HanDBase Desktop for Macintosh (HDM for short) is a program for the Macintosh that can create databases for use with HanDBase on the Palm Pilot. HDM can convert Macintosh text files in CSV ("Comma-Separated Values") format into PDB files that can be synced onto the Palm Pilot and used with HanDBase, and can also convert HanDBase PDB files back into CSV text files on the Macintosh. HDM was created by Semicolon Software, with the help of David Haupert of DDH Software.
HanDBase is a database application for the 3Com Palm Pilot handheld computer. HanDBase is produced by DDH Software. If you would like to learn about or purchase HanDBase for the Palm Pilot, please contact DDH Software at:
<http://www.ddhsoftware.com> or <sales@ddhsoftware.com>.
Requirements
HanDBase Desktop for Macintosh requires System 7.5 or later, and will run on any color-capable Macintosh.
You will also need HanDBase on your Palm Pilot. Without HanDBase, HDM is pretty useless. HanDBase is a separate product from DDH Software. You must purchase HanDBase separately; it is not included with HDM, and HDM is not included with HanDBase.
How Does It Work?
HanDBase Desktop for Macintosh will display two windows at startup. The Make PDB window will create HanDBase databases in PDB format, ready to sync onto your Pilot. The Make CSV window will create text files in CSV format by reading the information from a HanDBase PDB file. Each window is mostly self-explanatory: first you select the options you want, then provide the input file or files, then click a button to perform the conversion.
For details, see the other chapters in this document:
  How to Make a Database - Explains how to create a database that you can sync onto your Palm Pilot and use with HanDBase.
  How to Export a Database - Explains how to take an existing HanDBase database and convert it into a Macintosh text file which can then be imported into Macintosh applications.
  Template Files - Explains how to create databases that have field types other than just “text.”
  The CSV File Format - Explains the text file format.
  Got Problems? - Where to go for help.
  How to Purchase - Explains how to purchase a registration key that will unlock the full features of HanDBase Desktop for Macintosh.
  Author and Copyright - Copyright and license information.
Purchasing HanDBase Desktop for Macintosh
HanDBase Desktop for Macintosh is shareware and costs US $10. You may freely distribute HanDBase Desktop for Macintosh provided that:
• you don’t alter either HanDBase Desktop for Macintosh or this document, and
• this document always accompanies HanDBase Desktop for Macintosh, and
• you do not charge for distributing HanDBase Desktop for Macintosh. (Reasonable disk duplication and/or downloading fees excepted.)
  How To Purchase — Click the “Read” button for more information.
  Register — If you are ready to purchase and you are already familiar with purchasing registration keys through Kagi Shareware, click the “Register” button.
Credits
We would like to sincerely thank David Haupert of DDH Software, the author of HanDBase, for his unstinting help in creating HanDBase Desktop for Macintosh.