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New email notification

Hello,
I have an issue with the way I use email that I've noticed in both WM5 and now WM6 (ie. no improvement!), and was wondering if anyone else has any ideas:
I use a server-side rule to move all incoming email that matches a certain filter into a separate folder (what this actually catches all emails sent to another email address which is in turn forwarded to my Exchange box), therefore I have my normal 'Inbox' another folder called 'Inbox 2'. This works very well for my needs, and indeed ActiveSync and DirectPush all work fine on my Windows Mobile device (have the 'Inbox 2' folder setup to sync).
The only problem is email notification on Windows Mobile. When I get a new email (using DirectPush) it gets pushed to my device and up pops the New Mail prompt. However, when I get a new email that automatically gets put in the 'Inbox 2' folder (server side) even though it gets pushed to my Windows Mobile device I do not get any notification. This means I find myself manually looking in this folder a few times a day to see if there are any updates.
Anyone else have a usage pattern similar? Any ideas on how to trigger a notification?
Cheers, Simon

I also use folders to categorize email, and as far as I've noticed, I do get the new email icon when a message goes into a filtered folder. What device/ROM are you using, as that may be one part of the problem/solution.

Urthwhyte said:
I also use folders to categorize email, and as far as I've noticed, I do get the new email icon when a message goes into a filtered folder. What device/ROM are you using, as that may be one part of the problem/solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi - thanks for your reply!
Setup as follows:
HTC Touch, standard out-of-box ROM (WM6)
and i-Mate JAMin, standard ROM oem updated from HTC web site (WM5)
DirectPush email via Exchange 2003 Server
Server-side rule processing (ie. defined in Outlook 2007 but then stored and actioned on the server, thus rules work pre the emails hitting the client - part of the problem I think).
Any input you could offer greatly appreciated.
Cheers, Simon

After an exensive test of one (1) email, specifically created to trip my rules, it does appear that you don't get a notification. I'm now with the OP and would love it if someone knew of a reghack or modification to settings that would make these emails trigger a notification.
I'm on a HTC Wizard with mfrazz's Xda Release 3a and the same DirectPush enabled Exchange 2003 with serverside rules.

I think this is 'by design' (ie. you actually get exactly the same functionality in Outlook 2007 client on your desktop, however I've created a custom client-side rule to trigger a notification when emails are received to my filtered folders).
I too like you would ideally be looking for a reg hack (or similar) to extend the folder(s) which the built-in notification on Windows Mobile monitors.
<fingers crossed!>

Anyone know a solution for this? I do have the same issue.

Windows Live > stripping "Hotmail" from the branding

This may seem petty to some, but it's a pain to me:
I have a domain hosted by Microsoft, as part of their Office Live setup. Overall it is an arrangement that works very well for me.
Windows Live on my Athena x7510 works exactly as it should, too and I receive my e-mails in just about real time.
BUT on the device the mail account is listed at Hotmail. Yes, I know Windows Live mail uses the Hotmail platform, but the point is MY e-mail address is NOT a Hotmail address.
I have always held the belief that any business using a free e-mail address, such as Hotmail, cannot be serious about itself and portrays an image of being amateurish.
Often, at clients' sites, I may need to show a client a message I've received on my phone, so I don't want any Hotmail bits being displayed.
Any ideas on removing the Hotmail branding?

Am I the ONLY person that wants this changed?

Evidently nobody else has any interest in this!

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Inbox\Svc\Hotmail]
"FriendlyName"="BrandAsYouWant"

Hmmm, why not getting yourself a real weghosting + domain + email?

x-X-x said:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Inbox\Svc\Hotmail]
"FriendlyName"="BrandAsYouWant"
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Click to collapse
And so obvious once its been pointed out! Many thanks!

Junner2003 said:
Hmmm, why not getting yourself a real email rather than HOTMAIL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you not read?
he has real email, but hosted by microsoft, so his phone THINKS its hotmail

rorydaredkign said:
can you not read?
he has real email, but hosted by microsoft, so his phone THINKS its hotmail
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Click to collapse
Yes, I can read and have updated my above post for you, so, you can understand me! Played around with that Office Live stuff from Microsoft myself for a while to see how it works. It is absolutely useless if you really want to use it for business.

Junner2003 said:
Hmmm, why not getting yourself a real email rather than HOTMAIL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I HAVE real e-mail! If you cared to read what I wrote, you'd have seen that my site's hosted by Microsoft.
I have masses of bandwidth, various Sharepoint-type web apps and I can custom build many more, I have masses of server storage, I have secure workspaces that I can share, etc. etc. Go have a look at http://smallbusiness.officelive.com/LearnMore/ and you'll see what I mean.
My e-mail is my own and is branded - it ONLY shows as Hotmail on my Athena x7510.
OfficeLive Small Business might not be everybody's cup of tea, but I work for myself and it suits my needs perfectly. Because of what I do I'm mobile very often and I depend heavily on Remote Desktop. I use it to connect to clients' systems, as well as my own back at the office.
Mobile e-mail is essential to me and in this regard Office Live certainly delivers the goods. I run a custom utility on clients' servers and it alerts me by e-mail of anything untoward on such monitored systems. At times I show clients such alerts when on site, meaning I show them the alerts on my x7510. This is why I needed the Hotmail branding removed, because I DON'T use Hotmail.
Makes sense?

Junner2003 said:
Played around with that Office Live stuff from Microsoft myself for a while to see how it works. It is absolutely useless if you really want to use it for business.
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Can I suggest you don't simply use their freeby stuff and go for the big boys choice? Had you done that you'd not have posted a claim that you can in no way support.
Having just completed a rather large MOSS 07 custom implementation for a client (with the bespoke code written in C# using the VS 08 IDE) I know my way around web servers, web services and web sites.
But I run a business, not a hobby, and I don't get paid spending weeks coding a fantastic web app for myself. Instead, I reduce dev time massively by using Office Live. This is why I find your claim that it is useless for business to be extremely ridiculous.
Perhaps you should learn how to interact with web services? Then you could also pull system info off a server using WMI and write it directly to a Windows Live workspace accessible only to your client and yourself. Business means more than owning a desk, you know?

Yes, I know! I understand that not everyone has the know-how which is needed to run his own site. I understand that some people depend on Microsoft doing the job for them, NanoRuler. Even though OL works one way or another, I wouldn't call this a professional setup for a business solution - I believe Germans call thsi "Shuhflickerei".
During the past 15 years, I have not only set up tiny servers but developed and programmed entire internet portals, so, chill out, get a beer and enjoy the tv program ... !

Lotus based email servers

i have checked in all opereating systems of windows CE in almost all devices
but there is no support for lotus based emails servers wheather i am contecting via gprs or wi fi
the email box opens perfectly but the buttons of forward reply bcc cc are not visible,
i have done jave aplets and this and that but the problem is still there
now thinking to switch on blackberry for the push email facility
or anyone can tell me that any application can help me
now a days um using treo 750v with wm 6

we have it at work, i'll see if I can find the details for you. Notes/Domino are the biggest pieces of **** i've used in my life (that and the several thousand lotus notes "applications" we have)

cud'nt get u
what application i need for this problem?????
would your goodself be that much kind to tell me in brief?????

Ignoring the anti-Domino stance of the first respondent i would suggest you investigate CommonTime. They do a server side push email system designed for WM devices as well as Symbian.
If what you are looking for is a mobile version of DWA then i think you are going to have to wait until your Domino servers are upgraded to version 8.

oh my God
i cant bel that i gonna have solve my problem of email
that was a kind info thx
let me try that soft first

You may also want to try out Seven Beta, they also do a push email soultion for Domino/Exchange and all manner of third party POP/SMTP servers.
Forgot to add this is also a FREE option.

Awais said:
i have checked in all opereating systems of windows CE in almost all devices
but there is no support for lotus based emails servers wheather i am contecting via gprs or wi fi
the email box opens perfectly but the buttons of forward reply bcc cc are not visible,
i have done jave aplets and this and that but the problem is still there
now thinking to switch on blackberry for the push email facility
or anyone can tell me that any application can help me
now a days um using treo 750v with wm 6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your domino server is on version 8 or above you can use IBM Notes Traveler http://www-01.ibm.com/software/lotus/products/notes/traveler.html
it's far better than MSFT solution because it allows you to replicate signed and encrypted email. that's only my opinion

nunomax said:
If your domino server is on version 8 or above you can use IBM Notes Traveler http://www-01.ibm.com/software/lotus/products/notes/traveler.html
it's far better than MSFT solution because it allows you to replicate signed and encrypted email. that's only my opinion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, that server is version 7

[Q] Syncing HTC 7 with Outlook or Own Files

I received my HTC 7 Pro over the weekend. It looks nice, runs fine. I upgraded to Mango Beta. That made it even better. I ordered a 32GB microSD to get the storage the phone deserves. So, I'm excited about my new toy. And then I tried to sync to Outlook.
It seems incredibly strange that on this website chock full of staunch individualists that no one is ranting about being forced to use MS Hotmail and the MS cloud invironment as the only method of allowing a 'Pro' phone to be synchronized with Outlook contacts and calendar. And what about all of the music and files I have on my PC? It isn't rational that I should have to pass 10-20GB of stuff through the MS cloud just because MS have decided that is how they want to manage phone synchronization. I do not want another public e-mail address and I certainly do not want to push my business correspondence through one.
[I have just deleted a lengthy rant about MS from here. Suffice it to say I am really dissatisfied with MS and their apparent business intent.]
I like the HTC 7 Pro but I really need to be able to connect a USB cable and transfer my own stuff like I can on any other phone.
So I am looking to all of you for help/advice. If there is no way to synchronize Phone 7 with my laptop then I am perfectly willing to downgrade back to WM6.5 or switch to Android. I just need to know what my options are.
I kept all my packing material. If there is no solution then I will return the phone and get the nearest Android equivalent.
Thanks in advance for your help.
--Steve

Your media can all be transferred using Zune, direct from your computer, wired or over WiFi (after a wired sync you can set the phone to automatically sync when it's plugged in and doing nothing)
Regarding Outlook, I don't know of a single person that doesn't use Exchange or Google, both of which can be used to synchronise mail, calendar, contacts and i believe tasks between computer and mobile device. This is so much more advantageous than 'direct by wire' syncing that I'm surprised you are that concerned. If anything it's good practice to have a backup of these things...
shrines said:
I received my HTC 7 Pro over the weekend. It looks nice, runs fine. I upgraded to Mango Beta. That made it even better. I ordered a 32GB microSD to get the storage the phone deserves. So, I'm excited about my new toy. And then I tried to sync to Outlook.
It seems incredibly strange that on this website chock full of staunch individualists that no one is ranting about being forced to use MS Hotmail and the MS cloud invironment as the only method of allowing a 'Pro' phone to be synchronized with Outlook contacts and calendar. And what about all of the music and files I have on my PC? It isn't rational that I should have to pass 10-20GB of stuff through the MS cloud just because MS have decided that is how they want to manage phone synchronization. I do not want another public e-mail address and I certainly do not want to push my business correspondence through one.
[I have just deleted a lengthy rant about MS from here. Suffice it to say I am really dissatisfied with MS and their apparent business intent.]
I like the HTC 7 Pro but I really need to be able to connect a USB cable and transfer my own stuff like I can on any other phone.
So I am looking to all of you for help/advice. If there is no way to synchronize Phone 7 with my laptop then I am perfectly willing to downgrade back to WM6.5 or switch to Android. I just need to know what my options are.
I kept all my packing material. If there is no solution then I will return the phone and get the nearest Android equivalent.
Thanks in advance for your help.
--Steve
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

yea nothing wrong with using the cloud at all. there's also even a hotmail-outlook connector, you are not being "forced" to use hotmail at all ur more than welcome to use ur exchange email to sync ur contacts but u do need a live ID to use the marketplace and Zune. android has this similar practice where u need a Gmail account to even be able to use it period. MS is not going to spy on ur emails or call ur contacts and ur information isn't any less safe on the cloud than it is on ur PC.

Thanks for the replies, folks, but it appears that I have not made myself clear. I have over 2000 contacts due to industry committee activities and customers. I have four email accounts within Outlook, only one of which is an Exchange account. I travel extensively. The MS instructions for moving my contacts to my phone 7 include having to import all of those not on the Exchange server to HotMail using CSV formats. There is no automatic update thereafter. Zune will only update the phone calendar from one 'primary' calendar.
I am in Ireland today and I was unable to sync with Zune because it expected me to change my location/region settings to match my current location (I live in Germany). When I changed my location to Ireland I was informed that my Zune would not work due to restrictions (content licensing, I assume). The same is true if I select Worldwide English. If I switch back my location back to Germany there are no English pages available but I still can't sync.
Many places I visit have no wired or wireless Internet and roaming charges are outrageous. So how do I keep my phone contacts, calendar and files up-to-date with my Outlook through all this?
All I did with WM 6.5 was plug my phone in to my laptop and ActiveSync took care of the update. No more.
And I still haven't been able to sync my phone.
It really looks like Phone 7 is focused on social sites and trying to sell me stuff rather than addressing my needs as a business user.

shrines said:
Thanks for the replies, folks, but it appears that I have not made myself clear. I have over 2000 contacts due to industry committee activities and customers. I have four email accounts within Outlook, only one of which is an Exchange account. I travel extensively. The MS instructions for moving my contacts to my phone 7 include having to import all of those not on the Exchange server to HotMail using CSV formats. There is no automatic update thereafter. Zune will only update the phone calendar from one 'primary' calendar.
I am in Ireland today and I was unable to sync with Zune because it expected me to change my location/region settings to match my current location (I live in Germany). When I changed my location to Ireland I was informed that my Zune would not work due to restrictions (content licensing, I assume). The same is true if I select Worldwide English. If I switch back my location back to Germany there are no English pages available but I still can't sync.
Many places I visit have no wired or wireless Internet and roaming charges are outrageous. So how do I keep my phone contacts, calendar and files up-to-date with my Outlook through all this?
All I did with WM 6.5 was plug my phone in to my laptop and ActiveSync took care of the update. No more.
And I still haven't been able to sync my phone.
It really looks like Phone 7 is focused on social sites and trying to sell me stuff rather than addressing my needs as a business user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is totally incorrect! on wp7 u can add as many exchange accounts as u want and it will sync them and keep them updated vs on wm6.5 and android u can have one, and those contacts that aren't on exchange u can easily add them or import them it is no big deal at all. all the calendars are also updated, on my arrive with the mango beta I have 2 live accounts setup and my Facebook account and it syncs ALL my appointments accordingly to which account they originated from. Zune does not sync any of this, Zune only syncs pictures,videos and music.

Forgive me, but reading that sounds like you haven't actually used the software.
Zune only deals with multimedia and updates - nothing to do with calendars, contacts, or mail.
You can have as many accounts as you like on the phone, they ALL synchronise everything, and in the calendar app every accounts' calendar appears and has a different colour attached to it (mine, for example, highlights Exchange in red, Google in Blue, and Facebook in green, and they all appear together so I know when I'm actually available)
I don't understand how having a thousand contacts is a problem? You can sync contacts from Google, Exchange, or Windows Live into Outlook, then it's a case of using that most amazing of things as Copy and Paste, then the cloud takes care of your syncing.
Travelling a lot, it makes sense to me to just let the phone deal with the sync - when something changes, it gets pushed to the phone automatically, and if you change something on the phone it's pushed to the cloud, where your computer picks it up automatically.
You sound like the perfect example of somebody who could benefit hugely from a push-sync service but doesn't want to...sorry to be frank, but that's just the way it seems to me...
shrines said:
Thanks for the replies, folks, but it appears that I have not made myself clear. I have over 2000 contacts due to industry committee activities and customers. I have four email accounts within Outlook, only one of which is an Exchange account. I travel extensively. The MS instructions for moving my contacts to my phone 7 include having to import all of those not on the Exchange server to HotMail using CSV formats. There is no automatic update thereafter. Zune will only update the phone calendar from one 'primary' calendar.
I am in Ireland today and I was unable to sync with Zune because it expected me to change my location/region settings to match my current location (I live in Germany). When I changed my location to Ireland I was informed that my Zune would not work due to restrictions (content licensing, I assume). The same is true if I select Worldwide English. If I switch back my location back to Germany there are no English pages available but I still can't sync.
Many places I visit have no wired or wireless Internet and roaming charges are outrageous. So how do I keep my phone contacts, calendar and files up-to-date with my Outlook through all this?
All I did with WM 6.5 was plug my phone in to my laptop and ActiveSync took care of the update. No more.
And I still haven't been able to sync my phone.
It really looks like Phone 7 is focused on social sites and trying to sell me stuff rather than addressing my needs as a business user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I'm in the same boat sort of. I don't use Exchange, just MS Office an Outlook for my schedule and contacts. I only just got my first WP7 phone and previously I was a recent WM user migrating from my Axim x51v. Been using a PDA since WM2003. I really find it hard to fathom why MS would make it so that their products can't talk to each other. I've installed the connecter and still couldn't get it to sync up to Hotmail very easily. I've got my contacts in teh phone but still can't get my calender to move over.

My suggestion to you John would be to get yourself a Google account, which you can sync using the Exchange protocol into Outlook, and which the phone can sync automatically. That's probably the easiest way of doing things.

Hi all
Currently using an HTC Touch Pro 2 and was considering upgrading to HTC 7 Pro. Came across this post and am very concerned. Due to work data restrictions phone must be able to connect using ordinary USB cable. Is there no way that this can happen on WM7?
Thanks
Barney
P.S Was cosiderng WM7 v. Android and decided to stick with Windows (seeing as that is all I have ever had) This could be a deal breaker though, assuming Android phones can easily sync using USB.

My god where do you work!?
Unfortunately it would appear the draconian restrictions in your workplace are letting you down - neither WP7 or Android are designed to synchronise PIM data over USB. HTC have bodged together a not-fantastic workaround for Android which is probably your only choice...
Edit: By connect, what do you mean? Obviously any phone can connect, just not necessarily sync.

I do mean syncing of data (calendar, tasks, contacts, notes) over a USB cable. I gather there are apps that work on Android that allow this even though native android doesn't.
Looks like its going to have to be Android then. Looking at Samsung Galaxy S2 just now. Got another couple of months so Microsoft may sort this but somehow I don't think they will - must admit not sure why not, their mobile phone sales have dropped a lot over the past few years and with this sort of design I now know why. Been using them for around 7 years now but looks like I will be forced to move away.
Cheers
Barney
Edit: I gather that the iPhone natively supports direct sync to Microsoft Outlook - shudder, now having to include that in my shortlist! How did Microsoft get it soooo wrong!!!

Barneyabz said:
I do mean syncing of data (calendar, tasks, contacts, notes) over a USB cable. I gather there are apps that work on Android that allow this even though native android doesn't.
Looks like its going to have to be Android then. Looking at Samsung Galaxy S2 just now. Got another couple of months so Microsoft may sort this but somehow I don't think they will - must admit not sure why not, their mobile phone sales have dropped a lot over the past few years and with this sort of design I now know why. Been using them for around 7 years now but looks like I will be forced to move away.
Cheers
Barney
Edit: I gather that the iPhone natively supports direct sync to Microsoft Outlook - shudder, now having to include that in my shortlist! How did Microsoft get it soooo wrong!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all over USB sync? u gotta be kidding. I ain't even going to bother with proving how dumb this post sounds.

eric12341 said:
all over USB sync? u gotta be kidding. I ain't even going to bother with proving how dumb this post sounds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 - couldn't agree more. These phones are made almost entirely for the internet.

eric12341 said:
all over USB sync? u gotta be kidding. I ain't even going to bother with proving how dumb this post sounds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think you missed my earlier post - feel free to look for it. Point is that work restrictions mean I will not be allowed to sync via the cloud. As I said in my earlier post, not going to argue or debate whether this is good or bad, no point.
Therefore I am now left with Android or iphone unless Microsoft get this sorted.
By the way Google it and you will see that it is proving to be a major sticking point with business users and is turning users away from windows phone 7 with more windows mobile 6.5 phones still being sold then windows 7 with this being one of the reasons.
cheers
Barney

Barneyabz said:
Think you missed my earlier post - feel free to look for it. Point is that work restrictions mean I will not be allowed to sync via the cloud. As I said in my earlier post, not going to argue or debate whether this is good or bad, no point.
Therefore I am now left with Android or iphone unless Microsoft get this sorted.
By the way Google it and you will see that it is proving to be a major sticking point with business users and is turning users away from windows phone 7 with more windows mobile 6.5 phones still being sold then windows 7 with this being one of the reasons.
cheers
Barney
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Click to collapse
alot of workplaces support exchange server synching of contacts and the like, there's also a hotmail-outlook connector that will sync content back n forth accordingly,so I didn't miss anything.

really not picking an arguement - not sure if you are.
However for information sake only, for others that might read this thread, using hotmail connector means uploading and downloading all the info via Microsoft servers, and the other option of microsoft exchange, well not all firms use exchange.
Therefore if a company does not agree to one of these methods it means Windows Phone 7 is not an option
Barney

Here's my set-up:
Hotmail account (had for "ever") that I use to access MS services such as XBox Live, Skydrive, etc. --- this has become my centralized sync point just because it was empty and is well integrated
Personal domain accounts hosted with Google Apps --- these all sync to my WP7 phone
Various Gmail accounts --- again, all synced to my WP7 phone
Yahoo account --- again, synced to my WP7
Work calendar (not interested in getting e-mails) --- using Google Sync, my work calendar is pushed to one of my Gmail accounts.....so all of my appointments appear on my phone (http://www.google.com/mobile/sync/)
Facebook --- synced as well.
All total, I have 10 accounts listed in the settings. All of them sync flawlessly. All of my information is stored where I want it and blended on my phone. Contacts from my personal domain that are related to side business are available on my phone but aren't stored on my hotmail account. Contacts in Yahoo don't show up in my side-business e-mail accounts. Etc. The phone is the central hub, but information is still segmented just how I want it. When a contact spans accounts, I've linked them with that feature and all of the information shows up under one entry. I can pick home or mobile or work related info even though each piece is from a different account.
And when Mango is released and I have a single inbox, the phone will become even more of a central hub to everything.

Barneyabz said:
Think you missed my earlier post - feel free to look for it. Point is that work restrictions mean I will not be allowed to sync via the cloud. As I said in my earlier post, not going to argue or debate whether this is good or bad, no point.
Therefore I am now left with Android or iphone unless Microsoft get this sorted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm unsure of exactly why you're saying Android and iOS don't sync over the cloud. Neither of them have a method of syncing ONLY over USB.
For whatever reasons, you are unhappy with WP7, and it's likely just not the right solution for you. With that being said, why bother coming back to this thread unless you have a specific need to argue?
We get it. You feel that WP7 doesn't work for you. If there is a problem with the functionality or design, take that up with MS, and not with a fan board.
If you're going to argue semantics like amount of WM6.5 devices sold over WP7, at least have the courtesy to link your information. I'm going to continue to not take you or your concerns seriously until you actually understand how all of the major mobile OS devices actually sync.
Tell your IT department to get out of a cave and update their software solutions. Any new-ish version of Exchange Server will properly support OTA sync'ing of contacts.
Other than that, have fun in Apple land.

Actually I didn't say that iphone and Adnroid don't sync over the cloud, but you can do both therefore chosing to sync directly with outlook if you wish. Considering the first post on this thread, i.e. the point of the thread, is about this issue, I believe my posts have been on topic. Sorry if that has bothered you but believe it or not this is a major issue affecting many users out there.
Here are a couple of links to an article regarding windows mobile 6.5 outselling windows phone 7 during the winter
http://www.mobot.net/windows-mobile-outselling-windows-phone-7-23633
http://wmpoweruser.com/gartner-1-6-million-windows-phone-7-handsets-sold-to-customers-in-q1-2011/
By the way I didn't participate in this thread to argue, my original post is below
Barneyabz said:
Hi all
Currently using an HTC Touch Pro 2 and was considering upgrading to HTC 7 Pro. Came across this post and am very concerned. Due to work data restrictions phone must be able to connect using ordinary USB cable. Is there no way that this can happen on WM7?
Thanks
Barney
P.S Was cosiderng WM7 v. Android and decided to stick with Windows (seeing as that is all I have ever had) This could be a deal breaker though, assuming Android phones can easily sync using USB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I participated precisely because I like windows operating systems and was looking for help in getting it do what I want it to do, like a number of other posters on this thread. Instead I got a bunch of emails justifying what Microsoft have done rather then answering the post - why?
Now have carefully read this post and do believe that there is nothing wrong in it, its in the spirit of the board, which by the way I have been a member of for a long time, and will continue to be.
This will be my last post on this thread unless there is something posted relevant to my (and the starter of the thread) original question.

Folks,
Thanks for all your opinions.
It seems that I am not alone. Please refer to the 53 pages of complaint to MS regarding Win 7's inability to sync with Outlook in the way that some of us need to work:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...4c-87cc-54d8c5c012d2?page=50&tm=1312012136534
There is a 1000 contact limit to the number of contacts on HotMail. Tasks and notes are not sync'ed. I have no interest in exposing my data to the MS cloud when they have not published a security risk assessment and take no responsibility for data in their care.
I travel internationally; all the time. Having my phone sync automatically to get e-mail and updates costs me hundreds of dollars a month. Previously I could turn off data roaming and update my phone at night in my hotel with a cable.
I bought the HTC 7 Pro as the successor to my MDA Vario 5 (Touch Pro 2). After a frustrating week I have gone back to the Touch Pro 2 because WM6.5 works the way that I do.
My post was not meant to be an MS-bashing session. I was trying to understand and solve some major shortcomings with my new phone that affect the way I work.
So. I've got this new phone. The HTC 7 Pro hardware is quite nice now that I've upgraded the microSD card. Anybody know how to switch over to Android or back to WM6.5?
--Steve

Is WindowsPhone for me? Calendar & Exchange Functionality

Hey gang.
I'm asking an honest question.
I used to use a Winmo6 device to run my diary-centric business using Kerio Server for OTA sync of appointments and contacts with my office.
When I migrated to iPhone I knew I would sacrifice the winmo skin with one glance calendar, and might lose some calendar functionality. I've made do since then.
I'm due a new phone. I'm loathe to pay Apple even more money for old rope when I'm sacrificing basic functionality like Exchange Calendar Appointment Categories which no iPhone PIM or Calendar apps appear to support.
I've been playing with Android and found that Touchdown and Moxier both restore this feature to my mobile device.
But WinPho is by far and away the nicest Ui i've seen yet.
Unfortunately the store demo unit that I played with indicated that the calendar app does not allow exchange/outlook categories and the appstore support for third party solutions seems limited.
Can anyone comment on this from their own practical experience and advise me please.
I'd love to think WinPho can win me back, but so disappointed that only Android seems to allow this functionality with its more open system. I'm looking for a business solution, and the best the phone store salesman could offer was "all our smartphones allow you to use Facebook!"
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SilverHelmut said:
Hey gang.
I'm asking an honest question.
I used to use a Winmo6 device to run my diary-centric business using Kerio Server for OTA sync of appointments and contacts with my office.
When I migrated to iPhone I knew I would sacrifice the winmo skin with one glance calendar, and might lose some calendar functionality. I've made do since then.
I'm due a new phone. I'm loathe to pay Apple even more money for old rope when I'm sacrificing basic functionality like Exchange Calendar Appointment Categories which no iPhone PIM or Calendar apps appear to support.
I've been playing with Android and found that Touchdown and Moxier both restore this feature to my mobile device.
But WinPho is by far and away the nicest Ui i've seen yet.
Unfortunately the store demo unit that I played with indicated that the calendar app does not allow exchange/outlook categories and the appstore support for third party solutions seems limited.
Can anyone comment on this from their own practical experience and advise me please.
I'd love to think WinPho can win me back, but so disappointed that only Android seems to allow this functionality with its more open system. I'm looking for a business solution, and the best the phone store salesman could offer was "all our smartphones allow you to use Facebook!"
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This might flame the hard core WP users and trolls but from experience, I have a WP and it's nice; it works good and does what it is supposed but from what you just said I take it that you want actual Phone functionally like on WM or Android. Granted that Outlook is easy to use, it doesn't work quite like it did on WM for one you can kiss plugging it in and using Active Sync good buy because it is not available on WP7. As a matter of fact you can actually kiss about half of your functions that are available on WM. My advice stay with WM as long as you can. WP is not WM you will be at a total lost if you switch.

Here's a good reference of Active Sync abilities of each platform. Windows phone already does most of what people need, more will come with Apollo in Summer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Exchange_ActiveSync_Clients

Ignore Sinister as he knows nothing about exchange.
I actually admin our network and exchange 2010 for our company...
Here is a review that touches on some of the features
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/windows-phone-7-5-mango-review/
It does pretty much everything windows mobile did with exchange + more. The only thing it doesn't do is on device encryption, and show multiple appointments on the lockscreen or live tile (it only shows next but if you click on the live tile it will go right to agenda view by default.
Also not the above post by the person above this shows the policies it suppports. You will note it says attachments no - that means that the admin can't block attachments, not that the email client cannot get it.

Thanks for that.
I'm in the position where, unless I see a feature in action for myself on a demo machine, I don't know if it is really the same thing.
Can someone WITH the device, who syncs an ojtlook calendar via exchange, advise me of the following...
In Outlook2007 I have 10 categories set up and colour coded to help me identify job origins for my subcontracting and to aid billing. I assign my calendar dates such a category.
With iOS cal, and previously Anxroid cal, I can sync exchange, and create appointments, but cannot see or assign categories which means I have to go back to Outlook2007 to fill in the gaps.
With Touchdown on Android I can now not onlt see the categories in Touchdown, but I can use them and assign them to events.
I am hoping that WinPho can also see, display and utilise these Outlook2007 event categories. Is that correct?
Wikipedia entry for Outlook Mobile confirms calendar categories support, but how complete is it?
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using xda premium

SilverHelmut said:
Thanks for that.
I'm in the position where, unless I see a feature in action for myself on a demo machine, I don't know if it is really the same thing.
Can someone WITH the device, who syncs an ojtlook calendar via exchange, advise me of the following...
In Outlook2007 I have 10 categories set up and colour coded to help me identify job origins for my subcontracting and to aid billing. I assign my calendar dates such a category.
With iOS cal, and previously Anxroid cal, I can sync exchange, and create appointments, but cannot see or assign categories which means I have to go back to Outlook2007 to fill in the gaps.
With Touchdown on Android I can now not onlt see the categories in Touchdown, but I can use them and assign them to events.
I am hoping that WinPho can also see, display and utilise these Outlook2007 event categories. Is that correct?
Wikipedia entry for Outlook Mobile confirms calendar categories support, but how complete is it?
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, tested this as i never use categories in exchange. It DOES NOT support the colors for categories.
This review was post no do from pocket now but also says the same as it is now.
"The Calendar is another place you'll probably spend a lot of time since it's important that your smartphone help manage your schedule. A great new feature is support for multiple calendars from different accounts such as Exchange, Windows Live, and Gmail. You can set a different color for each calendar account. Categories do not have their own colors like in Outlook on the desktop. You might also notice that there are only 3 calendar views; Day, Agenda, and Month. Week and Year views are gone. I never really used week view, so I won't miss it"
Now some argue they want week view but if you use exchange you no as well as i that you really can't read week view very well if you have a lot of appointments. Month view shows days you have appointments but they are too small to read and it's really just for seeing if you have anything going on that day and going to the day by clicking on it to read it in full. The agenda view though is great and it supports multiple calendars on the same view ( i have 2, hotmail that i use for personal and exchange). Now each of these are color coded and you choose the color. I think the category you saw was for the contacts and not the calendar. It does have the todo and in settings you can make your tasks show up in the calendar. I also tested categories in todo and it makes no difference. It does however allow you to show the tasks in the calendar if you go to settings and set it to show todo's.
I am thinking most built in apps do not show categories as touchdown was 3rd party.
It also supports out of office assistant and for meetings there is a quick i'm running late button that will send everyone in the meeting a message that you are running late for a meeting.
It also supports searching the GAL in your contacts "search outlook directory" if you don't have a contact locally.
Oh and for categories, i never used colors. instead i, myself usually make it part of the appointment like - Meeting with consumer - billable, or meeting with consumer - non-billable
Reason being in outlook you can search for everything with the word billable or non-billable for reference and it will display all of them as a list. (Nice for printing) with start and end time / date. i don't think that i know of you can show only certain categories. This may or may not work for you though. Just the way i do it.
If you have any other questions with exchange, i'd be glad to answer them truthfully.
oh btw at my office we use outlook 2010 and exchange 2010 so it's not the version of outlook you are using that doesn't do the categories. it's the phone.