PDA and Genealogy
David M. Goodman
Vice President
As the computer age progresses, genealogist need to keep up with the technology. Why, because as we get older, it becomes difficult to carry all of the books, binders and other papers we need to do research. And there are those times when you unexpectantly find yourself at a research center or cemetery or just come in contact with a long lost family member who is telling you about some family history that you never knew before. You panic because you don’t have your research with you and you can’t remember the questions you needed to ask.
With a PDA, you can take all your family history with you, in your pocket or purse. You will always have a note pad, which you do not have to retype into your computer.
But you found this book at the old library or some typed up notes at your great Aunts and there is no copier to be found. Don’t worry, with a small device you can scan the document and just “beam” it into your PDA.
OK, you say, that is well and good, but if I come across a cemetery I want more than just transcribe the headstones. Fine, take a picture. No you don’t have to carry around your camera, take a picture with your PDA.
"ROOTSWORKS: PDA 2001 - HARDWARE," by Beau Sharbrough
=====================================================
It seems like every product has a life cycle, and that if you made a graph of
the number of manufacturers over time, it would look like a Volkswagen Beetle. A
few companies make the thing at first. The market responds favorably and then a
lot of companies make one. Finally, after a shakeout where everybody sells them
for the cheapest prices you can imagine, only a few are selling them.
It seems that there were only three companies making Personal Digital Assistants
(PDAs) a couple of years ago, and today there are more like ten. What does that
tell you? It tells you that we're in that teenage period of innovation and
creativity, where every idea has a home. And it tells you that we're not yet to
the point in time where everybody sells them dirt-cheap.
PDAs are going to revolutionize the way the genealogists do research in the
field, literally.
……………………………………..
I
find that my PDA is exceptionally convenient when in the archives and in the
field. I have down loaded My Roots and think that it would be most convenient to
enter my data directly into the PDA. I still use the desktop when at home for
editing, but the PDA beats lugging a laptop. I will purchase the full version of
My Roots unless anyone here can come up with something better.
David C. McLeod
There are two basic types of PDA’s, Palm OS and Windows CE. The Windows CE models are commonly referred to as Pocket PCs.
Palm
OS
Pocket
PC
This is by no means a complete list of PDA’s available, but only to give you some examples.
Which one is the best? To answer that question, you need to talk to a user of each product and they, each, will give you reasons why theirs is better. I use the Palm M505, and thus, that is the OS I will concentrate on.
The question of color or B/W has been talked about in one of the Palm discussion lists. For me, I would go for color if you can afford the price. It is easier on the eyes and most of the genealogy programs do use color.
I
enjoy the color for distinction. Red currently flags all single people in
my database. Blue, married. Notes in black. Actually, I find
the color
screen a bit easier on my aging eyesight. Elaine
Genealogy Programs
There are a few genealogy programs available for the PDA. A listing is included in this packet. Everyone has their favorite and each has benefits.
|
The
main view lists all people in the database. |
Use
the lookup field to quickly find someone. |
The
family view shows information about a marriage. |
|
Individual
details can be displayed. |
Three
generations are shown in the ancestor "tree" view. |
There
is also a descendant "outline" view. |
|
Several
options for detailed searches are available. |
Multiple
databases, with add-in memory card support. |
Source
citation details for major events. |
GEDSTAR’s displays are close to the other Palm genealogy programs. But each one has some differences;
·
Install Personal Ancestral File for Palm OS Handhelds on your handheld.
You can either download it from www.familysearch.org
or obtain it from the Personal Ancestral File 5.0 compact disc.
·
Use Personal Ancestral File 5.0 to create a .paf file of your family
history information.
·
Use the Export feature in Personal Ancestral File 5.0 to create a data
file that contains the information that you would like to have on your handheld.
· Perform a HotSync operation to download the file to your handheld.
Palm
Tree is a small but ingenious family history program designed to run on handheld
devices powered by the Palm Operating System. You can download the full version
of PalmTree . This version called ptsx190m, is
completely unencumbered and is the genuine, fully-operational version originally
released, and now upgraded. Palm Tree may not run on older Palm devices or those
with incompatible Palm Operating Systems ... you need OS 2.0 or greater.
GedWise™
$17.99 is a program that allows you to transfer a copy of your
genealogy data from your personal computer to a Palm Pilot®
or any handheld device running the Palm Operating System. You can then view your data on your handheld device using the
GedWise Viewer application.
The
transfer of your genealogy data is accomplished by using a GEDCOM file
that is created by your PC-based genealogy software. Most contemporary genealogy software is capable of creating a
GEDCOM file. GedWise converts this
GEDCOM file into a database that can be read and displayed by your handheld
device.
The
GedWise software consists of two components: 1) a PC-based program that
processes a GEDCOM 5.5 file and converts it to a GedWise-format database; and 2)
a program that resides on your handheld device that allows you to view your
GedWise database.
Due to the
complexities of organizing genealogy data and the significant variations in
genealogy software, GedWise’s usage is limited to viewing your
genealogy data on a handheld device. You
cannot input data into your genealogy database through your handheld device.
All data entry must be done through your PC-based genealogy software.
My Roots $17.95 needs conversion utility
Pocket Genealogist – For the Pocket PC user $20 - $35
Northern Hills Software http://www.northernhillssoftware.com/pgenie.htm
Genealogy
Software - Handheld Computers Guide picks
Take
your roots with you when you travel with these genealogy software programs which
allow you to access and organize your family history on handheld computers such
as the Palm PDA.
Genealogy
How-Tos on your Palm!
https://avantgo.com
Get
great step-by-step genealogy How To information on your Palm, as well as a
wealth of other How To's, recipes and more covering everything from home cooking
and parenting to Net etiquette and travel. A free service from AvantGo and
About-The Human Internet.
http://www.members.aol.com/dreamerskey/birthcalc.htm
A useful
utility for determining birthdates when only the date of death and age are
known. Perfect for on-site use in cemeteries when calculating birthdates from
tombstone information.
http://www.ghcssoftware.com/gedpalm.htm
Formerly known as GedPalm, this inexpensive shareware program runs on PalmOS devices (Palm Pilot, Handspring Visor, etc.) and lets you browse genealogical information downloaded from your PC. It allows for several different types of family tree views but does not support data entry.
Take your entire genealogy database with you whenever and wherever you go! GedVisor allows you to transfer a copy of your genealogy data from your personal computer to any handheld device running the Palm Operating System. GedVisor's usage is limited to viewing your genealogy data on a handheld device.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/genpalm
A discussion group for sharing information and ideas regarding the use of genealogical software for the Palm or Handheld devices.
http://www.geocities.com/arkansoft/page11.html
As you do genealogical research, carry all your genealogy data in your pocket for quick and easy access. This inexpensive shareware genealogy program allows you to enter new records, edit existing records and make quick field sketches of cemetery locations, tombstone inscriptions, etc. Requires ThinkDB, Version 2 or higher.
My
Roots: The Genealogist's Notepad
http://www.tapperware.com/MyRoots/
My Roots, a full-featured shareware genealogy program for Palm OS handhelds, can display ancestor and descendant trees for any person. It also offers searching, sorting, filtering, and many other features. A free conversion utility, for PC or Mac, lets you import data from or export data to standard GED files. Check the Web site for an online demo and free trial version.
http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Technical/PALM-GEN.html
A free
mailing list for people interested in discussing the use of Palm PDA's in
genealogical research.
Personal
Ancestral File - PAF 5.1
The newest version of this popular, free software from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church), allows you to export your family info to your Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). It works only on Palm OS handhelds and only allows you to view the data on your Palm, not enter new data.
http://members.aol.com/dreamerskey/soundex.htm
Find the
Soundex equivalent of a surname while on the go with this hand Soundex
Calculator.
http://www.interment.net/column/records/palmpilot/index.htm
http://www.land-j.com/jfile.html
Steve Paul Johnson discusses how a Palm Pilot, or other handheld Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), can be useful in transcribing cemetery information.
Add On Devices
OK, we have looked at some of the software, what about that device to scan those pages from a book?
QuickLink
Pen:
The
QuickLink Pen is a fully portable, pen-shaped scanner that enables you to scan
full lines of printed information, store it and then upload it to your computer,
PDA or text-enabled cellular phone at your convenience. You can also scan
information directly into any application real-time, or beam notes and addresses
to your PDA (Note: Palm/Visor compatibility built-in, WinCE devices require the
download of PeaceMaker which is available at: http://www.wizcomtech.com/products/pda.html.
The QuickLink Pen captures up to a 1000 pages of data, yet is lightweight and
fits neatly in your pocket, so users have the freedom to collect text and data
anytime and anywhere.
I did mention something about taking photos. Well your handy Palm Pilot can do just that. No more carrying around cameras and worrying about batteries and film. Just attach this handy little device and your Palm becomes a digital camera.
KODAK PalmPix Camera
The
easiest way to extend your Palm™ Handheld into digital imaging is with the
KODAK PalmPix Camera. PalmPix makes it really easy to take and transfer pictures
to your Palm. HotSync® technology easily lets you upload the images to a
computer where you can view them as color with SVGA image resolution (800 x 600 pixels).
Let me be the first to tell you that it isn’t a
quality 35mm or a high price Digital image, but it will do in a pinch. As can be
seen in the below photograph.
Cannot master the fine art of Graffiti? Ah yes, graffiti...
that funny way of writing letters. I still haven't found an easy way to describe
it to someone. It's slick, it's easy, it can be highly annoying. Everyone has a
letter or two that causes hair-pulling frustration trying to write it. For me,
it was "B". Then one day, I uttered those classic words: "There's
GOT to be a better way!" And there is, a keyboard. True a keyboard is not
practical at a cemetery or on the spot note taking, but it is nice at a
courthouse.
Genealogy
in the Palm of Your Hand
– Mark
Howells
You can always
tell when genealogists walk into a library or family history center. Watching
from your film reader, you can instantly spot them. The outward signs are
obvious. They carry at least one large bag over their shoulder—a research bag
bulging with notebooks and file folders. Some even wheel in little portable
filing systems. "Wonder what surnames they’re working on?" you think
as you return to your microfilm. Our baggage usually gives us away. But will
genealogists always be recognized by the luggage we haul around? Although family
history is thoroughly grounded in paper, this is supposed to be the computer
age.
While
computing devices are getting progressively smaller, family historians continue
to carry the equivalent of a large Douglas fir tree when visiting a research
facility. Perhaps the weight of the load is about to shift.
Notebook
computers now commonly weigh under four pounds. Even at this slim fighting
weight, notebooks have been eclipsed in the featherweight division by Personal
Digital Assistants (PDAs). PDAs are broadly defined as portable, hand-held
computers designed to fit in a coat pocket. To be conveniently sized, the
smallest PDAs usually forego the traditional computer keyboard for a
touch-sensitive screen activated by a stylus or the user’s fingers.
The
darling of the PDA industry right now is the Palm PilotTM series from
3com.1 Weighing four ounces and measuring 5" x 3", Palm
Pilots are smaller than a paperback novel. Be aware that the size of the screen
does not make reading with the Palm Pilot easy. But adjusting the screen
contrast to suit user-specific legibility requirements usually helps.
Sporting
a touch-sensitive screen utilizing a stylus, Palm Pilot users can enter data
onto the screen by "typing" with the stylus on an on-screen keyboard,
or by using the stylus and handwritten character recognition software. The
handwritten character recognition takes a bit of getting used to, as you have to
learn to scrawl the way the Palm Pilot reads. (It will not adapt to your
personal penmanship.) Synchronization with a user’s primary PC (for shared
schedules, e-mail, etc.) and battery recharging are performed by a companion
docking cradle.
While
Palm Pilots are increasingly entering the business community, their potential
for family history is just now being explored. There are a variety of models to
choose from, and competition from similar PDAs such as the Handspring VisorTM
2 has driven down the prices of Palm Pilots. The Palm Pilot IIIe with
two megabytes of memory retails for $149, while the eight-megabyte Palm Pilot Vx
retails for $399. These Personal Digital Assistants have become affordable for
the average genealogist.
Palm
Pilots come equipped with personal organization software, such as calendar,
contact list, to-do list, memo pad, and calculator. E-mail and wireless Web
browsing are available with the high-end models. A large aftermarket for Palm
Pilot shareware has developed to meet the diverse application needs of users.
Obviously, a portable contact list and memo pad are a great boon to family
historians using Palm Pilots. However, there are also a growing number of
genealogy-specific shareware programs available for the Palm Pilot.
Software
in Your Pocket
There are currently only a few
genealogy programs designed for the Palm Pilot.3 However, software
designers are seeing the potential of the Palm Pilot platform as an aid to
genealogical research. GedPalm,4 for example, simply allows
you to download your existing GEDCOM file from your PC to your Palm Pilot. You
then have your basic names, dates, events, and relationships in your Palm Pilot
whenever you need them. GedPalm does not accept input via the Palm Pilot,
so it may not be used as recording software.
Another
genealogy program for the Palm Pilot, Palm Tree,5 can accept
updates to GEDCOM information from a PC, but it requires the initial conversion
of your GEDCOM to Palm Pilot format to be done by software developers. Clearly
there is a wide range of utility and sophistication available in Palm Pilot
genealogy software.
Another
fully functional Palm Pilot genealogy program is My Roots, version 1.3
from Tapperware.6 My Roots is shareware selling for $16.95.
This software accepts multiple GEDCOM file downloads from your PC, so you can
keep your lines of research in separate databases if you desire.
Essentially,
My Roots allows you to refer to and update your GEDCOM files when you
research—one of My Roots’ best features. It can accept new or
modified information via the Palm Pilot itself. By entering data into the fields
provided with My Roots, a researcher can modify an existing GEDCOM
database or create an entirely new one. By synchronizing up from the Palm Pilot
to your primary PC, a "GEDCOM of record" may be modified and displayed
in your favorite PC genealogy software with the results of your entries into the
Palm Pilot. By allowing the Palm Pilot to both import and export GEDCOMs to and
from a PC, My Roots is an extremely handy tool for family historians.
For
example, perhaps on your lunch hour you’ve managed to scurry over to the local
library to do a bit of research. Since you’re coming from work, you probably
don’t have your research bag with you. But you do have your Palm Pilot loaded
with your GEDCOMs in My Roots. If you happen to find a record that
clearly shows that Great-Great-Aunt Barbara was actually born on February 29th
(Leap Day) rather than on March 1st, you can enter this change directly into My
Roots. Returning home to your favorite PC genealogy program, you can then
upload this information from your Palm Pilot into a PC-based GEDCOM to complete
the process. No intermediate notes on paper (or on the Palm Pilot’s memo pad)
are required, nor is retyping information into your PC’s genealogy program. By
combining the portability of the Palm Pilot with the flexibility of data entry, My
Roots makes the most of a PDA for the family historian.
More
Options for the Palm Pilot
Anywhere the family historian
needs an easily portable data recording and storage device, the Palm Pilot is an
ideal solution. Palm Pilot software developers continue to add products and
features that ease the genealogist’s burden of transporting hard-won data and
adding to it as required. We will certainly see more genealogy-specific software
programs designed for the Palm Pilot in the future.
One
obvious situation in which taking notes on paper can be difficult is when you
are recording tombstone data at a cemetery. Wind, rain, and other elements can
play havoc with note taking. Although I have not yet seen any standardized
monumental inscription recording software for the Palm Pilot as exists for
regular PCs, the lack of software has not stopped cemetery enthusiasts armed
with Palm Pilots.
Steve
Paul Johnson’s online article "A Tombstone in Your Pocket"7
provides a solution. Using a general database application for the Palm Pilot,
Paul designed his own database for recording tombstones. His database form
recorded the section, row, marker number, surname, given name, birth date, death
date, and inscription. He found he could record a tombstone in about thirty
seconds using the Palm Pilot and his database form.
One
of my research aids is keeping photographs of my ancestors nearby. Somehow,
their stern gazes inspire me to continue my search for the elusive forebears we
share. As you might have guessed, you can carry your ancestors’ photographs
with a Palm Pilot PocketPhotoTM, shareware retailing for
$19.95 from Dream House Software.8 It allows you to carry up to a
hundred scanned images in your Palm Pilot. Previously scanned images may be
downloaded into the Palm Pilot in almost any graphic format and are then
displayed in sixteen-level grayscale. This is perfect for black-and-white
photography of the past. Now researchers can take pocket-sized images of their
ancestors (or the grandchildren) just about anywhere without worrying about the
images being folded, bent, or otherwise ruined. This makes showing off family
photographs simple—without bulky photo albums.
Archives
and libraries are becoming increasingly strict in their efforts to limit what
patrons may carry into the stacks with them. Pens have long been forbidden at
most repositories frequented by genealogists. Research bags are often not
allowed due to work space constraints or the possibility of the bags being used
to take materials. Some institutions allow patrons only a few sheets of paper
and a single pencil. How are researchers expected to remember the important
facts of their research with their materials left in the storage lockers
outside? A Palm Pilot loaded with the researcher’s GEDCOM solves this dilemma.
Also, as the Palm Pilot allows for note taking without the use of pen or pencil
(the Palm Pilot’s stylus is simply a pointer), no objection can be raised on
the grounds of marring any of the materials with ink or graphite marks.
When
in Rome
I am unable to resist the
temptation to note how similar in basic design and purpose the Palm Pilot is to
the wax-impregnated table books used by the ancient Romans. These hand-held wax
tablets were about the same size as a Palm Pilot and were written using a
stylus. By folding the bound tablets together, what was written on the inside
was protected from prying eyes and from modification or loss. They could be
erased and re-used by smoothing the wax surface of the interior using the blunt
end of the stylus. Several wall paintings from the buried city of Pompeii show
these "ancient PDAs" in use. Their appearance in these paintings was a
symbol of the literacy of those portrayed. Since the dimensions of the human
hand haven’t changed much in two millennia, the basic design parameters of a
successful portable data recording and storage device have similarly remained
constant.
Palm
Pilots are becoming more common. In addition, the selection of genealogy
software written for them is becoming more diverse. Perhaps our ability to
outwardly recognize one of our own kind will be reduced by these trends. In the
not-too-distant future, you may only be able to distinguish fellow genealogists
entering your local research institution by the slight bulge in their shirt
pocket. "I wonder what model PDA they use?" you may muse as you turn
back to your microfilm reader.