Legacy 3.0 is one of the better Windows genealogy programs available today. There are two versions: (1.) a free version that has all the regular features and (2.) an upgraded version available for a fee that adds a bit of extra functionality. This powerful program has the features that experienced genealogists expect. You can read my review of Legacy 3.0 at: http://www.ancestry.com/library/view/columns/eastman/1194.asp

A few months ago I purchased a Compaq iPAQ shirt-pocket sized computer that is now my constant companion. I love this device and never leave home without it. A few weeks after I purchased it, I discovered the Pocket Genealogist, a genealogy program for Windows CE. The Pocket Genealogist by Northern Hills Software allows the user to store a large genealogy database in the iPAQ or any other computer running the Windows CE operating system. I now have a genealogy database of 3,000+ people in my shirt pocket, a database that I can quickly search and use while at the genealogy library, at the county courthouse, or when visiting with relatives. Again, I rarely leave the house without this database in my pocket.

You can read my review of The Pocket Genealogist at:"http://www.ancestry.com/library/view/columns/eastman/3097.asp

In its initial version, The Pocket Genealogist would import data from GEDCOM files. That is, you first had to export your data from your favorite genealogy program as a GEDCOM file and then import that data into The Pocket Genealogist. This "double translation" is somewhat akin to translating a technical document from English into Chinese and then later from Chinese into German: a few things may become misinterpreted along the way! A better method would be to translate the technical document directly from English to German, reducing the possibility of interpretation errors.

Users of Legacy 3.0 will soon be able to simplify the translation of their data in a similar manner. The Pocket Genealogist will be able to import data directly from Legacy 3.0’s internal database without the requirement of GEDCOM "middleware." The resulting single translation should be a cleaner and less error-prone import process. Here is the announcement from the two companies involved:

Software Companies Partner to Integrate Pocket Genealogist with Legacy Family Tree

Northern Hills Software, maker of Pocket Genealogist, and Millennia Corporation, maker of Legacy Family Tree, are pleased to announce an agreement to integrate Pocket Genealogist with Legacy. The coordinated interaction of these two programs will provide an unparalleled solution for the family researcher, whether novice or professional genealogist.

Pocket Genealogist is the industry leading genealogy solution for the Windows CE mobile operating system. This includes devices ranging in size from units that fit in your pocket to full-size laptops. Manufacturers of these devices include Hewlett Packard, Compaq, and Casio.

Legacy Family tree is the widely acclaimed and comprehensive genealogy program for the Windows operating system. From world-class merging, search and replace, and spell checking to powerful research logs, reports and sources, Legacy overpowers the competition with an unbeatable feature list. In December 2000, The Legacy 3.0 Standard Version of was made free. An inexpensive Deluxe Edition of the program with many new and exciting features was introduced on the market at the same time.

The combination of Pocket Genealogist and Legacy provides a simple and comprehensive solution when you need access to your information while away from your desktop computer. People invest many hours in their quest to gather their family heritage. Trips to the research library, cemetery, and other remote locations were encumbered by stacks of printed material or the awkwardness of a bulky and theft-prone laptop computer. It always seems like the information you most need is the one piece you didn't bring. This exciting new announcement gives you all the benefits of having your data on computer... one that fits in your pocket! The bulk of printed reports or worries about theft of your laptop are a thing of the past!

The benefits of this arrangement will begin with "Pocket Genealogist Version 2.0 Advanced" expected later this spring. Version 1 is currently shipping and provides a view-only solution using GEDCOM files as input. Version 2, which is the subject of this announcement, will provide direct access to Legacy data, data entry support on your mobile device, and eventually synchronization back to your Legacy database.

For more information on either of these programs or to order a copy, please visit the Northern Hills Software and Millennia Websites. If you pre-order a copy of Pocket Genealogist Version 2 Advanced, you get a free copy of Version 1. This offer available only at the Legacy Website.

Note that this is an announcement of an impending marriage; it hasn’t happened yet. The Pocket Genealogist Version 2.0 will not be available for a few weeks yet. You can find more information about these two programs at: http://www.northernhillssoftware.com/pgenie.htm and at: http://www.legacyfamilytree.com