I am looking for database software which does the following:

1) auto-updates its bases regularly, with latest tournament & correspondence chess games. I want this to be automatically, with me just pushing an “update bases” button.

2) allows me to create an opening repertoire, browse it, add comments and train my knowledge of it. 

3) Export my repertoire into .pdf and other formats so that I can print it, carry it with me etc.

4) triggers some alarm when new games are played that belong to my opening repertoire

5) provides some sort of annotation for critical new games (e.g. high end tournaments, world championship)

6) Preferably I want the software to be lightweight and not cripple my computer (most likely I will be running it on a netbook).

So far I am using Chess Position Trainer+SCID (Icofy&twic bases)+word documents but it is very impractical. For one I have to “do the job” three times, I have to update TWIC by hand, and I don’t get auto alerts, I have to scan through my whole repertoire by hand each time I update my bases. Furthermore, I have found SCID to be slowish with big bases like Icofy and whenever I want to study a rare line (which is in Icofy but not in twic) it takes ages.

I am assuming the main choices are Chessbase 10, Chessbase light (upgraded with 50 euros) and Chess Assistant. What other options exist? how good do these programs perform on points 1)-6).

Essentially what I am asking for is which is the most practical and easy to use database software, with good bases, life is too short to waste time on tweaking bases by hand and doing one job three times :)

After doing some research I concluded that Chessbase Light suits my pocket and is likely to suit my chess needs. Can someone who uses it please provide some feedback?

I have used CB Light for a long time.  It'll do almost all the things Fritz does, but it's free.  To my knowledge, you can't update or alter the databases with it, but you can always find and download updated .pgn files. 

It is definitely worth the price.  :)

the free version will only hold 64,000 games whereas the paid holds unlimited.

I am mainly interested in the premium version (paid one),how does it do with regard to the following 5 points?

1) Can I create an opening repertoire in CBL Premium & train it, like I do in CPT?

2) Does the online database update regularly with games from recent tournaments, new correspondence games?

3) are any games in the online database annotated?

4) Is it fast? life is too short to loose time on slow chess database software :)

5) Can I save part of the online database locally? e.g. save games in Ruy Lopez Exchage.

1) Each game window in Chessbase has a training tab that allows you to try to guess the next move.  You could store your repertoire as a game. 2) There is a feature called "Get New Game" which downloads the latest few editions of TWIC. 3) The games in Chessbase's online database are not annotated. 4) Chessbase is faster than Chess Assistant and Aquarium at some things, but not so fast at others.  5) Yes, you can search the online database for certain players or from specific positions, and then save the games locally.

Thanks allot! looks like Chessbase light is a very solid option I'll probably purchase the premium edition :)

Just curious ... are you using SCID 4.0 or an earlier version.. Is the Icofy database the one with about 4 million games?

I don't disagree but it is always wise to do a market search and get what is best value for money :) same goes for books, cars, houses :)

That is why the feedback I just had from rigamagician is very valuable

I use SCID 4.0, for Icofy look at http://sourceforge.net/projects/icofybase/