Hi Bill:

Yes, you can use first character to search in a combo box while it is showing just one line.

But the nice thing about a list box is that it is open already, you don't have to click on the down arrow at the right end of the box to show the list.

For entry forms Combo Boxes seem to work well because they are neat and integrate well into a multiple field entry screen. For Configuration Screens where the user is e.g. setting up the name of their school, I would use a List Box or a Grid so they can see the list immediately.

Re: stability, Combo Boxes do not handle large lists well. If you have say 100 items to choose from, you would be better to use a list box over a combo box.

Mike Smith