can you click on the "default pocket IE homepage"? the one with avantgo, MSN bla bla bla. Try to reach the MSN mobile. It has a simple and fast page load.
If that doesn't work. I don't know what else. It could be that your desktop doesn't like the active sync pass through. .... or something else. you just have to figure out yourself.
try connecting from friend computer too using guest connection. If that work, then something is up with your desktop.