This is the approach I use to keep my genealogy database. It is different and I think it has terrific advantages. It is a combination of a great DOS software package and a HP100LX handheld computer.

HP 100 LX or 200 LX palmtop (not the 300 LX)

Click here to see a better picture of the HP LX.

First let me discuss the handheld PC. It is the HP (100LX or 200LX) "palmtop" computer. There is an old joke that says "a laptop computer is a computer you can take with you anywhere, but a HP 100 LX palmtop is a computer you do take with you anywhere" ...... and it is the absolute truth.

Laptops are heavy and cumbersome and are not really fun to lug around. The HP palmtop is small enough to fit in your inside coat pocket or on your belt, weighs about 11 ozs and goes everywhere with me. And I change or recharge the batteries (2 AA batteries) once every week or two. That is no typo and I use it a lot. I don't know of any laptop that gets close to that.

Actually the HP 100 or 200 LX is a true marvel. Unlike other so called palmtops which really are no more than fancy electronic organizers, the HP has the same type of built in software that the others have BUT in addition has the capability of running DOS prograns off the shelf. In fact it is the equivalent of the old XT (8086) computers we used to have on our desktops. Being an XT PC means it is not practical to run windows programs on it (too slow) but you have access to the millions of DOS programs, shareware and others, that have accumulated over the years. DOS databases and games galore (that is important) and just about anything that will run on a DOS PC. In addition it has a multitasking shell that allows you to run several programs at a time without having to close them within the constraints of the memory you have in it.

Lotus 123 is built in and that program alone allows all sorts of data collection and calculations. Yes, there is a built in database program, phone program, alarm, appointment book, etc, - all modifiable and customizable - but because of its DOS capability, you are not limited to just them. Quicken runs on it as does WordPerfect 5.1, etc. etc.

Most important of all, the HP has the capability to backup by downloading its data to a regular desktop or laptop PC.

Take a look at my HP web page if you wish more information.

Family Scrap Book

The software I have chosen to use and am very happy with is a little known shareware program called "Family ScrapBook". It is a very complete DOS genealogy program which runs well on the HP palmtop and has all the features one looks for in a quality program.

It can import and export GEDCOM files. This is essential because this is the international standard used to transfer genealogy information. It produces all the genealogy reports you could wish (descendency, ascendency, family trees, missing information, end of line information, custom reports, ahnentafel and Tiny Tafels, lineage, register and reverse register charts, book reports and narrative reports, etc. etc.) )

It even has a built in accurate Soundex convertor which I have found very useful as well as backup and restore capability.

Of particular interest to the Jewish genealogist is the capability to turn off the LDS fields as well as the Christening and baptism fields. It also permits entering multiple names for the same person (Jewish name, nickname, etc.) and ability to record sources for any data.

Enough said. I think it is great and being shareware, it is available for free trial in "uncrippled" fully functional form.

Family ScrapBook can be obtained from their website. I have used ver 2.2 and like it better than the new version 3.0 because it runs faster on the HP Palmtop and I like its interface better than the new one. Also Vers 3.0 still has a few bugs that need to be ironed out.

What's great about the combination?

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