Bit o' background:

1. I've become proficient with DatabasePro (http://avanquest.com/USA/small-business/small-business/schedule-contact-management/DataBase_Professional.html) and give it a 7 out of 10. It does what I want database-wise but difficult to get to web display.

2. I give Zoho Creator (http://creator.zoho.com/) 8.5 out of 10. It's free and online, but I fear one day they'll go away or start charging.

3. I've purchased Access 2007 but have buyers remorse even before installing it... one because I'm disappointed to find that the license is for one install on one computer.

The questions:

a. does Access "phone home" like WinXP and Vista do? Can I get away with installing it on both my PC and my laptop?

b. Should I just scrap Access and stick with Zoho?

c. Access lovers, can you summarize in a sentence or two why Access is so great? What does it have or do that Zoho doesn't?

First, I wpild suggest reading the EULA again. All the Office apps can be installed on 2 PCs as long as both are not in use at the same time. This is to permit installing at home or office or desktop and laptop.

I'm not familiar with Zoho, but there is almost nothing that Access can't do. A great deal can be done just through the design interface. And when that isn't enough VBA can handle just about anything else. Another advantage of Access is that it's the most supported end user database out there. There are over 90 MVPs that help out on several sites. There are templates, sample files, code samples and lots more available from Microsoft and third parties.

I see I did not read far enough. The #1 item in the eula is

OVERVIEW. These license terms permit installation and use of one copy of the software on one device, along with other rights, all as described below.

... but later it does say it can also be installed on a portable device. Thanks.

I'll give it a try :)

I believe all Microsoft licenses, except Windows have that provision.