Excel file conversion

frogman52 · 10-17-07, 01:03 PM

When I compose an Excel file on my PDA and back it up on my PC everything is ok. However, when I make changes to the file, while on the PC, and then copy and convert it to the PDA, this is wherein my questions lies. The file size on my PC is, for example, 259K. I can view the file as normal, but if I make any changes (while on PDA) when I exit I get a dialog box popup which states the following: Unsupported content and formatting may be lost if you save this workbook. Tap Save As to create a copy or replace file. Tap discard to close workbook without saving changes. It adds a (1) to the end of the file name and now the file size is 1.27M. Both files look and respond the same. Why is the latter nearly 5 times the size? Am I doing something wrong?

Jogga · 10-17-07, 01:36 PM

Welcome to Aximsite frogman52

Are you creating the original workbook on your pc? If so, does it have any cell or font formats that aren't compatible with the pda? You will notice that the .xls format is changed to the pocket Excel file type when you copy to your device, non-supported formats will be discarded and this often gets Pocket Excel a bit bothered.

You might try an alternative spreadsheet program that doesn't require converstion - SpreadCE is free and is far superior to the bundled application. It reads .xls without conversion, so it will probably be a better option.

Julie · 10-17-07, 04:33 PM

Excel files have quite a lot of overhead in them. Full version Excel files are fully compatible with pocket pcs, but if space is an issue, then you'll save or convert them to pocket excel and the file size will be much smaller, as you have reported.

The more advanced features of Excel are not supported in the version of Excel that runs on a pocket pc. I would not be real concerned about that message when you save files, unless you are using these more advanced features and functions.

frogman52 · 10-19-07, 04:55 AM

Thank you very much for your replies!

10-19-07, 10:14 AM

PlanMaker for ppc's by SoftMaker is another option if you're looking for a full-featured program on the handheld.

srvctec · 10-19-07, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by Jogga

You might try an alternative spreadsheet program that doesn't require converstion - SpreadCE is free and is far superior to the bundled application. It reads .xls without conversion, so it will probably be a better option.

I have an interest in this thread as I'm looking for a better Excel program for my PDA as well. But, according to the PDA software websites, it is not freeware but shareware for $20. I couldn't find a free version anywhere- free to try, but not free forever.

Jogga · 10-20-07, 05:13 AM

Originally Posted by srvctec

I have an interest in this thread as I'm looking for a better Excel program for my PDA as well. But, according to the PDA software websites, it is not freeware but shareware for $20. I couldn't find a free version anywhere- free to try, but not free forever.

It's a while since I downloaded it however, it used to be free to download and use but came with an annoying splash screen at start up: the registered version (I recall paying $10!) gets shot of the credits.

BTW, even at $20 I would not blink at purchasing this spreadsheet application, that's how good I think it is (see View MyPDA): for the last four weeks, my Axim and this application have been used to collate product location data for six hours a day without a hitch. :approve:

If it's still available to try before you buy, I would give it a go.

srvctec · 10-22-07, 07:40 PM

I tried SpreadCE this morning and it IS a fantastic Pocket Excel replacement. I may just have to buy yet another program for my x51v. :) The only thing it is lacking compared to Pocket Excel is the option to sort, at least I couldn't find it. So I created a file with SpreadCE and used Pocket Excel to sort it. Other than that, it's perfect!

Thanks for the heads up on this!!

Jogga · 10-23-07, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by srvctec

I tried SpreadCE this morning and it IS a fantastic Pocket Excel replacement. I may just have to buy yet another program for my x51v. :) The only thing it is lacking compared to Pocket Excel is the option to sort, at least I couldn't find it. So I created a file with SpreadCE and used Pocket Excel to sort it. Other than that, it's perfect!

Thanks for the heads up on this!!

Glad to help :)

You'll also be pleased to learn that you can sort your spreadsheets with SpreadCE: Select the cells or data to sort > tap Format > tap Data > select the Sort... option.

srvctec · 10-23-07, 11:43 PM

Originally Posted by Jogga

Glad to help :)

You'll also be pleased to learn that you can sort your spreadsheets with SpreadCE: Select the cells or data to sort > tap Format > tap Data > select the Sort... option.

I couldn't find that for the life of me (I must be blind!)!! Now it IS a perfect replacement for Pocket Excel (actually it's 10 times better than Pocket Excel). I'm going to purchase it right now.

Thanks one more time!!

stephenbye · 11-20-07, 06:04 PM

1) There wasn't room to reproduce all of the menus of the desktop version of Microsoft Excel (File Edit View Insert Format Tools Data Window) separately in the limited width of a Pockt PC screen, so I had to compress them somewhat. All of the supported Data menu options, such as Sort, are hung off the Format menu in SpreadCE. The other menus I have tried to keep similar to the arrangement in Microsoft Excel.

2) The program is more "nagware" than shareware. You are free to use the shareware version as long as you like. The only difference between the Shareware and Registered versions is that the Shareware version displays a message each time one of the File menu options is used.