Customer Reviews

Pocket PC, Handheld PC Developer's Guide with Microsoft Embedded Visual Basic

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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.

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 !

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.

This book puts together how to programming eVB with the backend of sending and recieving data through a variety of ways that most programmers already work with or should begin to work with. XML, SQL CE, RDA, POOM, and more are covered. You see the big picture of CE devices and their possible roles at an enterprise level.

The description Amazon has says very clearly that there is a CD-ROM of the Code/SDK/Sample programs included with the Book.

When I received the book it was not even "sealed", and there was no CD-ROM inside the book - like you would usually expect.

Instead, the front cover of the book says you can get the contents that were "missing", by going to this website.
[...]

There was NO evidence of any downloads for anything, and when I tried to contact them using Informit's contact us, I didn't get any answer. so-----Finally I found their 1-800 phone number and called them. They tell me the CD-ROM is no longer available _AND_ the Sample Code/SDK's in no longer available. They FURTHER informed me that the "error in Amazon's description" was not "Informit's" responsibility. It was Amazon's. THAT is totally ridiculous.

Without the SDK's, the "book" is basically useless.
Like buying a car without a gas tank.

I've sent it back for a full refund.

Jim S.
Shreveport, LA 71118

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.