[racerx]

If you are trying to keep two sets of files or directories in sync, I recommend looking at Second Copy from Centered Systems (http://www.centered.com/).

"Second Copy® 2000 is the perfect backup product designed for Windows 9x/Me/NT4/2000/XP you have been looking for. It makes a backup of your data files to another directory, disk or computer across the network. It then monitors the source files and keeps the backup updated with new or changed files. It runs in the background with no user interaction. So, once it is setup you always have a backup of your data some where else."

I use this to keep files on my PC and laptop synced with files on my MicroDrive. I use my MicroDrive to shuttle files back and forth. Of course, you can go directly from the laptop to desktop and back as well. One big feature I like is you have the ability to have it keep a few copies "archived" so if you have to roll-back to a previous version, you can. Its always worked very well for me and you can even set it to automatically sync at startup and shutdown, so you don't have to remember to do it. Its great even to just make backup copies of important files.

[racerx]

If you are trying to keep two sets of files or directories in sync, I recommend looking at Second Copy from Centered Systems (http://www.centered.com/).

"Second Copy® 2000 is the perfect backup product designed for Windows 9x/Me/NT4/2000/XP you have been looking for. It makes a backup of your data files to another directory, disk or computer across the network. It then monitors the source files and keeps the backup updated with new or changed files. It runs in the background with no user interaction. So, once it is setup you always have a backup of your data some where else."

I use this to keep files on my PC and laptop synced with files on my MicroDrive. I use my MicroDrive to shuttle files back and forth. Of course, you can go directly from the laptop to desktop and back as well. One big feature I like is you have the ability to have it keep a few copies "archived" so if you have to roll-back to a previous version, you can. Its always worked very well for me and you can even set it to automatically sync at startup and shutdown, so you don't have to remember to do it. Its great even to just make backup copies of important files.

[Terry]

Outlook 2003 beta with offline sync and Exchange server. Works like a charm!

[Jason Dunn]

Originally Posted by anthonymoody

There was a super tiny laptop by sharp...it seems like there might be a nice little market opportunity here for a piece of software that could be sold with a usb cable that could easily connect to PCs and sync whatever you tell it it.

Right on both counts! The Sharp was exactly what I was thinking of, but despite spending a few minutes at their site, I can't figure out what software they're using to perform the sync. Anyone know?

And yes, I thnk there's a GREAT opportunity here for a developer to make something that addresses the needs of laptop/desktop owners.

[bormooski]

What would be wrong with setting up a server to serve up some roaming profiles? thats pretty simple. Im sure no one here wants to 'pay' for a copy of windows 2k or 2k3, so just install linux with samba and set up some profiles. its not really an active sync type deal, but it works pretty damn well in corporations. i can log on to any machine i want at work, and my profile along with my email folows me whereever i go. The only catch is that both machines must be part of the same domain, so if you bring a laptop home from work, and its part of the corp domain, then we are back at square one. :?

[csterns]

Gosh with a swanky new laptop who needs a desktop? Seriously, with the power of capability of laptops (I'm drooling over Toshiba's new 17" multi-media laptop - somebody hold me back) I see little reason for desktops - to me they are obsolete.

As for synching Outlook between two computers, I use ACT! which allows you to synch between to computers (you can schedule it to perform automatically or manually) and then a program that exchanges info from ACT! to Outlook and another program that syncs with PocketPC. I find ACT! to be a much better contact manager program, more powerful and easier to use. It bugs the heck out of me when you want to put a telephone number in you have to type in parentheses (unless I’m missing something here) with every telephone number. It would seem to me that something that basic should be a function of the computer. Is that what computers are suppose to do, make our lives easier? :lol:

Outlook really misses the boat in a lot of areas and is about one step up from a paper system in my opinion. However, there are other aspects of Outlook that make it necessary to use which is why I have it around.

Here’s an interesting question – is there a replacement or a work around for Outlook especially with when we all have PocketPC’s?

[billboonn]

Jason,

A full blown Exchange server is definitely out of the question for a SOHO user, but how about a Hosted Exchange Solution? This is what I currently have set up for all of us at MedicalPocketPC.com. I also have several computers and it's great to be able to have access to all of my email folders, contacts, and calendar from anywhere. When I'm away from my personal computers, I can also access all of my data using Outlook Web Access. And most importantly, everything is synced SEAMLESSLY.

I currently use the hosting provider ASP-One which charges only $9.95 per user per month for 100MB of storage. Not a bad deal considering how much time I save not having to deal with OST files, briefcases, etc. And best of all, when they upgrade to Exchange 2003, I'll be able to sync my Pocket PC wirelessly....

Bill

[Kiyoshi]

Gosh with a swanky new laptop who needs a desktop? Seriously, with the power of capability of laptops (I'm drooling over Toshiba's new 17" multi-media laptop - somebody hold me back) I see little reason for desktops - to me they are obsolete

Check all the anti-Toshiba posts all over the forum about complaints over customer service and not offering a WM2003 upgrade to customers. There's also the 6000+ person petition that's going onhere.

You could also do a search on the forum for "Never buying Toshiba" and I'm sure plenty of posts will come up!

[bdegroodt]

Originally Posted by Jason Dunn

Not a realistic solution for SOHO users. Next?

Why do you say that Jason? Do you mean from a cost perspective or ? If it's cost and maintaining it that worries you, there is at least one company that I'm aware of that will host an Exchange server for you for a reasonable cost. Perfect for SOHO types. Take a look at Lanlogic as one possible solution. Maybe?

[Bill Gunn]

Originally Posted by Jason Dunn

Well gee whiz, I must me a complete idiot then if it's so darn easy for you! :roll:

Your solution doesn't work for keeping two complete Outlook directory trees in sync, because the Pocket PC only supports email on one. And I'm talking about far more files than a Pocket PC can be a transit for - you really think a Pocket PC can reliably handle 10 GB of data?

10 GB? You need to sync 10 GB to 2 different computers? Um... I doubt there's a huge market for that particular capability.

[mclaughlinc]

Jason,

I just purchased ths software to sync my Outlook information from one computer to another. I have only been using it for about 3 weeks but it seems to work OK. I sync a PST file that is 500 MB in size and it takes about 5 to 10 minutes to synce the two. And of coarse you have to shut down Outlook on both computers.

I hope this helps.

It would help if I put the link in www.synchpst.com