[missing-sync-hiptop-talk] A request for non-synch data transfer

[Raven Zachary]

I've had numerous problems with synch technology over the years,  
causing data loss and record duplication. In general, I avoid  
"synching" in favor of master to many data transfer. I have one  
primary computer where I make all of my updates. I want my various  
devices to simply hold a copy of that master data, with no updates  
going back into the master device.

This is how I use my iPod  with iSync - it's a perfect read-only  
device for contacts, calendar, and notes. I would like my Sidekick to  
behave the same way. I have no interest in updating records on the  
Sidekick directly because it opens up the opportunity for data to get  
messed up. I've seen this time and time again, on different devices  
and using different software.

Unfortunately, the new beta seems to make overwriting data much more  
difficult than before. The overwrite function was part of iSync, and  
now that the program has moved into its own executable, this feature  
was not replicated (at least not with the same ease as before).

I would like a preference in the new version to allow me to determine  
whether the device will sync or be overwritten every time.

Already, I have had problems with accidental editing (fat-fingering a  
view ends up changing the data, for instance) of a record on the  
Sidekick and the mistake overwriting the master data on my PowerBook.

Am I the only person who works like this? Is the overwrite feature  
something other people would benefit from?

I look forward to the various responses.

Thank you.