Missing Sync v3.0 Released, ActiveSync Now Left Behind

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.markspace.com/missingsync_windowsmobile.php' target='_blank'>http://www.markspace.com/missingsyn...ndowsmobile.php</a><br /><br /></div>Mark/Space today released a <b>big</b> update to Missing Sync, their flagship Mac synchronization program. v3.0 brings a ton of new features to the table, including Address Book photos, comprehensive Notes sync (including a desktop app to maintain and view them, voice record sync, .Mac sync, and <a href="http://www.barebones.com/products/yojimbo/">Yojimbo</a> support), file sync, iPhoto sync (including a free copy of SplashPhoto on the Pocket PC), iTunes sync, Safari bookmark sync support, and support for different desktop PIMs via Sync Services, including not only Address Book/iCal and Entourage but <i>also</i> <a href="http://www.chronosnet.com/Products/sohoorganizer.html">SOHO Organizer</a> and (soon) <a href="http://www.marketcircle.com/daylite/index.html">Market Circle Daylite</a>.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20061109-MissingSync3.png" /><br /><br />I haven't tested it yet, but I'm really looking forward to this upgrade from v2.5. v2.5 wasn't perfect, but it was starting to become better, and if v3.0 can improve on its stability and add all these features... well, then, there's simply no comparison. While ActiveSync has been steadily losing features over the years <i>and</i> doesn't support any PIMs other than Outlook, Missing Sync keeps on adding features. The one main unresolved quirk I notice is that Missing Sync still requires that you disconnect from GPRS/1xRTT/EVDO when syncing... and that they still don't have a free trial. I'll live with those for now in order to have a comprehensive Mac sync solution. :) A new copy costs $39.95; upgrades before October 1 cost $19.95, and any purchases after October 1 qualify for a free upgrade. Has anyone tried it yet?

[crimsonsky]

I just downloaded it a couple hours ago and haven't given it a real whirl yet. The deciding factor for deciding to upgrade was the support for notes at long last. And be aware that as far as I can tell, notes are synchronised as documents rather than with Pocket Outlook notes. (Now, I do use PhatNotes rather than the built in Pocket Outlook notes, so that may be a factor). Reading through the Help is not very informative as it's not really clear where notes are stored. I am also looking at the Mark/Space Notebook application rather than Notes in Entourage. Later I may try synchronising directly with Entourage instead and see what happens.

Take all this with a box of salt for now, as I've only done one sync and have only had about 30 minutes to play with it.

Don

[crimsonsky]

Okay, just confirmed that Notes synchronise with the built in Notes application if using the Mark/Space Notebook. While good that there is a notes application for those without Entourage, this doesn't help me much as it stands since I need to want to synchronise with PhatNotes.

Of course, on my Windows laptop, PhatNotes has it's own conduit to synchronise either with the PhatNotes desktop or Outlook. So it may just wind up that I'll have to use the built-in notes rather than PhatNotes to sync notes on my Mac. :(

But I do have to admit that with the addition of Notes capability, I really can synchronise only with my Mac if I so deisre.

Gotta play some more....

Don

[Pixelnose]

Any word on if they ever correct some of the old version 1.0 bugs that seemingly continued through v2? There was a slight issue if you weren't in a US time zone with ical recurring events. It would keep moving them a day forward, until before you know it, Christmas is January the 6th. ;)

There was also an issue with dropped bt connections. Support blamed my 2210, but it happened with multiple devices, the 2210, the 4700, and the imate jam. Also on multiple macs - on my old lampshade imac with bt usb dongle, and with g4 ibook (integrated bt). I was able to pretty well narrow down that it wasn't me.

Pocketmac never had these issues though. Markspace is prettier with the design and quicker with the updates, but this only matters if it actually works.

Anyone know if it does or not? Can it keep a stable connect and synchronise appointments reliably?

Update - nevermind, just had a look at their forums. Sadly, the features are cool but only if the core purpose of the program actually works. Sadly it doesn't seem those bugs are fixed, if the forum threads are anything to go by.

[T-Will]

Will this give file sync for capability for Smartphones (namely the Dash)???

[crimsonsky]

Will this give file sync for capability for Smartphones (namely the Dash)???

I normally just transfer files via Bluetooth on my SDA. MS does have file transfer capabilities, but I've never used it. It will also sync with iTunes and iPhoto, although again, I've never used those features.

[T-Will]

Will this give file sync for capability for Smartphones (namely the Dash)???

I normally just transfer files via Bluetooth on my SDA. MS does have file transfer capabilities, but I've never used it. It will also sync with iTunes and iPhoto, although again, I've never used those features.

Hmm...I'm using Windows XP with a Dash and couldn't find any way to sync files, I think you're saying you can transfer files through ActiveSync, but not synchronize.

[petvas]

The Missing Sync version 3 is a great application and make us, the MAC users really very happy! I own an ipaq 6915 and it really works great!
Version 2.5 was good but good be better. Well, version 3.0 is really much better than AS or anything else on the market.

[crimsonsky]

Will this give file sync for capability for Smartphones (namely the Dash)???

I normally just transfer files via Bluetooth on my SDA. MS does have file transfer capabilities, but I've never used it. It will also sync with iTunes and iPhoto, although again, I've never used those features.

Hmm...I'm using Windows XP with a Dash and couldn't find any way to sync files, I think you're saying you can transfer files through ActiveSync, but not synchronize.

:?: Missing Sync is an application for synchronising Macs with WM PDAs and Phones. There is no Active Sync on the Mac.

But even on XP, you can synchronise files that are in My Documents on the device. You just have to make sure you have selected to synchronise files in the Tools menu of Active Sync.

The Dash is a SmartPhone - Smartphones don't have the option to synchronise files with AS (well, at least the option doesn't exist on my SDA).

Don

[T-Will]

:?: Missing Sync is an application for synchronising Macs with WM PDAs and Phones. There is no Active Sync on the Mac.

But even on XP, you can synchronise files that are in My Documents on the device. You just have to make sure you have selected to synchronise files in the Tools menu of Active Sync.

The Dash is a SmartPhone - Smartphones don't have the option to synchronise files with AS (well, at least the option doesn't exist on my SDA).

Don

Yeah that's what I thought about the Smartphone sync...but I didn't realize Missing Sync was for Mac only... :oops:

[dma1965]

Since I got my new Macbook Pro, and installed Windows XP in Parallels, I can now sync to my heart's delight. What is even cooler is by using Foldershare, which works on both the Mac and PC, I can keep the Mac and XP folders in sync. I then run Crossover so I can install and run Listpro and eWallet on my Mac, and I can access my data whenever I like. Gotta love that Intel chipset !

[bvkeen]

I am delighted to see all the new features. I'm getting an iMac for myself for Christmas this year and will definitely be getting Missing Sync to sync my Pocket PCs with. That reminds me to ask: can it handle more than one "partnership" (that is two PPCs)? Right now I only have a WM5 upgraded iPAQ 4700 but I am seriously considering getting a Treo 700wx when Verizon comes out with one. (Had thought about Cingular's 8525 but as I've studied the prerelease photos, I think I like the form factor of the Treo's better, despite the smaller screens).

[Deslock]

Has anyone tried it yet?
Yes. It works quite smoothly (just as version 2.5 did), though FYI it still doesn't support Internet sharing with WM5 (not a problem for me since my rx1955 has wifi, but this is something that might affect others).

can it handle more than one "partnership" (that is two PPCs)?
I sync my rx1955 with both my macBook and an XP box, but I dunno about two PPCs on one Mac. However, you can use Missing Sync for free for a 14-day trial period.

[Janak Parekh]

Any word on if they ever correct some of the old version 1.0 bugs that seemingly continued through v2? There was a slight issue if you weren't in a US time zone with ical recurring events. It would keep moving them a day forward, until before you know it, Christmas is January the 6th. ;)
I know they fixed a ton of bugs between v1, v2, and v2.5. Read the "Known Issues" page linked from the v3 product page; they've outlined the remaining "gotchas" -- most of which are as a result of the different featuresets of each of the PIMs and WM devices.

Pocketmac never had these issues though. Markspace is prettier with the design and quicker with the updates, but this only matters if it actually works.
Interestingly, I heard a lot more complaints about PocketMac. It's a moot point, though, with WM5 devices; only Missing Sync supports them.

Update - nevermind, just had a look at their forums. Sadly, the features are cool but only if the core purpose of the program actually works. Sadly it doesn't seem those bugs are fixed, if the forum threads are anything to go by.
There will always be quirks, as the sync process is incredibly complex, but if you read the forums over the last few months, they've been making steady progress. If you want a perfect experience, you'll have to use ActiveSyn...er... well, okay, maybe there's no perfect sync experience. :lol:

--janak

[Janak Parekh]

However, you can use Missing Sync for free for a 14-day trial period.
Hmm, I didn't see any trial link. Perhaps you mean there's a money-back guarantee, or am I missing something obvious?

--janak

[PPCMD]

I can agree there going to be quirks with any sync app used to pair a MAC to a WM device given differences in each device the OEM or carrier makes, but MarkSpce is charging way too much for what they are offering. I have MissingSync on my MAC for both a Treo 700p and Treo 700w and I can say both devices have issues with MarkSpace.

On the Treo 700p the iTunes sync takes way too long per song and I could copy the files manually in a lot less time so I don't see how its going to sync any faster on the WM side.

As for PocketMAC which I also own a copy of, well I emailed them about the status and they are working out the final bugs in their beta before final release. In either case I will hold off on V3 there really isn't a big upgrade for me yet.

[crimsonsky]

Has anyone tried it yet?
Yes. It works quite smoothly (just as version 2.5 did), though FYI it still doesn't support Internet sharing with WM5 (not a problem for me since my rx1955 has wifi, but this is something that might affect others).

can it handle more than one "partnership" (that is two PPCs)?
I sync my rx1955 with both my macBook and an XP box, but I dunno about two PPCs on one Mac. However, you can use Missing Sync for free for a 14-day trial period.

I haven't tried it with v3.0 yet, but with 2.5 I was synching my SDA WM Smartphone, my Pocket LOOX and my hx2415 to my Mac Mini using MS, so I'd expect 3.0 can do the same.

[bvkeen]

Has anyone tried it yet?
Yes. It works quite smoothly (just as version 2.5 did), though FYI it still doesn't support Internet sharing with WM5 (not a problem for me since my rx1955 has wifi, but this is something that might affect others).

can it handle more than one "partnership" (that is two PPCs)?
I sync my rx1955 with both my macBook and an XP box, but I dunno about two PPCs on one Mac. However, you can use Missing Sync for free for a 14-day trial period.

I haven't tried it with v3.0 yet, but with 2.5 I was synching my SDA WM Smartphone, my Pocket LOOX and my hx2415 to my Mac Mini using MS, so I'd expect 3.0 can do the same.

Thanks. I had planned on getting it anyway, given that I am for sure going to get an iMac, but it's great to know that it can handle multiple devices.

[Janak Parekh]

I can agree there going to be quirks with any sync app used to pair a MAC to a WM device given differences in each device the OEM or carrier makes, but MarkSpce is charging way too much for what they are offering. I have MissingSync on my MAC for both a Treo 700p and Treo 700w and I can say both devices have issues with MarkSpace.
&lt;shrug> I installed MS3, and it works very similar to MS2.5. I have some minor quirks (primarily around Bluetooth), but overall it syncs well. The Notes sync is a very nice touch, and the standalone app is well-done; the only catch is it won't sync handwritten notes.

--janak

[Deslock]

However, you can use Missing Sync for free for a 14-day trial period.
Hmm, I didn't see any trial link. Perhaps you mean there's a money-back guarantee, or am I missing something obvious?

--janak
It's not at all obvious, but it is mentioned on their support site (http://www.markspace.com/support/kb.php?x=&amp;mod_id=2&amp;id=2458):
Article Title
Is there a demo version of The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile?

Article Summary
APPLIES TO: Missing Sync for Windows Mobile 2.5, 3.0

Solution
While Mark/Space does not provide a formal demo version of The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile, potential users can download a 14-day trial version of The Missing Sync from Windows Mobile. The trial version is fully functioning and can be installed for 14 days only. Support during that 14 day trial period is available through our knowledgebase only. After you purchase and register the software you will be eligible for unlimited email support.

To download, go to:
http://www.markspace.com/downloads.html
However, I see that there is still no download link for version 3. Out of curiosity, I just tried coying the existing 2.5 link from http://pineapplelabs.com/missing_sync_winmobile2.5.dmg to http://pineapplelabs.com/missing_sync_winmobile3.dmg

I didn't open the dmg, but I downloaded it and confirmed that it's the exact same file size - 30,281,858 bytes - as the version 3 dmg that I installed from last week. Alternatively, anyone interested could simply email them and ask if they'll post or email an "official" version 3 link.