Anybody using Access on a Mobile Device?

I have a potential new client and they need to be able to walk around a production factory and get some information into an Access database. I don't think this involves small screens or a hand held, perhaps just a laptop or tablet.

Anything in particular to look out for or be aware of?

So what are you considering or wanting more information regarding:

* Web app
* Wireless connection to a Local database

A wireless connection to a local database is what I'm thinking.

What are my options? Is it possible to use an Ipad with an Access 2010 application? I mean, I suppose it might be possible, but if so, the real question is - is it a pleasant experience. I am somewhat dubious about mixing PC and Apple platforms.

Anyone have any success or non-success stories with that kind of setup?

If an Ipad isn't a good option, my guess would be some sort of PC Tablet that someone can carry around with them and perhaps use a stylus to input data - i.e., from drop down boxes or check boxes etc.

The IPad runs on an Apple OS. It doesn't support Windows applications, to my knowledge.

If you can acquire a tablet that runs a Windows OS, then yes, you can install Office on it, or at least Access, and run your database on it.
To my knowledge though, there is no "touch" interface for Access.

Have you considered using an app like Jump on the iPad to connect to the desktop PC? I've been told by clients of mine that they are very happy working with Access applications using Jump.

SHADOW

I am at this very moment connected to an Access database running on my development machine
via a Nook tablet using a $6 program call Splashtop Streamer. All controls work just as they would
using a mouse by touching the screen. A popup keyboard is available on demand.

Hard to beat for price or simplicity.

I use Splashtop on my iPhone but I paid $2...you got ripped off at $6

Truth is that on an iPhone it's hard to control a computer screen because it's so small, but on a tablet I'm sure it's works well.

SHADOW

Story of my life...

It takes time to get used to, but re-sizing the screen (reverse pinch) and focusing on the area of the form
you're working with becomes 2nd nature after a while.

Ace,

I very much appreciate your input. I just viewed 2 or 3 YouTube videos on Splashtop and it looks pretty good. This is a problem that has come up before but until now, there has not been a good solution. I am still a little skeptical, but ... a few questions please.

What I envision is two or three people walking around a production floor doing data input using an IPad and Splashtop. I expect it not to be heavy input. Mostly just point and click to drop-downs or check boxes. This sounds like a possible solution, but is it really a pleasant experience? Also, Traditionally I have advised clients not to use Access on a wireless network. I don't remember how or why I came to my conclusions, but the concern is database coruption. That is, I believe the database is more susceptable to corruption when using a wireless connection. If true, how concerned should I be?

Anyone else have experience running Access remotely with Splashtop?

Pleasant experience is a relative and personal thing. I can't answer that.

Splashtop is just another remote access tool in the same way terminal server is a remote
access tool. Access runs on the host machine. If Access is not connected to it's data source
over a wireless network already then it's not an issue.

Because the tablet is wireless does not mean the host machine has to be wireless.

Thanks, guys. I will be looking into tablets in the not too distant future (Win 8 is on the horizon). It's good to know that there will be a way to connect back to a desktop from one.

The key, of course, is that the Access db must be running on a "Windows" desktop and that the tablet/IPad/Smart Phone is connecting back to that desktop.

As an alternative, Woody, have you considered the O365 model and a browser based input screen for the inventory piece?

>have you considered the O365 model and a browser based input screen for the inventory piece?

I've considered it but I'm not a fan of the Web Solution that Access offers.

Further information from the client shows me that an IPad may not be necessary. Right now a couple of their people are using a little HP IPack unit with a Socket Scanner attached to it. Apparently there is not much by way of actual data entry, mostly point and click from drop-downs. I have not done an application that uses small units like this. Has anyone else?

LOL...I was teasing. I guess there are different versions that cost slightly different prices. I was recommending Jump which is also about $10...not going to break the bank

SHADOW