That Syncing Feeling

[Pat Logsdon]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=2786' target='_blank'>http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.a...?contentid=2786</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20040512_laplink.jpg" /> <br /><br />"Laplink introduced the next generation of its PDA synchronization application. PDAsync 3.0 synchronizes contacts, calendar, tasks, email, and notes, between mobile devices and popular applications on desktop/notebook. The company says that is Laplink application is a synchronization tool that provides more functionality and compatibility than using Palm Hotsync or Microsoft ActiveSync alone. <br /><br />"Laplink PDAsync is perfect for Pocket PC and Palm users who wish to synchronize with Outlook, Lotus Notes, Lotus Organizer, or ACT," said Thomas Koll, CEO Laplink Software Inc. "Once people start using PDAsync they will wonder why they didn't have this program sooner."<br /><br />This doesn't support file synchronization, so it's obviously not meant to be a full replacement for ActiveSync, but it still looks interesting. Has anyone used this?

[mdavidm]

I have been researching these types of packages for a couple of weeks and decided on MightyPhone Pro. This package provides wireless sync capabilities to most cell phones, and works best with GPRS-enabled phones with SyncML. My new Nokia 6600 has these features and works great with MightyPhone Pro. The difference with this package is that it works along side ActiveSync, but does not replace it. If I change an item on my iPaq, it ActiveSyncs to the PC, and when the PC sees a change in my PIM (Outlook or Lotus Notes), it automatically makes the change on my phone. Likewise, if I make a change on the PC, it syncs automatically via both programs to the other devices. Changes can also be made from the phone and updated on PC and PDA. The cost is $59.95/year, and also provides a web-based portal to my data. I purchased it through Handango, but you should read up on it at www.mightyphone.com for greater detail.

[SeanH]

I would like to see a survey of people that use Outlook compared to Lotus Notes, Lotus Organizer, or ACT. My PDA uses Activesync with Outlook and the cell phones uses Nokia’s Software Suite with Outlook. Both sync all contact info, appointment info, tasks and files. I am sure this software as a place for people not using Outlook but I am not sure of how many people fall into that category.

Sean

[SeanH]

I have been researching these types of packages for a couple of weeks and decided on MightyPhone Pro.
Did you try Nokia Software Suite for your phone
http://www.nokia.com/nokia/0,8764,42289,00.html

It works well, its free and does everthing you mentioned.

Sean

[mdavidm]

Did you try Nokia Software Suite for your phone

Actually, yes, I tried it for several days but it did not meet my needs. It does not work with Outlook XP contacts, but works with Outlook Express Windows Address Book instead. It did not allow me to sync contact notes in their entirety, which is very important. It synced calendar items with Outlook XP correctly, but inserted due dates on tasks where I did not want them. MightyPhone Pro syncs with all Outlook XP folders for contacts, calendar, and tasks, and even includes subfolders if needed. It also allows me to sync my phone anywhere, anytime, provided cell coverage is available.

Thanks for the information though. For new Nokia users with less demanding needs than mine, and for those in the US where the Nokia Suite is not included with the 6600, it is a great suggestion.

[topps]

I have been researching these types of packages for a couple of weeks and decided on MightyPhone Pro.

I tried this package a few months ago. Can't remember why but had to buy it without trying it. Did not work at all - was buggy and unreliable. So I hope that they have fixed this.

But what bothered me most was that I requested a refund, but never received one. So I am somewhat unhappy with their business practices.

Caveat emptor.

[mdavidm]

Ooooo! Thankfully my experience has been much different. I would love to know if others have experienced problems...

[zilla31]

will this PDASync work via bluetooth? or do i have to cable my phone and PC to my laptop to get it all "in sync"? they say there are advantages over activesync but i'd sure like to know what they are...

[SeanH]

Actually, yes, I tried it for several days but it did not meet my needs. It does not work with Outlook XP contacts, but works with Outlook Express Windows Address Book instead.The version I have works with contacts, appointments, task, and notes with Outlook XP. The version I have is about two months old.It synced calendar items with Outlook XP correctly, but inserted due dates on tasks where I did not want them. It only enters due dates on tasks were you specify a due date. If there is not a due date on a task the due date looks like this. --/--/-- --:--:--.[/quote]
It also allows me to sync my phone anywhere, anytime, provided cell coverage is available. I have the Nokia 6820 with Bluetooth and GPRS/EDGE. It auto sync’s with the laptop anytime I am within 30ft of the laptop. So it’s always up to date.For new Nokia users with less demanding needs than mineI am a amazed that the Nokia phone with the software does as much as it does. It is sad but I have been using my phone more then my PDA for PDA like functions. I still use the PDA a lot for a GPS and eWallet. Nokia does have a eWallet feature in the phone but I am too lazy to move all my passwordsand for those in the US where the Nokia Suite is not included with the 6600, it is a great suggestion.The US version is free off the web. Most people with PDA’s and high tech phones have internet access. Many have internet access over the cell.

Sean

[mdavidm]

What have I done to offend you Sean? Did you write the software for Nokia or something?

The version for the 6600, even by definition in the documentation PDFs show that the contacts sync with WAB, which is not the contacts folder from Outlook XP, and this is the current version from the Nokia site. For tasks without a date, the software inserts the current date for the start date and due date. MightyPhone allows me sync with my desktop virtually anywhere in North America, regardless of where I am in relation to my laptop or PDA, neither of which I carry continuously. I completely agree about the PDA functions of the phone. I use my h4155 far less now that I have my 6600. AND FINALLY, Nokia has not yet released the North American version of their Suite for the 6600. Call them. I did last week!

I suggest that before you pick apart someone for sharing an honest and fair assessment of a product in which that person has nothing to gain by sharing the opinion, you actually test the actual software with the actual equipment, and read every word written. You failed on all counts.

[mdavidm]

Nokia released the software yesterday on the NokiaUSA site...

[SeanH]

You did not offend me. It is my understanding that Nokia Software Suite is basically the same app for all the 3XXX, 6XXX, 7XXX, 8XXX, and 9XXX phones. I did not read the .pdf that came with the software, I just installed it and it worked. I do not use .wab files. I keep everything in one .pst file. Everything I posted should work the same on your phone as it does on mine. The software link I posted is for a Nokia 6600 in English. How would that differ if it’s used in North America or anywhere else?

Sean

[mdavidm]

Sorry. Perhaps I misread the tone of your message...

Good question. According to the Nokia USA rep I spoke with last week, the firmware in the North American version of the 6600 differs slightly from the European version, and was causing some issues with the Suite. When I installed the UK version last week, it synced up perfectly with the calendar, found the tasks (but caused the date problem), and then asked the location of my WAB file. Temporarily I exported contact data to a WAB file, and it synced up fine but truncated my notes. That was not a good long term solution, so I continued searching and tested a few other packages, finally settling on MightyPhone Pro. It is working flawlessly.

Thanks,
David

[carphead]

Get back to the Topic. I brought PDASync V1 and it was identical to Extended Systems Sync program even down to the About box.

I then found that PDASync didn't get updated as much as XTNDConnect did.

But in the end it didn't work very well so I got a refund and brought Cadenza/MNotes.

[ctitanic]

What I hate about all these other sync programs is that you still have to use ActiveSync to get the connection with your PPC. I would like to see a sync program that tells me "hey, here I´m, take that p of s of ActiveSync and put it in your trash can".