Sync Thunderbird w. WM??? - General Questions and Answers

Hello
Is there still no free application for synchronizing Mozilla Thunderbird with Windows Mobile? A lot of people have requested this for years, still nothing comes up. It sucks, because I have to use my webmail through a browser, rather than my email app, to check my emails on my phone.
Anyone heard of anything coming up lately?
Note: I know there are a few apps that sync contacts etc, but I am talking about e-mail sync here.
Thanks,
mne

http://www.birdiesync.com/
maybe
http://www.google.dk/search?hl=da&q=sync+thunderbird+with+pocketpc&btnG=Søg&meta=
for more

Thanks but...
Birdiesync is commercial... and I did try google myself...
Nothing else?

Sync Thunderbird w. WM
Can the w810i be synced with Thunderbird w/ Lightning?
Id try myself, but Im running vista right now, and Im too lazy to try on a slower, older computer.
thanks
Bob
stock broker advice
marquee carpets
clothing lockers

Am I missing something here? Can you not set up your WM device to access the same POP3 account that Thunderbird does? Sure, as soon as Thunderbird polls the account it will download all the messages, but then, surely you'll be sat in front of your PC - when you're away, WM will check as often as you want and will download (but leave the originals in your POP 3 account) all new messgaes.
That's what I do, anyway.

mnemne said:
Thanks but...
Birdiesync is commercial... and I did try google myself...
Nothing else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Birdiesync is commercial, but as I remember it's only £20. I say "only". I guess that is a bit steep for an "app", but it's worth considering supporting the app by paying.
There are other options. Finchsync is one, though I had issues with it corrupting my calendars. SyncML is another, but there's a lot of set-up involved and I never found a decent WM6 app. The Funambol one (the most popular) always uses the cellular network, and never wifi which is retarded.
I've tried them all quite extensively, and Birdiesync is the only viable solution imo. It has a bug, but I can put up with it.

Related

Just want a reliable Pop client!

Oh at this time of fun and joy, how little i'm having
It all started a few weeks ago when I had to dump my Yahoo mail account as I was getting way too much junk mail - my poor Homer Simpson "The mail is here... woooohoooo" was seriously overworked!
So off I Googled and after a few hours found Inbox.Com. Awesome! 5 gig free and pop access.. yay! So I set it all up on Outlook on my PC and it rocked. Great!
Now time to setup on my TyTN. So I plugged all the details into the standard Smartmobile client and encountered my first problem. Aparently, and I ain't too hot on this stuff, Inbox.com does something odd with the content also being part of the subject? Anyways, this stopped the Smartmobile software downloading any messages, all it would do is tell me there are x number of mails present
So I tried a few more 3rd party apps and finaly came across Flexmail. This *at first* rocked! It downloaded emails and replaced the standard "Today screen" menu option and seemed to work great. A well rounded bit of software.
Then this morning, my second day of using flexmail, I woke up and noticed no new emails. Fired up my laptop (Outlook) and checked - oh look 2 new mails
After some experimentation, it appears that Flexmail does not autoconnect (a least reliably - unlike the standard MS client which does but don't download) and just ignores some email messages! (Unable to find out why/common factor)
So, I'm now after a reliable, well rounded and polished, SMS(?) and Email client for my TyTN. It must autoconnect every x mins, use system address book/contacts and above all, be reliable and not ignore messages! It must also run "invisibly" for want of a better way of describing it and not need me to constantly start it up etc.
I have tried nPOP and QMail, neither of which seem "nice n pretty" enough for me.
I am happy to pay for a client, as long as I can get a demo/trial first and i'm not too bothered about cost either.
I beg you, please point me in the right direction and I will be forever in your debt!
Very many thanks in advance and a have a tip top holiday period!
edit: Ps No matter what I try I also can't get flexmail to play my "The mail is here ...." even though its programmed in Sounds And Notifications/Flexmail.
Profimail?
Hi,
somebody has experience with Profimail? On a Czech PDA-forum people were quite enthousiastic about it. http://www.lonelycatgames.com/index.php?note=profimail&chapter=profimail
wpmulder said:
Hi,
somebody has experience with Profimail? On a Czech PDA-forum people were quite enthousiastic about it. http://www.lonelycatgames.com/index.php?note=profimail&chapter=profimail
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. welcome to XDA-Dev
2. while ProfiMail is stable, I'd choose something else. There are MUCH better mailer clients: Qmail and FlexMail 2007. They are MUCH better. Please do read the Mailer Bible at http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&p=569&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 for more in-depth info.
If you're not too bothered about cost, then why not use Gmail, and forward that to a free live.mail2web.com account.
The only cost will be data on your phone plan, but it means you get true push mail, so you don't have to check every x minutes, it just notifies you when you get new mail like a blackberry, and all of this with pocket outlook.
Also means all of your contacts and calendar are backed up online too.
Menneisyys said:
..... Qmail and FlexMail 2007. They are MUCH better. Please do read the Mailer Bible at http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&p=569&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 for more in-depth info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
We are both coming from a diferent forum looking for the same answer We've both used QMail - which seems complicated and ugly - and Flexmail, nice looking but, well "misses" emails and won't autoconnect, despite the options.
Will however check out your link, thanks!
AlanJC said:
If you're not too bothered about cost, then why not use Gmail, and forward that to a free live.mail2web.com account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
'coz this aint a "inbox.com" issue. Its rubbish clients on the smartphones. Yahoo was brilliant but got blitzed with junk mail, although it did take 7 years to reach too bad a level for me
Why is it so dificult to get a "good" client on smartphones?
p.s. I don't want to have to change x gazilion email subscriptions/forums addresses again. Specialy when its not the email servers fault.
Menneisyys said:
... There are MUCH better mailer clients: Qmail and FlexMail 2007. They are MUCH better. Please do read the Mailer Bible at http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&p=569&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 for more in-depth info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having now checked out that link i'm none too impressed. All they seem to say is that Flexmail is the best out there and well, if thats the best then the market has a big hole in it.
Flexmail DOES have a lot on pluses however, its simple lack of ability to reliably connect (no, this is not a signal thing etc) and it's just plain ignorance of playing my "The mail is here..." tune combined with it not listing all my mails, sucks.
I'd like to think i'm doing something wrong, maybe I am, but I can get pocket outlook to connect everytime (just not download) and I can get the other mail clients (including pocket outlook) to play the tune....
This really does reinforce to me that Smartmobile is lacking and wanting in a market where it pushes convergence as its major "daddy".
P.s I downloaded the client from the publishers website about 3 maybe 4 days ago so it shouldn't be a version issue. But then, why should I need a 3rd party app to do what Outlook desktop will do anyway!?!?!?
Again, why mess about with trying to pull email at set intervals which you know is buggy, when you can use push mail?
Simply forward your existing email account to your mail2web account.
I don't see the issue here.
ProfiMail
Menneisyys said:
1. welcome to XDA-Dev
2. while ProfiMail is stable, I'd choose something else. There are MUCH better mailer clients: Qmail and FlexMail 2007. They are MUCH better. Please do read the Mailer Bible at http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&p=569&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 for more in-depth info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't agree with this (too) negative statement. In your blog, you have tested Version 2.37. It's 2.60 now !
I had (before finding ProfiMail) Qmail, Flexmail2007 (on my StrTrk and my 2 PDA's). BIG problems e.g. with IMAP, BIG footprint.
Overall, ProfiMail is now my definite first choice (speed, ease of use, auto update, configuration possibilities, etc.) on my smartphone and PDA's.
Therefore, I can really recommend ProfiMail, despite the expert's statements.
Cheers
hrb
ProfiMail
Menneisyys said:
1. welcome to XDA-Dev
2. while ProfiMail is stable, I'd choose something else. There are MUCH better mailer clients: Qmail and FlexMail 2007. They are MUCH better. Please do read the Mailer Bible at http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&p=569&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 for more in-depth info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't agree with this (too) negative statement. In your blog, you mention that you have tested Version 2.37. It's 2.60 now !
I had (before finding ProfiMail) Qmail, Flexmail2007 (on my StrTrk and my 2 PDA's). BIG problems e.g. with IMAP, BIG footprint.
Overall, ProfiMail is now my definite first choice (speed, ease of use, auto update, configuration possibilities, etc.) on my smartphone and PDA's.
Therefore, I can really recommend ProfiMail, despite the expert's statements.
Cheers
hrb
Profimail.
Downloaded and installed. Won't recognise any screen taps of any sort on my TyTN. All input has to be done by keyboard and onscreen keyboard. Oh and some screens don't have a "back" or "finish" option meaning that I have to kill the program from the memory applet and start again - avoiding the offending screen for the rest of my life.
Thanks for the recommendation but my verdict "Rubbish".
So, I stand by my previous post, anyone know a GOOD pop client for smartphones?
AlanJC said:
Again, why mess about with trying to pull email at set intervals which you know is buggy, when you can use push mail?
Simply forward your existing email account to your mail2web account.
I don't see the issue here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
'coz I have to sign in to it using a browser or wap session? Unless there is an option I can't see
I want the mail transfer to be out of my hands, I just want to be alerted when there is new mail (15 minutes delay is perfectly adequate for me) and it to be in my "inbox" rather than have to go and check a webpage. If wanted to check a webpage, why would I use Mail2Web as Inbox.com has a web interface already?
I would like to say that I do appreciate everyones input, maybe we will come across the perfect client for me (and others) if we keep plugging away.
Thankyou to all!!
Merry Christmas All!!
You know... I have just recently entered the world of push email and I have to say it's pretty awesome to get my email on my 8525 after only a few seconds.
I had the hardest time getting email to work reliably for me as well. I had the XDA IIs for 2 years and tried Flexmail, Profimail, npop, pocket outlook and none of them would just work reliably.
After much research on this whole push email thing I found mail2web live (based on recommendations from various sources, including this one). All I did was sign up for a mail2web live account and created an email address with them. From there I just set up my gmail account to forward all incoming emails to my mail2web account. And it worked. I have a second gmail account forwarded to them as well... and now I get them both in real time on my phone. Also... the days of email disappearing in pocket outlook are gone thanks to this system.
Here is the link to sign up for mail2webs live service with push email:
https://services.mail2web.com/signup/mail2weblive/mail2webLive_01.asp
I went into active sync and set up the server details to create a push email system. Now I use pocket outlook for my email and I get my notifications when email come in just like I do with SMS.
Server settins for activesync on your pocket pc:
======================================
Activesync > Menu > Configure Server...
Server address: mobile.exchange.mail2web.com
Check the SSL box for encryption.
Username: [email protected]
Password: yourpassword
Domain: ad2
Check save password.
I would go to advanced settings and change it to "Keep the item on your device" as well that way you don't lose anything while syncronizing your information.
The only problems that people have been mentioning are mail2web's lack of free aliasing of your email address. So any email you straight respond to will show up as coming from mail2web.com. I have tried changing gmails settings for this and also activesync's option for your email address, but mail2web still overrides this.
Searching for a solution I have found port88.org. I have signed up for an account based on feedback I have read and anticipate that I will have my account set up with them soon (the main advantage I can see is that they offer the aliasing that I would need). I have not actually used their service as of yet, but I am eager to.
Here is the discussion on port88.org here on xda-developers:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-273878.html
Here is the link to the port88.org sign up page:
http://www.port88.org/signup.php
Hope this helps people out. I know one thing... I will NOT go back to pulling email... not after I have experienced this push email thing Finally my pocket pc has reliable email... just as reliable as my SMS now.
Message me if you have any questions.
Mark
Hi Caswell,
thanks very much for the detailed response but sadly I have now learn't I cannot use this method. I can only have one Exchange "server". This phone also sync's with my laptop which is also connected to my office Outlook/Exchange server.
Do I understand this right?
inbox.com news
Hi,
I do not know if you got any further with your search - but maybe it will be soon possible to normally use the WM5 mail-client (or any other one) with our inbox.com mail-account. I saw this announcement recently on the inbox.com that they will anyble access from mobile devies - see attached screenshot.
Peter

Desktop synchronization of Android just like WM-phones

Hi friends,
Let me put these questions as simple as it can be -
1. is it possible for android to synchronize with the desktop computer
running Win XP?, if yes how? Wm phones can do it seamlessly using
MSActivesync.
2. is it possible to use the desktop's internet connection and browse
the web from the android? (just like WM-phones do with MS Activesync)
3. Is there a way to import all the Windows mobile contacts onto the
Android phone? NOT from google mail-account because I have different
contacts in my phone and gmail. And I would like to import my Phone
contacts onto Android.
THANKS to anyone who answers all/part of the queries.
arefin
arefin said:
Hi friends,
Let me put these questions as simple as it can be -
1. is it possible for android to synchronize with the desktop computer
running Win XP?, if yes how? Wm phones can do it seamlessly using
MSActivesync.
2. is it possible to use the desktop's internet connection and browse
the web from the android? (just like WM-phones do with MS Activesync)
3. Is there a way to import all the Windows mobile contacts onto the
Android phone? NOT from google mail-account because I have different
contacts in my phone and gmail. And I would like to import my Phone
contacts onto Android.
THANKS to anyone who answers all/part of the queries.
arefin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Hopefully google would release a cloud based or an application that allows this, as it would make some lives a little easier.
2. I do not believe there is an app capable of this but it may be possible via bluetooth or use the desktop as an AP. Either way, i don't think you will get any better than you would off of wifi.
3. I found this off a quick search http://www.myhtcphone.com/import-contacts. Dont know if it works or not, but it seems to be like what you want.
1. use google calendar sync.
2. use adb port forwarding with proxy or vpn.
3. export your outlook contacts as csv and import them in gmail.
Not Really!
billc.cn said:
1. use google calendar sync.
2. use adb port forwarding with proxy or vpn.
3. export your outlook contacts as csv and import them in gmail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google calender sync is at it says "for your calender only". No contacts. No idea why they can't just add it. Our lives would be so much easier.
I've had a friend report to me that Google has licensed the ActiveSync technology, so it may be added in a future build of the Android OS.
I believe that the "Hero" version that Haykuro is toying with currently also showed ActiveSync in one of the menus, but I can't vouch for that at the moment.
Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.
TooSlo said:
I've had a friend report to me that Google has licensed the ActiveSync technology, so it may be added in a future build of the Android OS.
I believe that the "Hero" version that Haykuro is toying with currently also showed ActiveSync in one of the menus, but I can't vouch for that at the moment.
Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not ActiveSync, that's Microsoft's product. The new Hero build (as well as the stock Magic ROM) have a program called HTC Sync. I don't believe anyone has obtained a copy of the desktop software for that though.
it's two separate things.
google licensed activesync to allow ms exchange clients to sync with google calendar and gmail contacts (see http://www.google.com/mobile/winmo/sync.html). you already have this on android.
the ms exchange option appeared in the mail app can only connect to ms exchange servers (not your desktop activesync clients) and can do email only.
htc sync is the only possiblility. (m$ won't be stupid enough to allow you to use activesync on any other platform.)
Your ideas of sync are outdated on Android.
My phone address book syncs to my gmail account, and my email clients address book syncs to gmail. My phone calander syncs to Google Cal, and I find the web based interface to work just fine. But I am sure you can find something to sync whatever your cal program is to google.
All this syncing happens when the phone is in my pocket and is always up to date.
As for browsing the web from the phone, over the usb connector, why? The phone has 3G and wifi.
You can import your contacts as a group into gmail, then set the phone to only display contacts from that group.
arefin said:
Hi friends,
Let me put these questions as simple as it can be -
1. is it possible for android to synchronize with the desktop computer
running Win XP?, if yes how? Wm phones can do it seamlessly using
MSActivesync.
2. is it possible to use the desktop's internet connection and browse
the web from the android? (just like WM-phones do with MS Activesync)
3. Is there a way to import all the Windows mobile contacts onto the
Android phone? NOT from google mail-account because I have different
contacts in my phone and gmail. And I would like to import my Phone
contacts onto Android.
THANKS to anyone who answers all/part of the queries.
arefin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as everyone else is surely noticing .. google syncs better than the mickeysoft mousesync stuff other people use .. you are automatically synced to the google server and from there you can do anything .. i pull my calendar into outlook or anything else i want .. so .. what was the question again?!?
If you have no 'net connex, 'the cloud' does 2 things: jack & shizzle.
I do, however, wish I could keep my contacts synced with GMail (after my initial .cvs port-over). GCalSync works very well, though!
-bZj
PorchG1 said:
All this syncing happens when the phone is in my pocket and is always up to date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great, but I don't want to be beholden to a corporation, especially not to a single corp using closed protocols. If kinda defeats the purpose of having an open source phone for some of us. A mechanism to sync to my home server (not desktop), would certainly be welcomed.
PorchG1 said:
As for browsing the web from the phone, over the usb connector, why? The phone has 3G and wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ever heard of wireline? I guess you can't conceive of being in an environment without wifi or 3G, they do exist you know? Not to mention that it would be nice to not always have to broadcast everything you do into the ether.
Thanks to everyone who responded
PorchG1 said:
Your ideas of sync are outdated on Android.
My phone address book syncs to my gmail account, and my email clients address book syncs to gmail. My phone calander syncs to Google Cal, and I find the web based interface to work just fine. But I am sure you can find something to sync whatever your cal program is to google.
All this syncing happens when the phone is in my pocket and is always up to date.
As for browsing the web from the phone, over the usb connector, why? The phone has 3G and wifi.
You can import your contacts as a group into gmail, then set the phone to only display contacts from that group.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, many of the suggestions sounds good for me. I am guessing many of you r not on Windows anymore. My problem is there, I am still on Windows just becoz I play lot of games, install a lots of programs which are only possible on win-ground. I do streaming - didnt find lot of freedom in this area on other OSs.
btw, I will apply your ideas considering them expert opinions becoz OI am just a noob in such things.
Thanks friends,
gSyncit Sync the calander and contacts....
arefin said:
Yes, many of the suggestions sounds good for me. I am guessing many of you r not on Windows anymore. My problem is there, I am still on Windows just becoz I play lot of games, install a lots of programs which are only possible on win-ground. I do streaming - didnt find lot of freedom in this area on other OSs.
btw, I will apply your ideas considering them expert opinions becoz OI am just a noob in such things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that didn't make much sense .. "not on Windows" anymore .. my primary OS is Microsoft for the same reason that there is a lot more freedom
MartinFick said:
That's great, but I don't want to be beholden to a corporation, especially not to a single corp using closed protocols. If kinda defeats the purpose of having an open source phone for some of us. A mechanism to sync to my home server (not desktop), would certainly be welcomed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, you're not tied to Google. Android is made so that each of its apps can be replaced by a user-made app (of course, as with the lock screen, that's still in the process of being completed). There's a few calendar applications in the market that can do the same thing that the Google Calendar can. Or you could code your own/hire someone to do so.
I don't get G3. And Wifi is only at home. I am in Edge or GPRS most of the time. I was in GPRS when I typed that message. Syncing works just fine.
I can understand not wanting to trust your data to Google. Apps can read and write to the address book and cal. All somebody needs to do is make an on-line sync app.
After years of living with having to sync my palm, the "cloud" syncing Google provides is the next slice bread. But I do backup my phone, just in case.
I still don't see why you want to browse the web on your phone, wired to your laptop. Just use the laptop then. Or create an ad-hoc connection with ICS and do that over wireless.(Not tried it, but I assume it will work.)
MartinFick said:
That's great, but I don't want to be beholden to a corporation, especially not to a single corp using closed protocols. If kinda defeats the purpose of having an open source phone for some of us. A mechanism to sync to my home server (not desktop), would certainly be welcomed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it starts working for the Android, you could use Funambol (http://www.funambol.com/) on your PC and get both a cloud sync (if you so choose) and a desktop sync. I used to use it to sync my SE P990.
The last time I checked, it wasn't working, but maybe it's fixed now.
http://code.google.com/p/funambol/
PorchG1 said:
I still don't see why you want to browse the web on your phone, wired to your laptop. Just use the laptop then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't speak for the original poster, but I often want to download stuff to my phone, apps, data, ... This is not surfing so to speak, but it still requires a connection. Sometimes wireless is not available for this.
os2baba said:
When it starts working for the Android, you could use Funambol (http://www.funambol.com/) on your PC and get both a cloud sync (if you so choose) and a desktop sync.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thanks, I am familiar with that project. Unfortunately I refuse to run a 500MB RAM gorilla (I tried it, it really does use 500MB) on my home server (I run at least 10 virtual servers on my one PC) just to provide a sync framework for one phone. I will not sacrifice that much from the other real server applications that I use. Funambol is really not a good (sane) solution for individuals. I will be investigating the syncevolution framework soon.

Good (WiFi/3G) Outlook Sync APP, does it exist?

I don't use Outlook but my dad does. As his android tech advisor I am at a loss trying to find a good solution for syncing his Outlook to his phone.
It seems like there would be a good solution for this but everything I've found is either a half-baked email-and-contacts-only job and requires paying for Exchange service (paying for apps or Exchange service is not a problem if it works well, but the reviews are not favorable)
If a good reliable Outlook sync option does not currently exist what would be involved in making one?
I don't understand the need to sync with outlook when one can sync with Google automatically.
The htc sync software syncs with outlook. It comes with new phones on the sd card or can be downloaded from the htc site.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
[email protected] said:
I don't understand the need to sync with outlook when one can sync with Google automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand your point. It sounds like you're suggesting he stop using outlook and switch to google for email, contacts, calendar, notes, tasks, etc.
He uses Outlook (as many people do) and does not see google as a comparable alternative.
While it works fine as the account he uses to manage the phone he has no intention of migrating away from Outlook, at least not to Google, not for such business critical purposes.
johncjenc said:
The htc sync software syncs with outlook. It comes with new phones on the sd card or can be downloaded from the htc site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I edited the thread title..
nebenezer said:
I don't understand your point. It sounds like you're suggesting he stop using outlook and switch to google for email, contacts, calendar, notes, tasks, etc.
He uses Outlook (as many people do) and does not see google as a comparable alternative.
While it works fine as the account he uses to manage the phone he has no intention of migrating away from Outlook, at least not to Google, not for such business critical purposes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think what he was trying to say is that you can use Google Sync to sync between Outlook & your android phone via Google's cloud. Something that I do as well. But it may not be as in depth as you're seeking.
Here is an article from PC World. http://www.pcworld.com/article/200654/sync_outlook_with_your_google_calendar.html
For a paid app that does it all, here's a review of an app in the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/15/AR2010071504701.html
Hey Nebenezer,
I realize this may be a bit late for you but maybe better late than never.
I'm in the same boat as you (advisor to my brother).
I found and tested Deja Office by Companionlink (Companionlink USB @ $39.99 - did not see need for pro @$99.99.)
After testing it a bit it looked like it fit the bill. I put my brother on it and he's used it thru the trial well enough and so bought it. I think it's about 3 weeks now. He's happy with it.
I didn't have the same need to stay with outlook but since I tested these are the main points I noted:
Requires using their own suite of apps on the phone
Does not use the stock phone's DBs
DOES sync contacts [optionally] with the phones contacts
NOT SURE if it syncs CALENDAR to phone's calendar (I suspect it does but I didn't test and my brother does not need/want it)
It's up to the user to make sure contacts/calendar dont get sucked into the google cloud (if you don't wan't that as in my brother's case) as a result of syncing with the phone's contacts/calendar
USB cable sync (not wifi as you asked for)
The using of their own apps (which are really a suite in one app so has it's own "launcher" screen) turns out to be less of a pain in the ass than I thought it would be (I found shortcuts to each individual 'app' so no need to deal w/ their 'launcher' screen). My brother does not find it bothersome at all.
The apps also hove a bit more of an Outlook-centric feel and fields mapping so he liked it (you can see the android apps, btw, for free from the Market - search Deja Office - you only pay for the PC Sync side)
I should note that my brother spends most of his time in Outlook on the the desktop rather than on the phone (my usage pattern is the inverse) so let your dad use it and decide if he likes it. As always, ymmv.
Hope that helps you and your dad. It's at least worth giving a look.
Btw, I forgot to mention, it does NOT deal w/ email. Only Contacts, Calendar, Tasks and Notes. I liked that model because email can be easily handled using IMAP or Gmail (which my brother uses) and so no requirement for Exchange.
Conversely, it does not support Exchange iirc, so Exchange users my need a different solution.
hth someone,
J.

[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
Click to expand...
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

Sync Outlook without cloud - some possible solutions?

Hi guys,
I might get a WP7 device soon, only thing that still really bugs me is the missing active sync connection that I oved over the years! I know I could use google or hotmail to sync my Outlook with a WP7 device but I refuse to give in on that one. So instead of argueing why I should or should not want that I'm gonna try to find some solutions. I am not afraid of some not-so-easy way if at least we find one.
The following ideas came to my mind:
1) making use of the pim.vol file in my current winMo Phone.
somehow copying/converting it to the WP7 and than using it. afterwards copying it back to WinMo and sync it with my PC. a bit messy, but how about this? Further info could be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1072796
2) Host a (free) exchange server.
We all cann't afford MS Exchange for sure. but there's a open source alternative or two: http://oxpedia.org/index.php?title=Main_Page_CE#quickinstall
Even better would be to have it running on the same PC so a server of some kind is not required...
3) sending all contacts via mail to the phone and having a seperate emailadress where all outlook appointments are sent to seperatly as invitations. Not really syncing though...
4) Get someone to programm a solution...
Have I missed something? are there limitations I for some reaseons was no aware of?
Thnaks all!
Use the Outlook Connector with your Windows Live ID; when you add a contact in Outlook, copy & paste it into your Windows Live contacts (which appear right in your Outlook on your PC), and then when Outlook sends & receives, it uploads your changes in your contacts to your Windows Live account. As soon as your phone syncs your Windows Live account, the new contact will show up on your phone. I use this method and it literally takes less than a minute from when I add the contact in Outlook until it shows up on my HTC HD7s.
Dennis
dmw_4814 said:
Use the Outlook Connector with your Windows Live ID;
Dennis
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the first paragraph of the post?
thanks for your replies! Unfortunately I'm still looking for some kind of solution so if anyone has a hint of some kind... keep 'em commin'
hi,
you can install zarafa ww w dot zarafa dot com (new user -> you have to fix the link). There's a community edition and an outlook connector which replaces an exchange server and is free for up to three users. I installed it yesterday and my omnia7 could sync the calendar. However, I don't have outlook and could not check if that works. I didn't try to send/receive mails because I already use a separate IMAP account.
Zarafa runs on linux, so you'd have to create a virtual machine or install it on a home/root server.
The manual explains the installation very well and ubuntu provides packages in its canoncial-partners repository. But if you don't have any linux knowledge that might not be the easiest project to begin with.
HTH
You HAVE to assign a live id account to a Windows Phone; that is the only way to use the marketplace, to add social integration etc. That said, you can add the live account to outlook, install outlook connector and your info (calendar, contacts) will be in constant sync. Its a better solution to synchronize than active sync was.
Why are you trying to complicate the process?
@ShakaMan: Thanks! As far as I understood this is basically a exchangeserver (which I could instal on my own PC / Webspace /server), right?
@TechJunkiesCA Jeah, I know that it's easy. I simply don't trust MS or Google to keep my data. I have no problem with said live account But I do not want to give all my caenders and details of my contacts (friends and family) to a company of any kind. Thats the point.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/member.php?u=1608216
U already do whenever u send an email..
Sent from my LG Optimus 7
jpijper said:
Did you read the first paragraph of the post?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I DID read the first paragraph of the post. However, the words "without cloud" went right over my head without being noticed! Sorry for being so careless.
Dennis
hi,
derliebewolf said:
@ShakaMan: Thanks! As far as I understood this is basically a exchangeserver (which I could instal on my own PC / Webspace /server), right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly. probably there's a better solution which doesn't need a virtual machine or server and can be run on windows.
vash_h said:
U already do whenever u send an email..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, when you have (many) contacts with private data (name, home/company address, birthday, ...) you should care what you "publish" about other people. I don't care if others put their own data on the web, but they shouldn't do that with the data of their contacts.
ShakaMan said:
well, when you have (many) contacts with private data (name, home/company address, birthday, ...) you should care what you "publish" about other people. I don't care if others put their own data on the web, but they shouldn't do that with the data of their contacts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totaly agree with you! Glad to se someone having the same attitude Is this a german thing?
I might try a VM after my holidays. That does not sound like rocket science, right?

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