5 comments about Pocket PC, Handheld PC Developer's Guide with Microsoft Embedded Visual Basic (Prentice Hall Series on Microsoft Technologies).

1. This book not only teaches programming with Embedded Visual Basic, but also show's the pocket pc's place in the big corporate picture. Showing XML, ASP, SOAP, SQL CE, RDA and more. Good examples. If you worked with all of these before, this will show you how you can incorporate Pocke PCs with what you already know and do.



2. I downloaded eMbedded Visual Basic several months ago and attempted to learn CE development using the sample apps for RDA or Replication. I was frustrated by things like how to set up
   a SCROLLING data entry form, properly using menus or using SQL Server CE. This book is FANTASTIC because for those developers who are not that experienced in CE, it describes step by step how to set up menus, scrolling forms, using icons on the menu bars, etc. I am only on Chapter 4 which describes using SQL Server CE on the Pocket PC and RDA to connect to a SQL Server 2000 database. The book holds your hand and takes you DIALOG by DIALOG of what you need to set up in IIS AND SQL Server to get RDA working properly. I followed all steps, and used Nick's sample RDA application (located on the CD-ROM) to connect to SQL Server, download the database, and store the data locally. I entered a new record on the handheld an voila! RDA sent SQL to the Server to add the new record! Nick also touches on how to set up SSCERelay so you can keep the device in its cradle for testing. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking at SQL CE development or just CE development. The other great thing is that Nick covers BOTH Pocket PC and HANDHELD PC differences! Way to go Nick!



3. This is a really good book for trying to understand the bewildering array of tools needing to come together to develop in eVB for the PocketPC. Nick's projects examples are more robust and more correct examples of how to write code for eVB than the Microsoft examples. Most of the explanations I have read so far in this book (I just got it last night) were just the right medicine I needed to make the next part of the project come together. What I really like about this book is that its really to the point of what does it take to make the application work. From where to get the correct software updates (SDK's, SSCE, etc), how to setup the project, how to use the controls, and enough working example of code interacting with control and libraries to make it all come together. The author doesnt spew out conceptual market buzz fluff, he gets you to code that works quickly. The treatment of SQL Server CE was worth the price of the book. ... Definitely a keeper !



4. I bought this along with Tiffany and Tacke. My development project involves several PocketPC's working in a wireless networked data management environment. For my purposes Tiffany was a throw away because he never gets beyond the basic Access and ADO subjects. Tacke provides details of his sample SQLCE application. Gratton is most useful because he writes to the intermediate level, provides insight on technology and architecture, teaches the methods of using/creating key features, and doesn't waste time and patience. I found him pulling up short only on the topic of customization for merge conflict resolution, but this is probably covered in SQL Server docs. His discussion on XML, SOAP and .NET gives a valuable heads-up on Web services. Grattan is a great starting point for the serious enterprise developer.



5. Nick's book is a must if even for the chapters on SOAP and .Net Web Services. The HTTP object that ships with the CD (and updated for Pocket PC 2002 on his website www.nickgrattan.org) is very useful, especially for a non C++ atl developer such as myself. I have found it very easy with guidance from this book to develop, in eVB, wireless applications both on and off the corporate intranet. With very little effort I have been able to satisfy managers normally gasping for MIS, and leave them rolling over and purring like pussycats. Well done Nick.

No comments about Introduction to Basic Programming: Workbook and Study Guide.

No comments about Structured Basic: Apple Student Workbook.

No comments about IBM PC Jr. for Students.

No comments about IBM PC Basic With an Introduction to Structured Programming.

No comments about Basic Programming: Inside and Out (Developer's Series).

4 comments about Programming Visual Basic for the Palm OS (O'Reilly Palm).

1. This book was VERY well written. Especially it gives great examples of building and debugging conduits. Unfortunately, it completely bypasses talking about how to build as installer for the conduit.

   I bought the book specifically to build conduits and this left me only 50% satisfied.




2. This book is directed at users of AppForge for VB6. AppForge is an excellent VB add-in that lets you quickly develop Palm apps in VB. You don't need a book to help you develop in App Forge.
   AppForge is very weak, however, in the Conduit and installer areas since it offers no help unless you buy the Professional version for [price] which includes the Universal Conduit. Again, if you've got that, you don't need this book to develop the conduit.
   Writing a Conduit on your own is tough and I was hoping this OReilly book would help. Sadly, all the relevant conduit info. from chapter 4 is available for free on the OReilly web site [URL]. Chapter 4 is poorly written and organized, has typos and errors and the sample code you download from the web site will not load or compile in VB6.
   I was hoping the book had much more than the sample chapter I saw on the web site. I was disappointed. If you're looking for help with Palm Conduit development in VB6, look elsehwere.



3. Collaboratively written by computer experts Matthew Holmes, Patrick Burton, and Roger Knoell, Programming Visual Basic for Palm OS is a solid and reliable programmer's guide to designing effective applications, transferring data to the PDA, building security through data encryption, and much more. Focusing especially on using AppForge to write programs, Visual Basic for Palm OS also covers SQL databases, Piedmont, and a great deal more. Step-by-step instructions, sample programs, excellent diagrams and comprehensible flowcharts make Programming Visual Basic for Palm OS a first-class reference and a highly recommended self-teaching tool.



4. Good book from two perspectives: if you use AppForge for Palm development then this is a complete (slightly dated) book, or if you use MS VB6 for conduits or Palm-flavored web applications with IIS. Almost everything in the book is backed up with running code.

   As an aside, I am not sure if the previous reviewer actually read the book or tried to run the code. There are very few typos in the chapter mentioned (which is online) and I didn't see any errors. For me, the code worked fine; the book specifically mentions VB6 and service pack 3.

No comments about Commodore 64 Programming Guide.

No comments about Advanced Basic for the IBM PC and Compatibles Tips and Techniques.

No comments about Quickbasic Programmer's Toolkit/Book and Disk (Programming Series).