not-odbc connection

Hi,
I have few questions about db connenction in win32.
I'd like to use a native driver to connect to a mysql database instead of using the odbc driver. What are the advantages and the drawbacks of using native drivers instead of odbc drivers? Could I have problems of syncronizing the accessing to the db using the native drivers?
And if I used a pool connection? What kind of problems could I have?
Eventually, what is the best win32-gui for mysql?
Thank you,
Max.

here are the basics, although you might already know this stuff
http://java.sun.com/products/jdbc/driverdesc.html
In general, every driver has its strengths and weaknesses. Just because it is a native driver doesn't mean that it will have limitations(except that usually they are database vendor specific). Usually native drivers are faster and offer a fuller range of features, but again that is specific to the driver itself. The type 4 drivers I've been using have worked seamlessly for all my java needs (for Oracle).
Jamie