legacy Family Tree databases.
- A comprehensive user's guide.
Those who purchase version 2.50 now will receive those two
additional features at no charge once they become available.
You can find more information and even download the Pocket
Genealogist at:
http://www.NorthernHillsSoftware.com
Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter
Vol. 8 No. 15 - April 14,
2003
The Pocket Genealogist
Version 2.50
The following article is from
Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter and are copyright by Richard W.
Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information
about the newsletter is available at
http://www.eogn.com.
I first wrote about The Pocket Genealogist in the December 16,
2000, edition of this newsletter. Author Kevin Phillips of Northern Hills
Software had just released version 1.0, and I was quite impressed with the new
program for Windows CE handheld and shirt-pocket-sized computers. In the two
plus years since that article appeared, I have mentioned it briefly several
times, usually as each new update was released. However, upon the purchase of my
new iPAQ shirt-pocket computer (see the previous article for details), I decided
to revisit The Pocket Genealogist to see what is new.
The Pocket Genealogist has always been a program used to view
your data. That is, you enter all your data in a desktop or laptop system using
whatever genealogy program you prefer, and then transfer the information to The
Pocket Genealogist in your pocket-sized computer. You can use the tiny computer
to view the information at any time and any place you wish. I have used The
Pocket Genealogist while in the library stacks of genealogy libraries and at
courthouses. I also use it frequently when at genealogy meetings of various
sorts as I like to compare notes with others about specific families. Carrying
all the notes and information about 3,000 people in your pocket isn't easy to do
when you depend on paper records! Using a handheld computer makes it easy,
almost trivial. Also, Windows CE's "instant on" feature beats a laptop, hands
down. I don't have to wait for an eternity while Windows boots up before
checking on something.
Until now, The Pocket Genealogist did not have the capability to
enter data on the handheld system and then transfer that data back to the
desktop computer. While doing actual research, I still had to write my notes on
paper or enter them on a bulky laptop PC.
Kevin Phillips now has a major new version of The Pocket
Genealogist that adds data entry capabilities. Version 2.50 is in a "public beta
test." As such, Kevin is asking the general public to help him find any bugs and
to report them. The beta is not complete; not all the planned new functions are
implemented at this time. Actually, the current version of The Pocket
Genealogist public beta is release 2.51B7, and that number increments every few
days as Kevin stomps out newly-reported bugs and adds new features.
I decided to take a look at the beta program. I downloaded it
and then installed it on my new iPAQ 5455. The entire effort was quick and easy.
I was soon looking at The Pocket Genealogist's screens on my handheld computer.
A lot has changed since version 1.0 was released in the year
2000. The original version read data from GEDCOM files, a "lossy" method of
transferring genealogy data. I have written a number of times about the problems
associated with the use of GEDCOM files. Data frequently gets dropped when being
transferred to any other genealogy program. See my "GEDCOM Explained" article at
http://www.rootsforum.com/archives/news0219.htm
for details. The Pocket Genealogist can still use GEDCOM files, if necessary. It
should work well with GEDCOM files created by Family Tree Maker, Personal
Ancestral File, RootsMagic, Family Origins, Generations, Family Tree Legends, or
any other modern genealogy program.
However, The Pocket Genealogist can now import data directly
from Legacy Family Tree and from The Master Genealogist without resorting to
GEDCOM files. In both cases, the data transfers are much more accurate than
those done with GEDCOM. I noticed that the import from The Master Genealogist
uses Wholly Genes Software's GenBridge technology. GenBridge is a genealogy data
transfer method that is much more accurate than GEDCOM. I should point out that
direct import without GEDCOM is available only to those who have registered
(paid for) this program. This feature is not available in the free trial version
of the program.
While The Pocket Genealogist is advertised as a program for
Windows CE pocket-sized computers, it really contains two programs: one for the
pocket-sized computer and another for the desktop system. You first use the
desktop program to convert your data from your favorite desktop genealogy
program's format into a new file that the pocket-sized system can use and then
to copy that file to the tiny computer. I created a new file from Legacy Family
Tree, thereby avoiding the problems associated with GEDCOM.
The data import from Legacy went smoothly with no surprises,
followed by the transfer of the data to the iPAQ handheld computer. The entire
process lasted perhaps fifteen minutes, after which I could look at my entire
database in my handheld computer. I was amazed that my 3,000-person database
only consumed about 3 megabytes of the valuable storage space on the handheld
computer. At that rate, the 320 megabytes of storage in my iPAQ should be able
to hold the information of more than 300,000 people! I do not plan to test that,
however.
When I say "my entire database," I do mean everything. Not only
were the names and significant events transferred to the palm-sized computer,
but so were all the text notes, source citations, my "to do" list, the e-mail
addresses of the living people in the database, and more. Most of the other
genealogy programs I have seen for handheld computers record only a minimal
amount of information, usually dropping the source notes and other "non
essential" items. However, The Pocket Genealogist can handle everything. I do
not know of any other genealogy programs for handheld computers that will record
the breadth of information found in The Pocket Genealogist.
Best of all, I can now update that information while I am onsite
at the courthouse or other storage facility for archived records. I do not need
to lug my larger laptop with me. I do not need to look for power outlets, and I
do not need to wait for Windows or the Macintosh operating system to boot up. I
can pull the tiny computer from my pocket, press the ON button, and immediately
add new information that will later automatically update my desktop computer at
home.
Another item worth noting is the speed of The Pocket
Genealogist. Clicking on any person's name results in an almost instant
appearance of that person's information. Moving around the database is that
quick. Some other genealogy programs for handheld computers work well when you
have a couple hundred people in the database but then start to slow down as the
number increases. Loading a thousand or more people may result in very slow
operation. The Pocket Genealogist's operation was very fast, even with 3,000
people in the database.
Use of the program was simple and obvious at all times. I never
had to look at a user’s manual. That's a good thing as the manual for this beta
test version hasn't been written yet! As in most software projects, the last
thing to be completed in a beta test is the writing of the documentation. A full
manual for the earlier version 2.17 may be downloaded from the Northern Hills
Software Web site. Many of the screens remain the same or similar in operation,
but the version 2.17 manual obviously does not reflect the changed functionality
of the new beta version. To see the beta version in operation, you can look at
http://www.northernhillssoftware.com/PublicBeta.
The screen shots will tell you more about the program's operation than I could
ever describe in text.
The data screens themselves were all text-based and very simple.
On small screens used in handheld computers, you don’t want to clutter your
display with fancy graphics. The Pocket Genealogist doesn’t even display a true
pedigree chart in the traditional format. However, it does have a text-only
equivalent that doesn't take up space in the same manner as a traditional
pedigree chart. I found all the screens easy to read and always intuitive.
The main screen you see when starting the program provides an
overview showing one couple, along with parents, spouse, and children, along
with an option for multiple spouses. Other screens display details about each
individual in six different screens of data that you access by clicking on the
desired tab:
- Main
- Events
- Notes
- Sources
- To Do
- Field Notes
LDS members will note that the new beta of The Pocket
Genealogist will fully support database fields for events that are unique to
that religion. It also supports other religious events, such as christening,
baptism, bas mitzvah and bar mitzvah.
I made a few minor changes in the information on my tiny
computer and then attempted to export it back to Legacy Family Tree on the
desktop. I received my first surprise: the "synchronize with Legacy" function is
not yet available on the menus. The notes included with the beta test version
say that the export function to Legacy has not yet been written. OK, this is
beta software, so I certainly was not very surprised.
I did create a GEDCOM file, however, and then imported it into
Legacy. The Pocket Genealogist even has an option for creating a GEDCOM file
that contains information only for the individuals whose information was changed
on the tiny computer. As a result, my GEDCOM only contained information about
the three people I had updated, and this was easily imported into Legacy Family
Tree. Everything seemed to work as I expected it would. The GEDCOM file and the
resultant Legacy database contained the changes I had made on the tiny
shirt-pocket-sized computer. I proved that data entry was possible on the tiny
computer, but I still look forward to direct synchronization with Legacy Family
Tree later in this beta effort.
I talked with Kevin Phillips and also exchanged several e-mails
with him. In one message, he wrote about the design of the program's data entry
software:
I think the turning point for the "data entry" version, as
far as the scope of the project and the amount of time needed to do it, is
when I realized that I could not expect the user to know what data elements
their desktop program accepted or the maximum accepted length of said field.
Therefore, Pocket Genealogist attempts to become a "chameleon" of the
desktop program. One of the things I have added is "GEDCOM Profiles". These
files indicate which features are supported for each program and the length
of the field. (And for some, there is a list of acceptable values for that
field) Therefore, when the import occurs, it sends information to the device
that allows it to control what is available for input. On export, the goal
is to put the data back into a GEDCOM format that the originating program
accepts. Although it's practically impossible to fully support all possible
GEDCOM variations, I think we come close. Without these profiles, I think the program would have been
unusable and very frustrating to the user. This "chameleon" characteristic
of Pocket Genealogist is a very ambitious project, no wonder that it is
taking much more time to complete. However, my philosophy on software
development is to produce a "best of breed" product. Anything else is a
waste of time, in my opinion, nor do I wish to put my "name" on a product
that doesn't attain that level
I am still very impressed with The Pocket Genealogist for
Windows CE. It is fast, simple to use, and very good at displaying data. The new
beta test version adds the capability to enter data and later export it to your
desktop system although not all the functions are operational yet. The addition
of an external, folding keyboard (a popular option) to the handheld computer
converts it into a very capable data entry device for use in libraries,
courthouses, and archives.
I expected to find bugs and even have software crashes in the
beta software. Yet I never had a crash in the few hours I used the program, and
the only "bug" that I saw was the documented fact that not all the software has
been written yet in this beta version. However, I suspect that I will eventually
uncover bugs some place. After all, it is beta software.
The system requirements of The Pocket Genealogist seem to be
rather modest. It is designed to work with Windows CE devices running CE Version
2.0 or better. This includes devices that are referred to as PocketPC's,
Palm-Size PC's, Handheld Pro, and Handheld PC's. The Pocket Genealogist even
works on the T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition. Imagine carrying your entire
genealogy database in your cell phone! You can do that since the T-Mobile Pocket
PC Phone Edition essentially combines a Windows CE handheld computer and a cell
phone into one case.
The Casio BE-300 (Pocket Manager) is an exception and is not
supported. The beta test version 2.50 and all future versions of The Pocket
Genealogist will require CE version 2.11 or higher. The older devices running CE
2.0 and 2.01 will no longer be supported. The Pocket Genealogist does not work
with devices that use the Palm Operating System, such as the products made by
Palm, Trio, Handspring, and others.
The amount of storage space required obviously depends upon how
many people are in your database. In my case, a database of almost 3,000 people,
including extensive text notes and source citations, required about 3 megabytes
of storage space.
The companion software that installs on your desktop or laptop
system requires Windows 95, 98, NT, ME, 2000 or XP.
The Pocket Genealogist is available as a "try it before you buy
it" program. You can download it online and use it for 30 days at no charge. A
few features are disabled in the trial version. If you decide that you want to
keep The Pocket Genealogist and use it, you must pay for the program in order
for it to function after the 30-day trial period expires. There are two versions
available:
The Basic Version of Pocket Genealogist includes support for
English, French, German, Greek and Norwegian menus. (The beta version only
supports English menus at this time; the other languages will be added
before the final release.) It also supports data entry in the form of
"Research Notes." The Basic Version will import data only from GEDCOM files.
The registration fee for the Basic Version is $20 (US funds).
An Advanced Version of Pocket Genealogist includes all the
functionality of Basic Version plus additional features. The Advanced
Version supports direct import from Legacy Family Tree databases. The
"Public Beta" contains data entry and direct TMG import, using GenBridge
(tm) from Wholly Genes Software. Current "Advanced" users will get the data
entry version as a free upgrade when it is complete. The registration fee
for the Advanced Version is $35 (US funds).
Anyone who registers for the Basic version and then later
wishes to upgrade to Advanced may do so for $15.
All registration payment is done via PayPal's safe and secure
servers. Upon payment, a registration code is sent via e-mail that unlocks the
added features. You never have to wait for a CD to arrive in the mail.
Kevin Phillips of Northern Hills Software has a winner here. If
you have a Windows CE handheld computer, I strongly encourage you to try The
Pocket Genealogist. I suspect you will be pleased.
If you want to live on "the bleeding edge," try the beta test
version. If you are a bit more conservative and want to stay with tried and true
software, download the earlier version that is debugged and solid. Both are
great products.
I asked Kevin what he plans to add to the program in the future.
He hesitated a bit, but did say that he hopes to add multimedia capabilities. He
envisions a genealogist interviewing relatives at a family reunion, recording
the sound on the handheld computer's built-in sound recorder, and perhaps even
recording video of the interview, using one of the available plug-in cameras for
iPAQ and other tiny computers. The genealogist could then return home, connect
the tiny computer to the desktop system, and automatically transfer the audio
and video recordings directly into the multimedia scrapbook inside his or her
favorite genealogy program! Don't look for this functionality any time soon,
however. Kevin wouldn't commit to a timeframe, but I am guessing that these
features are several years away.
I like The Pocket Genealogist. I bet you will, too. If you own a
Windows CE/Pocket PC device, you need to look at this program!
Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter
Vol. 6 No. 22- May 28, 2001
Pocket Genealogist
Version 2.0
The following article is from
Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter and are copyright by Richard W.
Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information
about the newsletter is available at
http://www.eogn.com.
In the December 20, 2000 edition of this
newsletter, I wrote about the Pocket Genealogist, a genealogy program for
Windows CE handheld computers. I now keep my genealogy database in my Compaq
iPAQ, a computer that slides into my shirt pocket. This was a very useful tool
at the recent NGS conference when I was comparing notes with other genealogists,
looking for mutual ancestors. You can read my review of the Pocket Genealogist
at http://www.ancestry.com/library/view/columns/eastman/3097.asp.
Northern Hills Software, producer of the
Pocket Genealogist, has now released a major update. For the first time, version
2.0 adds data entry capabilities. Data is entered in the form of "Research
Notes." The software is available in two levels: Basic and Advanced. The
Advanced version offers the capability of directly importing data from Legacy
Family Tree; no GEDCOM files are required. Of course, it still accepts GEDCOM
files created by other genealogy programs, as does the Basic version. The Basic
version sells for $20.00 (U.S. funds), while the Advanced version is $35.00. A
30-day free trial is available. For more information, or to download the free
trial version, go to: http://www.NorthernHillsSoftware.com
Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter
Vol. 6 No. 12- March 19, 2001
Pocket Genealogist to Operate
with Legacy 3.0
The following article is from
Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter and are copyright by Richard W.
Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information
about the newsletter is available at
http://www.eogn.com.
I received an announcement of a new
"marriage" this week. In this case, the marriage was between two of my
favorite genealogy programs.
Legacy 3.0 is one of the better Windows genealogy
programs available today. There are two versions: (1.) a free version that has
all the regular features and (2.) an upgraded version available for a fee that
adds a bit of extra functionality. This powerful program has the features that
experienced genealogists expect. You can read my review of Legacy 3.0 at:
http://www.ancestry.com/library/view/columns/eastman/1194.asp
A few months ago I purchased a Compaq iPAQ
shirt-pocket sized computer that is now my constant companion. I love this
device and never leave home without it. A few weeks after I purchased it, I
discovered the Pocket Genealogist, a genealogy program for Windows CE. The
Pocket Genealogist by Northern Hills Software allows the user to store a large
genealogy database in the iPAQ or any other computer running the Windows CE
operating system. I now have a genealogy database of 3,000+ people in my shirt
pocket, a database that I can quickly search and use while at the genealogy
library, at the county courthouse, or when visiting with relatives. Again, I
rarely leave the house without this database in my pocket.
You can read my review of The Pocket Genealogist
at: http://www.ancestry.com/library/view/columns/eastman/3097.asp
In its initial version, The Pocket Genealogist
would import data from GEDCOM files. That is, you first had to export your data
from your favorite genealogy program as a GEDCOM file and then import that data
into The Pocket Genealogist. This "double translation" is somewhat
akin to translating a technical document from English into Chinese and then
later from Chinese into German: a few things may become misinterpreted along the
way! A better method would be to translate the technical document directly from
English to German, reducing the possibility of interpretation errors.
Users of Legacy 3.0 will soon be able to simplify
the translation of their data in a similar manner. The Pocket Genealogist will
be able to import data directly from Legacy 3.0's internal database without the
requirement of GEDCOM "middleware." The resulting single translation
should be a cleaner and less error-prone import process. Here is the
announcement from the two companies involved:
Software Companies Partner to
Integrate Pocket Genealogist with Legacy Family Tree Northern Hills Software,
maker of Pocket Genealogist, and Millennia Corporation, maker of Legacy Family
Tree, are pleased to announce an agreement to integrate Pocket Genealogist with
Legacy. The coordinated interaction of these two programs will provide an
unparalleled solution for the family researcher, whether novice or professional
genealogist.
Pocket Genealogist is the
industry leading genealogy solution for the Windows CE mobile operating system.
This includes devices ranging in size from units that fit in your pocket to
full-size laptops. Manufacturers of these devices include Hewlett Packard,
Compaq, and Casio.
Legacy Family tree is the
widely acclaimed and comprehensive genealogy program for the Windows operating
system. From world-class merging, search and replace, and spell checking to
powerful research logs, reports and sources, Legacy overpowers the competition
with an unbeatable feature list. In December 2000, The Legacy 3.0 Standard
Version of was made free. An inexpensive Deluxe Edition of the program with many
new and exciting features was introduced on the market at the same time.
The combination of Pocket
Genealogist and Legacy provides a simple and comprehensive solution when you
need access to your information while away from your desktop computer. People
invest many hours in their quest to gather their family heritage. Trips to the
research library, cemetery, and other remote locations were encumbered by stacks
of printed material or the awkwardness of a bulky and theft-prone laptop
computer. It always seems like the information you most need is the one piece
you didn't bring. This exciting new announcement gives you all the benefits of
having your data on computer... one that fits in your pocket! The bulk of
printed reports or worries about theft of your laptop are a thing of the
past!
The benefits of this
arrangement will begin with "Pocket Genealogist Version 2.0 Advanced"
expected later this spring. Version 1 is currently shipping and provides a
view-only solution using GEDCOM files as input. Version 2, which is the subject
of this announcement, will provide direct access to Legacy data, data entry
support on your mobile device, and eventually synchronization back to your
Legacy database.
For more information on either
of these programs or to order a copy, please visit the Northern Hills Software
and Millennia Websites. If you pre-order a copy of Pocket Genealogist Version 2
Advanced, you get a free copy of Version 1. This offer available only at the
Legacy Website.
Note that this is an announcement of an impending
marriage; it hasn't happened yet. The Pocket Genealogist Version 2.0 will not be
available for a few weeks yet. You can find more information about these two
programs at:
http://www.northernhillssoftware.com
and at: http://www.legacyfamilytree.com
Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter
Vol. 5 No. 51- December 16, 2000
Pocket Genealogist for
Windows CE
The following article is from
Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter and are copyright by Richard W.
Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information
about the newsletter is available at
http://www.eogn.com.
A new computer revolution has arrived. Handheld
computers are popping up everywhere. It seems as if everyone in my office has
either a Palm Pilot or a Windows CE device of some sort. The Palm computers
produced by 3COM were the first to achieve popularity, followed soon by several
clones that use the same operating system as 3COM's device. 3COM later spun
their Palm division off into a separate company.
Microsoft produces Windows CE, a competitive
operating system designed just for handheld computers and other small devices.
The Windows CE systems were a bit slower to gain popularity in the marketplace,
but they came on strong in the year 2000. Windows CE should not be confused with
Windows 98, Windows Me or Windows 2000. Although Microsoft produces all versions
of Windows, the Windows CE operating system is a completely different product
and cannot run programs written for the other versions of Windows. Several
hardware manufacturers produce pocket-sized computers that use the Windows CE
operating system, including Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Fujitsu, IBM, Phillips,
Casio, NEC and others. Windows CE systems are typically very small, usually
pocket-sized. They normally have no disk drives at all, storing all programs and
data in RAM memory.
Of course, as the hardware proliferated, the
demand for application software has increased. Early handheld computers running
the Windows CE operating system were simple PIMs (Personal Information Managers)
that only kept your telephone directory, personal calendar and possibly a to-do
list. However, as memory sizes increased, more and more applications became
available. So why not a genealogy program? No problem! You can now carry your
genealogy database around in your shirt pocket.
Genealogy applications for handheld computers were
impossible to find until about a year ago. Just a bit more than one year ago I
wrote about Palm Tree, a genealogy program written for Palm computers. Early
this year I reviewed My Roots, another genealogy program for the same operating
system. Only five weeks ago I reviewed Pocket Family Researcher, the first
genealogy program that I found for Windows CE.
This week I had a chance to take another Windows
CE genealogy program for a test drive. Kevin Phillips of Northern Hills Software
just released Version 1.0 of The Pocket Genealogist a few days ago. I downloaded
it and installed The Pocket Genealogist on my Compaq iPAQ PocketPC. The program
also is also available for a wide variety of other Windows CE devices. The
Pocket Genealogist allows you to take your genealogy database with you. It reads
GEDCOM format files that you create with almost any genealogy program on your
desktop or laptop computer. All modern genealogy programs can export their
database in GEDCOM format. The Pocket Genealogist then converts the GEDCOM file
to a Windows CE database and transfers the data to the tiny computer. You can
easily take your data with you on the handheld device.
The Pocket Genealogist Version 1.0 is used only
for data "viewing." That is, you can send genealogy data from your
desktop to the PocketPC, but not in the other direction. I consider this to be a
minimal problem as the PocketPC isn't well suited for data input. However, Kevin
Phillips says that later releases of The Pocket Genealogist may allow data entry
on the CE device with the capability to later send the new data back to the
desktop system. Of course, even today you can enter new data on your PocketPC
into Pocket Word and then transfer that data back to your desktop. Once on your
desktop, the new data can be "cut-and-pasted" into your regular
genealogy program.
The Pocket Genealogist installs software on both
the PocketPC and the desktop or laptop Windows system. I used my favorite
genealogy program to create a 3,000-person GEDCOM file. I then exited my normal
genealogy program and launched the desktop component of The Pocket Genealogist.
The program read my GEDCOM file and converted it to a Windows CE database in the
format required by The Pocket Genealogist. Once completed, the program
transferred the new database to my tiny Compaq iPAQ that operates under Windows
CE.
I expected the transfer to the Windows CE
device to fail. After all, a file containing information about 3,000 people,
including full source citations and text notes, is a very large file. My iPAQ
has 32 megabytes of memory, half of which was already in use by other
applications. I assumed that 3,000 people would overflow the available memory,
but I wanted to try the big file just to see if it would work. To my surprise,
the conversion worked quickly, and the transfer to the Windows CE iPAQ went
without errors. Within a few minutes I was looking at my entire 3,000-person
database on my iPAQ PocketPC. When I say "entire database," I mean all
the names, dates, locations, source citations, repositories and even full text
notes! Everything was there. I was amazed.
Obviously, the success of that kind of transfer
depends upon two things: (1.) how big your database is and (2.) how much memory
is in your Windows CE handheld computer. Many of the Windows CE devices have
only 8 or 16 megabytes of RAM memory, even though the newer ones seem to have 32
megabytes. In addition, some of these units have optional memory expansion
capabilities, so the possible RAM memory capacity could be much larger. The iPAQ
can even have an IBM MicroDrive 1 gigabyte hard disk drive installed, something
I haven't done yet. Will The Pocket Genealogist transfer all of your data to
your Windows CE device? The answer is "Yes, if you have enough RAM memory
installed." In my case, a 3,000-person GEDCOM file created a 3-megabyte
Windows CE file, which easily fits into the 32-megabyte iPAQ.
The other feature that impressed me was the speed.
Other Windows CE and Palm Computing genealogy applications I have used seem to
run slower and slower as the size of the database increases. Even with 3,000
people in its database, The Pocket Genealogist responded almost instantly as I
maneuvered around the database. As I clicked (or "tapped") on father,
grandfather, great-grandfather and beyond, the new screens of data appeared
almost instantly. I should point out that the Compaq iPAQ has a 206-MHz
processor, which is considerably faster than the typical Windows CE handheld.
Even so, I suspect that performance would be quite acceptable even on slower
machines.
The data screens themselves were all text-based
and very simple. On small screens used in handheld computers, you don't want to
clutter things up with fancy graphics. The Pocket Genealogist doesn't even
display a true pedigree chart in the traditional format. However, it does have a
text-only equivalent. I found all the screens easy to read and always intuitive.
Each individual in the database has his or her information displayed in eight
different screens of data that you access by clicking on the desired tab:
- An overview showing the person, along with
parents, spouse and children along with a pulldown option for multiple
spouses
- "Name" tab which indicates the Gender
of the individual and any alternate "AKA" names for the
person.
- "Vitals" tab which is a synopsis of
Birth, Death, Cause of Death, and Burial information.
- The "Events" tab shows all data in a
list that is event-oriented (has or potentially could have a date). The
Events screen typically displays occupation, military service or whatever
events you include in the originating GEDCOM file
- Notes tab contains all the text notes entered.
I have written several pages of notes about a few of my ancestors, and
everything I have written was available on The Pocket Genealogist
- Facts tab shows the various references, such as
source citations
- Address tab which displays mailing addresses of
living individuals
- The Sources tab displays a list of all source
information by type at the bottom of the screen.
In addition to the data screens for each
individual, there are five screens of similar data for each family:
- The Name screen displays the two individuals
associated with the current family.
- The Events, Notes, Address and Sources tabs are
exactly the same as the "Individual" screens but display data
associated with the union (marriage).
You can see examples of these screens
HERE
The Pocket Genealogist is a shareware program; you
are encouraged to download it and to use the program for a period of 30 days.
The version available for download is "non-crippled." That is, it has
all the functionality with nothing limited. If you continue to use the software,
please register the program by sending $15.00 (US Funds) to the author. Full
registration details are included with the program. I was very impressed with
The Pocket Genealogist for Windows CE. It is fast, simple to use and very good
at displaying data. Kevin Phillips of Northern Hills Software has a winner here.
If you have a Windows CE handheld computer, I strongly encourage you to try The
Pocket Genealogist. I suspect you will be pleased. If you do not yet have a
Windows CE PocketPC, this may be the excuse to ask Santa for one!
NOTE: Prices have changed since
this article.
For more information about The Pocket Genealogist,
or to download it online, go to: http://www.northernhillssoftware.com
Last minute update: Just as I was about to send
this newsletter, I received an e-mail from Kevin Phillips, author of The Pocket
Genealogist. He reports that version 1.01 is now available on the Web site
mentioned above. I haven't yet seen the newest version, but I would imagine that
it is very similar to what I have just reported.
