>I realized SQL CE has very limited tsql support and functions like left() are not available.

But the whole point of a 'Compact Edition' is that is compact. Weighing it down with useful but non-essential functions would tend to defeat the object. But I admit that my preference for CE is based on using it in a .NET environment. In that situation it requires no separate install - just the inclusion of a couple of assemblies (and optionally a database itself) with the application....