Hi. I am after a small lightweight database (to be used on a PDA) that will allow a database of single field records that when searched the list of entries are displayed in a scrollable window below the search box. As a letter is typed in the search box the list is reduced to all matching records (starting with the search chars.). As additional chars. are typed the list is further reduced until the required record appears without scrolling.

This is similar to the city or street search in TomTom.

When the record is located it will only be viewed i.e. if list were names & telephone numbers then once the record was found searching on name the tel.no. would be written down then another search performed. There is no requirement to print, export or do anything else with the data.

It may be necessary to add data items on occasions but this could be done on a computer in a more advanced datedase so the PDA version would not need this facility.

If the data could be stored between 3 fields with the search filter available on each field that would be an advantage but again not essential.

I do not know which database program would be best for this type of filter function so would be willing to purchase if necessary.

Any that will run on the target OS

I have seen some databases but these have all required you to type a search term then enter it before a short list shows. I need one that will create this short list 'on the fly'.

The PDA runs windows CE (ver 3) and will run pocket word & pocket excel but does not have pocket access included.

I don't have Pocket Excel to test, but it's only a matter of creating a "combo box" on a sheet that is populated from your list of data in another sheet.

Then when a selection is made make the selected data the active sheet and cell.

Hi have tried the combo box but although I can get it to list the items & jump to a match I can't get the list to compact to matching items as I type.

Then could be in the region of 10,000 records in the list & I need the list to reduce in size or jump to the first matching entry as each letter is typed.

i.e.

no chars. in search box = all 10k records selected
1st char. typed = all records starting with that char. listed.
2nd char typed = list further reduced

and so on till the entry I require is viewable.

I do not need to be able to select the record, just view is so I do not want to have to press enter in order to have it search the records.

I can't do this in Excel myself & have not seen this type of search facility in a database. All the ones I have seen (and have set up myself) require the search text to be entered before it will find a matching record which is not what I want.

If you have, or can create a sample file in Access or Excel then I would be greatful. I could then if necessary develope it further.