[missing-sync-palmos-talk] Re: missing-sync-palmos-talk Digest, Vol 30, Issue 7

[Nik]

On Nov 2, 2005, at 10:08 PM, Deirdre Menoyo wrote:

> Having monitored the list for some weeks, I realize it is a big  
> hassle to sync PDAs with Macs.
>
> So I've reduced my ambition to just wanting to know what I should  
> buy to have a PDA to work with my iBook, soup to nuts, new PDA, new  
> software, whatever.  I am computer challenged and don't know much  
> about conduits, etc.  I'm hoping there is a simple way to connect  
> the dots.  A list would help.  I do have Tiger OS.

Welcome aboard, Deirdre!

You're in the right place to figure out the best way to set up your  
PDA to work with a Mac. Don't be too put off by the constant bug  
reports on this list. If you're sticking with pretty standard  
applications, you won't have nearly the trouble that some of us cause  
for ourselves.

The things you're going to need are as follows:

1) A Mac (sounds like you've got that already)

2) A PDA: Find one that you like. Palms have BETTER support for the  
Mac than PocketPCs, but many "smartphones" are also pretty well  
supported.

Assuming you want a Palm, there's a few different models to choose  
from. (I'm assuming you want to buy a new one -- you can always go on  
eBay and find used models which can be quite attractively priced.)

If you're looking to mostly do data reading and won't do a lot of  
data entry, go for the $99 Palm Zire that's out there. If you want  
something more full featured, walk up the ladder until you find what  
you want. The biggest differences between models are networking  
(bluetooth, WiFi), whether it's a Treo (which has a built-in phone),  
and RAM/storage space (really only useful if you're watching movies,  
playing MP3s, or using it as a surrogate for a laptop).

Also, an iPod can provide read-only access to all your contacts,  
calendars and to-dos. Many folks have decided that's good enough for  
them.

3) PIM (calendar, contact, to-dos, possibly memos) software on the  
Mac that you like. Best options are Palm Desktop (free), Apple's  
Address Book and iCal (also free), Microsoft Entourage (comes with  
Microsoft Office 2004), or Now Up-to-Date & Contact (not free). If  
you want quick and easy,

I'd highly recommend Apple's software. It keeps you from needing a  
separate list for your email addresses and your PIM contacts, and  
they're easy to use and frequently updated. Still, you can get demos  
of all the software, so you can try 'em out and see what you think.

4) Synchronization software: If you're using a straight-up Palm (not  
a Sony CLIE or something like that), it works out of the box with the  
Mac, along with any of the PIM programs I mentioned above. They all  
provide conduits which are the glue between the software and the  
Palm. However, the syncing software is a bit of a bother and lacks  
some features that many people like. (For example, you cannot  
synchronize groups/categories between the Apple PIM programs and a  
Palm using Apple's free conduits.)

This is where The Missing Sync comes in. It provides improved  
conduits for the Apple PIM programs, and also improves the  
reliability and functionality of the syncing process. I might also  
add that this list and Mark/Space provide FAR superior tech support  
than that provided by Palm directly.

On the other hand, if you're using Palm Desktop, Entourage or Now Up- 
To-Date/Contact, you already will get pretty decent conduits. And  
either way, initial setup of the syncing process takes a little  
fiddling. Don't let that scare you off, once you get it working, it  
tends to be highly reliable.

The down side is that The Missing Sync costs money. IMO, it's well  
worth it.

If nothing else, if you're using the Apple PIM programs, get The  
Missing Sync. That's a no-brainer, from my point of view. If you  
aren't using Apple's software for PIM duties, then see how you like  
what comes with it maybe, or get the Missing Sync. Whatever seems  
wisest to you.

5) Install everything, set up your PIM apps, and sync. This is the  
fun part where you get to have everything magically WORK. Wheee!

6) Endless potential: There's lots of software out there for the Palm  
or that syncs with it from the Mac. Depending on your needs, you  
might be able to find some real time/work savers.

Hope this helps. Good luck to you!

--Nik