Database Users

Why Google needs “Direct Push” for Google Apps

Direct Push with Google Apps?!?!?!
Hi everyone. I think I might have asked this question before but maybe something has developed in the last few months.
I am running my own IT consulting business and as I get more and more busy my calendar is becoming an ever more important tool. My dear wife went out and got me a good old-fashioned spiral bound day-timer but I have a sophisticated day-timer right here in my pocket in the form of my HTC Touch. As an IT consultant I think I should be using it rather then pulling out the pen and paper. Right now I am using the calendars in my Touch, Outlook, Google Apps and the calendar in the Exchange account I have with one of my customers. Too many calendars and all because I really want to use my Google Apps calendar and have it sync with my Touch.
I really want Google to develop “Direct Push” technology so that I can get my email, calendar and contacts all from my Google Apps account just like it was an Exchange Server. I am even considering switching my email back to an Exchange Server just so I can sync with my Touch. This way my wife could login and add stuff to my calendar and it will appear on my Touch. Right now I have my Email coming in from Google Apps via IMAP, my Calendar synching with Outlook (installed locally on my laptop without Exchange) and my Contacts syncing with my customer’s Exchange server. This is a pain and I want everything in one place that can be maintained/synced in real-time.
I will say this right now and keep in mind that as an IT consultant I like Microsoft’s products and install things like Windows 2003, SQL Server and Exchange on an almost daily basis. If Google develops “Direct Push” for Google Apps it will be an Exchange killer. The only, and I mean only reason I am thinking about switching my domain back to Exchange (I moved from Exchange to Google Apps about 1 year ago) is for the ability to sync everything (not just email) with my Touch.
On the other hand if Microsoft comes out with a version of Outlook/Exchange that dispenses with the whole “Inbox/Sent items/Delete” model and goes for the Google-style “conversation & archive” model along with the search capabilities I might fall back in love with Exchange.
The Fish

Oh and just in case anyone from Microsoft is listening, “threaded inbox” isn’t what I mean by “conversation style”. Come on Microsoft. Just admit that Google has actual built a better mousetrap and managed to improve on the age-old email model of “folders” and “sent items”. Go ahead and copy them… copy, copy copy! Oops sorry, I mean “embrace and extend, embrace and extend”

Something like that would be great!

matthew232 said:
Something like that would be great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And not to mention totally do-able. There is already an non-Exchange mail server out there called “KerioMail Server” that implements Microsoft’s Direct Push protocol. Check out this link http://www.kerio.com/kms_activesync.html
Microsoft’s Direct Push is entirely HTTP based. It shouldn’t be that difficult for Google to do.
The Fish.

I guess you have to wait for Google Android.

thefish123 said:
On the other hand if Microsoft comes out with a version of Outlook/Exchange that dispenses with the whole “Inbox/Sent items/Delete” model and goes for the Google-style “conversation & archive” model along with the search capabilities I might fall back in love with Exchange.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The moment they do that (without giving an option) is when I would have to quit using Exchange. I **hate** Gmail's threading and forward those mails to another account that isn't threaded (and the fact that they don't let you turn it off).

I know it's not exactly what you're looking for, but have you checked out any of the 3rd party sync options? GMobileSync is a free little program that allows bidirectional syncing for your calendar (not push though). GooSync offers a free service level that also gives you calendar syncing. If you upgrade to their payed version (I think it is something like $30-40 for a whole year) you get not only calendar sync, but contacts, tasks etc. Might be worth a look.

jeffreycentex said:
The moment they do that (without giving an option) is when I would have to quit using Exchange. I **hate** Gmail's threading and forward those mails to another account that isn't threaded (and the fact that they don't let you turn it off).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microsoft would never do it without making it an option. But I am surprised to hear you say that you head Gmail’s threading. Quite honestly you have got to be the FIRST person I have heard say that.
I have never (till now) talked to anyone who switched to Gmail who didn’t have anything but good to say about it. Most people I know who use Outlook or Outlook Express and who do ANY real volume of email spend at least an hour to two hours a day “organizing” their email. They have a whole list of sub-folders under their Inbox and then have almost the exact same set of sub-folders under their “Sent Items”. They spend time trying to decide how to file things or if they should file it in the first place or just delete it. Sometimes they delete and email and two of three days later the whole issue has ballooned into a big issue and they are filing the responses but no longer have their original email because they didn’t think it would become important.
Gmail lets me keep my Inbox clean while at the same time never worrying about filing or organizing or having trouble finding things back. I would probably hate Gmail if I was still trying to fit it into my narrow 20-year-old “I must use folders” paradigm of thinking (which I did when I first started using Gmail) but it was fun to give up on that and the new paradigm of “never file, never delete” is so superior.
I don’t really case WHERE my email is as long as I can find it back in a natural way. I think in years to come we are going to see the same thing happening on computers and to some extent we already are. The #1 reason most people hate Windows Vista is because of the way the new “Explorer” obscures the hierarchal folder model that everyone is used to from our Norton Commander days. It is really very Mac-like. Most Mac users couldn’t tell you where their pictures were in terms of a “directory” or a “folder” but they have less trouble finding them, or copying them to a USB drive, or attaching them to an email then most Windows users.
If we ever do see WinFS (Windows Future Storage) it is supposed to be a Microsoft SQL layer bolted on top of the file system and gives you database-style searchability with all kinds of meta data attached.
The thinking behind the Reiser file system is that any structure on top of the file system for storing data indicates that the file system isn’t doing it’s job. And I can kinda see the point.
The Fish

I agree, Gmail should definately come out with direct push technology
I currently use gmail with pocket outlook with imap.
It's annoying having it set to check my email in intervals.
I didn't even know what direct push was until today, until i saw a friend using his phone w/ his private exchange server...my first reaction was wow...i want that!!
I'm hoping android will implement features like direct push, among others.

surgex0 said:
I didn't even know what direct push was until today, until i saw a friend using his phone w/ his private exchange server...my first reaction was wow...i want that!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s not even so much that I want “push” email (although that would be cool). The biggest issue is that there is no way to sync my Calendar and my Contacts with Gmail. This means I either A) have to use the Calendar/Contacts on my Touch in their “stand alone” form without syncing to anything or B) have to sync them with something else.
I really like being able to use my web-based Gmail calendar (Google Apps) but I wish like crazy there was some way to get this on my Touch.
The Fish.
PS: when you sign-up for Google Apps it asks you what (if any) previous mail system you used. As an example it says in brackets “Microsoft Exchange”. This makes me think that Google Apps is positioning themselves to take the SMB email market away from Exchange. I think if they really want to do this they will make Google Apps look just like an Exchange Server to the millions of WM devices out there. Currently I am seriously considering moving my email back to Exchange when I get my own server online (in a few weeks).

Google's apps for WM are all in java aren't they?
I know the gmail one is, and it sucks big c---.
I'd rather use opera and gmail html mobile than use their ****e java client.

surgex0 said:
Google's apps for WM are all in java aren't they?
I know the gmail one is, and it sucks big c---.
I'd rather use opera and gmail html mobile than use their ****e java client.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Googlemaps apparently has a native app now (altho I would rather use Livesearch), so no, they aren't all JAVA. I take it you visit the HTML site instead of using IMAP so that you can see the threading and other g-mail features?

If you want gmail to push, use SEVEN at
community.seven.com
john

Sync & Push
I use www.mobipush.com to push my gmail and it works instantaneously. Fantastic. This is free, perhaps only while they are in beta.
I also use www.oggsync.com for syncing my calendar. There is a free version, but I bought the software and daily sync about 11 calendars 2 months backwards and 2 years forwards. Hardly ever any issues. They are working on contact sync - have a public beta out now.

surgex0 said:
Google's apps for WM are all in java aren't they?
I know the gmail one is, and it sucks big c---.
I'd rather use opera and gmail html mobile than use their ****e java client.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don’t know if it’s really the Gmail client that sucks so much as that it just doesn’t run properly on the version of Java that comes on my Touch (the Bell Mobility Touch in Canada). I was pretty happy to have the Java Gmail client on my Razr back before I got my Touch.
That being said I keep hoping they will come out with a native Windows Mobile version like they did with Google Maps. But then again it seems kinda silly to come out with an email client for a device that already has a built-in integrated email client. The better solution would be to make the pre-exiting email, calendar and contacts features work properly (as in within their native capacity – meaning DirectPush) with their Gmail counterparts.
The Fish

Microsoft Myphone

I just got the official nod from M$, and so far, this product is AWESOME!
Sync's more than Wireless Sync does, enables me to use Email and Web for Smartphone as opposed to the full bore 45 dollar feature, and just all in all makes me excited to have a cell phone again.
anyone have any gripes about MyPhone so far?
as an FYI, when I set it up o ny wife's xv6900, it took about 4 minutes, to sync her contacts, calendar, tasks, SMS, and her pictures. And I have horrid signal in my house.
Omnia here I come!
I am so glad I have a google sync-ish product for WM now. Sweet!

you know WM phones have had google sync for like a year now right?
i use it constantly, its fast, free, and reliable

thoughtlesskyle said:
you know WM phones have had google sync for like a year now right?
i use it constantly, its fast, free, and reliable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I use google as well but myphone offers much much more: Contacts, Calendar PLUS Tasks, documents, photos. On the waiting list...

I had no idea google sync worked on winmo phones. Every time I looked it didn't give me any option like that.
Hence post.
Plus, its more comprehensive than google sync. I have used goo sync in the past, and I never liked it at all. It worked, unless my phone got swapped out for warranty or such the license was a pain to renew

yea you set it up as an active sync connection, i started using it when the 1.1 version of android was up and running, it was nice having all my contacts in both windows mobile and android

thoughtlesskyle said:
yea you set it up as an active sync connection, i started using it when the 1.1 version of android was up and running, it was nice having all my contacts in both windows mobile and android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as an active sync connection? so it sync's my junk frm outlook?
I probably should have specified, as an OTA sync option. That was the only reason I used wireless sync, was for OTA sync of my information.

this is over the air, but you set it up like you would an email account using active sync on the phone, so your outlook contacts wont go into it unless you have it set that way when you sync to your computer
for the full scoop go here
http://www.google.com/mobile/winmo/sync.html

thoughtlesskyle said:
this is over the air, but you set it up like you would an email account using active sync on the phone, so your outlook contacts wont go into it unless you have it set that way when you sync to your computer
for the full scoop go here
http://www.google.com/mobile/winmo/sync.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seems to be a cool product for those who use Outlook. I am not one of them, so that wouldn't work for me.
Good to see they got something going on that though.

vandebe said:
seems to be a cool product for those who use Outlook. I am not one of them, so that wouldn't work for me.
Good to see they got something going on that though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you don't need to use outlook, you setup an activesync connection w/ google, all your google contacts and calendar sync to the phone and vice versa. i use it to update my google calendar all the time because I don't use outlook at home.

To me, the true virtue of a backup program is the restore function. Has anybody used MyPhone to restore? How easy/difficult was it?

gottago said:
To me, the true virtue of a backup program is the restore function. Has anybody used MyPhone to restore? How easy/difficult was it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it was actually very easy, had to do a restore tonight, and it was done the exact same way as i set the program up in the first place. didnt have to worry about which way to sync, if i wanted or merge, the program knew what i wanted to do before i told it to do so...

Good but needs work
My Phone is an excellent idea - it does so much and very simply. One of the big showstoppers for me is the lack of a decent calendar - for example the My Phone calendar isn't connected to the Live calendar. I read it's in the works but until My Phone syncs with the Live calendar then it will be only for those who don't do multiple calendars / calendar sharing etc.

I just wish I could sync my sms with google sync. It's the only thing I'm missing

HTC Sync on Nexus One

I want to sync my Outlook information on my PC with the Nexus one and I have heard good news about the HTC sync. Does anyone know if the HTC Sync will work with the Nexus One or does anyone know a better app? Thanks.

scuse me while a LMFAO!!!
No, it won't work with HTC sync. sadly, i don't know of any alternatives. If you are just using it for the first initial sync, then just import your outlook information into your google account and be done with it.
If you need ongoing sync possibilities, then unless anyone else knows something that i don't, then this is not the droid you're looking for.

Thanks, I figured as such.

Nobody has any concern about uploading all these potentially personal and sensitive information into the cloud?
We really trust Google that much?

To sync your calender events you can use this:
http://www.google.com/support/calendar/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=89955
To sync your Outlook contacts, you can set u your Exchange account to sync contacts as well.

I'm not 'afraid' of Google, but I would prefer that my desktop and my device be synced. Contacts, Calendar, etc. I use Outlook, and I was happy when my Hermes was in-sync. I'd definitely like Outlook-Android sync.
-bZj

The days of PC > Device sync are dying a slow and painful death. From MobileMe to Google Sync to Microsoft Exchange & MyPhone, just about every smartphone short of Blackberry wants you to use the 'cloud'. Not like it matters, seeing as how we are already in the Matrix...

This is simply not true - it might be true for end-users, but you can be pretty sure that most companies will not allow "cloud sync" in the forseeable future. They have their own IT infrastructure and IT policies do not allow sharing of corporate data on some 3rd party servers like Google "Cloud".
Google knows that, and that's why they did enable MS Exchange ActiveSync.
However, for many SMEs this does not work, as they do not rely on MS Exchange - their workers rather use desktop outlook accounts.
IMHO this is a very big problem. I am experimenting with few Android sync applications ("Missing Sync", "CompanionLink", etc...) but all of them have some flaws - like no 2-way sync, some proprietary calendar app, etc...

Ivan Dimkovic said:
This is simply not true - it might be true for end-users, but you can be pretty sure that most companies will not allow "cloud sync" in the forseeable future. They have their own IT infrastructure and IT policies do not allow sharing of corporate data on some 3rd party servers like Google "Cloud".
Google knows that, and that's why they did enable MS Exchange ActiveSync.
However, for many SMEs this does not work, as they do not rely on MS Exchange - their workers rather use desktop outlook accounts.
IMHO this is a very big problem. I am experimenting with few Android sync applications ("Missing Sync", "CompanionLink", etc...) but all of them have some flaws - like no 2-way sync, some proprietary calendar app, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried TOUCHDOWN?

TOUCHDOWN? what this? i don't want to import all the contacts to Google, prefer my desktop and device be synced...

I'm on the same boat here. I was very happy with Symbian-iSync/Mac-iPhone ecosystem until I moved to Android/Linux. Open standard support does not exist on this Android/Linux combination.
Talking about open standard, there is Android-SyncML app in the work. It's still an alpha release, so I'm not sure how reliable it is. But this is a good sign. Once Android has SyncML support, then you can sync to whatever platform supporting this protocol.
Google "android-client syncml". (I can't post links)

I think most of us already sold their soul to Google... so yah?! hahahaha
eaglesteve said:
Nobody has any concern about uploading all these potentially personal and sensitive information into the cloud?
We really trust Google that much?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Touch is for an exchange server not to be used with a pop or imap. Would love to get HTC sync to work with my epic. Why hasn't someone came up with a good solution?

Companion Link
I wanted ongoing sync with outlook and was disappointed there's nothing that is good and free for n1. I bought companion link for google and outlook. It was $30 but it works well. So outlook updates google (not the phone directly but you can get it to sync the phone directly) and then the phone syncs with google.

k?
phone <-> cloud <-> desktop
Is how it's meant to work. What bit doesn't?

@Henchman: You saved my life I went around for ages looking for that!

I'm on take two trying to type this without sounding condencending but its hard because some people just dont get it. It often doesnt matter what you want at work. You do your job the way you are told. Many people have to sync with a local version of outlook, the cloud isnt an option and wont be for a long time if ever on third party servers. Got nothing to do with what they want or whats better. Got nothing to do with whether or not you think or I think or anyone thinks outlook sucks. Its a fact of life while going about the job. I have to use two phones because of this and like many I wish android would grow up so it could go out in the daddy world which is dominated by microsoft as far as office software goes. Another thing that wont be changing quickly due to the long term investment in it. And yes, I get that many of you can use it as a work phone. A whole lot of people cant and were talking millions which brings me back to the beginning. Many people cannot use a third party cloud solution and must sync with a local install of outlook for various reasons. OK?

rhedgehog said:
scuse me while a LMFAO!!!
No, it won't work with HTC sync..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Working now
http://android.modaco.com/content/g...nc-on-nexus-one-with-r24-edit-working/#entry0
There's also an updated version available now from HTC.

DirkGently1 said:
Working now
http://android.modaco.com/content/g...nc-on-nexus-one-with-r24-edit-working/#entry0
There's also an updated version available now from HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, so the Nexus One works with HTC Sync, and HTC Sync can sync Outlook contacts and calender entries. (http://www.htc.com/www/support.aspx)
Cool.
I've tried Touchdown and other competitors, and like the above posters, I felt Companion Link came the closest. I was very close to buying their license (i called them once and they do allow the $39 license to be used on 3 PCs that you may want to sync your phone with. Eg. Laptop and Desktop).
This *might* lose CompanionLink some customers, but can anyone verify if HTC Sync can sync Tasks and Notes too, like CompanionLink does?
I like CompanionLink for that and their post 3.2 versions seem to be doing it well. The only problems I see that have given me pause to fully purchasing it are:
- Fat thumbs..I still use my Winmo Keyboard phone thus.
- SMS Bug in Android is still not worked out.
- DejaOffice is the front end application for CompanionLink on N1 and in Android, and its not a totally seamless experience with the front end UI integration that Tasks and Calender had in the Windows Mobile environment/desktop/home-screen. (Maybe some widgets might give resolve to that).
That said, Swype skillz + SMS Bug Fix + Widgets vs Dejaoffice, would make Companionlink a winner for me, and would get my money, because theirs no cloud involved.

Couldn't this answer your question?
http://www.android-sync.com/
It's an early build like they say. But it might match what you're looking for.

[Q] Outlook synchronization on Streak with Froyo

Hi, I bought my streak yesterday. It came pre-loaded with Android 1.6, which immediately upon switching on the device, got updated to Android 2.2.
My concern is that I am NOT ABLE TO SYNCHRONIZE my MICROSOFT OUTLOOK 2010 data like CONTACTS, TASKS, CALENDAR and MAILs to my STREAK.
Its my first android device. And for last 5 years I have been using (handheld devices/PDA's) with WINDOWS MOBILE OS with latest being HD2, and all these years, I have been very very comfortably using Activesync, to synchronize all this.
I must also mention that I have tried to do a lot of search on XDA and google, with suggestions like using third party applications, but none of them are practically working.
I am a business user and my work necessitates me to have all this outlook data (including mails) to be with me (on my handheld device) always. In fact I was delighted to read claims on XDA "There is NOTHING that an android device can not do which a winmo device can do...". But then ,this is what is the LEAST that I want to my STREAK to perform... or else I might have to return this and buy HD7!!!
Any suggestions???

VCOrganizer does it all, it sync also outlook notes and is compatible with office 2010 .

00roberto00 said:
VCOrganizer does it all, it sync also outlook notes and is compatible with office 2010 .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks 00roberto00, Let me try thsiright away and shall get back to you with feedback

Use the Touchdown app that came on the device. I had no problems synching information needed with outlook.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

00roberto00 said:
VCOrganizer does it all, it sync also outlook notes and is compatible with office 2010 .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While that is the theory, I have had problems with VCOrganizer duplicating my Contacts and corrupting my Outlook data. I don't believe that I am alone in this - look at the comments for this application in the App Market.
The best resource for understanding what applications are available to synchronise between Outlook and Android phones is http://syncdroid.net/ which has a very good chart comparing the features of each.

mhh. i had no probs.

00roberto00 said:
VCOrganizer does it all, it sync also outlook notes and is compatible with office 2010 .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could not get VCorganizer to try and am not ready pay unless I am sure it will really work.
I did try CompanionLink-Dejaoffice and it is disappointing. While CompanionLink is PC based application it needs Dejaoffice simultaneously, which is the device based application. And, well... it does SYNC (only contacts/calendars/tasks and not mails!!! the great disappointment is in teh fact that the contacts which are actually synced are not part of the default contact manager, and hence one can not USE it practically thorugh the dialpad for making calls, and even that incoming calls (of any saved contact) does not get recognized!!!
I am ready to pay any good amount provided I get something as useful as Activesync of Windows mobiles!!!

bennysangel said:
Use the Touchdown app that came on the device. I had no problems synching information needed with outlook.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Bennysangel.
Touchdown is an exchange server client. I mean I am not sure if it will really do the needful as Activesync (desktop Activesync- for Winodws mobiles). i did google to read more about it, but as I read, it is not going to the job... that is SYNCING CONTACTS (in the default contacts managers of froyo), SYNCING MAILS and TASKS/CALENDARS!!!
Bennysangel, can you please guide me on this Touchdown with your experience on it. Thanks again.

anyway u cant sync emails even with VCOrganizer. for email sync u need some exchange client/server.
the first time u sync contacs with VCO it duplicates (its also stated on them FAQs) but after 2nd sync everything goes ok.
before VCO I tried anything else but this was the only app syncing also outlook notes and working with the 64bit office 2010

Ravindra9 said:
I am ready to pay any good amount provided I get something as useful as Activesync of Windows mobiles!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that we are both looking for something that doesn't exist. It is not in Google's interest to make it easy for users to sync an Android phone with a Microsoft product. Google's model is based on people storing their data on their servers (where they can commercially exploit that data), and not locally on their PCs in a format which is proprietary to one of their main competitors (Microsoft).
Don't forget that ActiveSync was a Microsoft product which synchronised between two other Microsoft products (Outlook and WinMo). Perhaps you should consider a WinMo7 phone (and if there was one with a screen as big as the Streak, that's what I would probably buy)?
My personal experience is that many of the solutions which sound as if they will do the job do not live up to their advertising. I have tried a number of them now, and have had all sorts of problems (duplicated entries, corrupt data, removal of Category/Priority/Note information, incorrect date/time, etc).
As I have mentioned before, there is an extremely comprehensive list of the synchronisation solutions which are available at the Syncdroid web site. and if you do find any which are not listed there, please let the web master know, as he will add them.

Philip said:
I think that we are both looking for something that doesn't exist. It is not in Google's interest to make it easy for users to sync an Android phone with a Microsoft product. Google's model is based on people storing their data on their servers (where they can commercially exploit that data), and not locally on their PCs in a format which is proprietary to one of their main competitors (Microsoft).
Don't forget that ActiveSync was a Microsoft product which synchronised between two other Microsoft products (Outlook and WinMo). Perhaps you should consider a WinMo7 phone (and if there was one with a screen as big as the Streak, that's what I would probably buy)?
My personal experience is that many of the solutions which sound as if they will do the job do not live up to their advertising. I have tried a number of them now, and have had all sorts of problems (duplicated entries, corrupt data, removal of Category/Priority/Note information, incorrect date/time, etc).
As I have mentioned before, there is an extremely comprehensive list of the synchronisation solutions which are available at the Syncdroid web site. and if you do find any which are not listed there, please let the web master know, as he will add them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Philip, you are very precisely hitting the nail in the head!!!
The only reason I got attracted to buy this STREAK is due to its huge screen size- which genuinely gives the pleasure of a mobile phone cum tablet!!! I agree with you that I should prefer to buy a Windows Phone device however there is unfortunately NO other device with 5 inch screen, the nearest being HTC HD7. I am seriously considering giving up this Streak and buy HD7 now.
And for that matter, it would be a welcome if there could be some chef who could cook a WINDOWS MOBILE ROM (be it 6.5.x also if not windows phoen 7 OS ROM!!!) that I can flash on STREAK

Ravindra9 said:
Hi, I bought my streak yesterday. It came pre-loaded with Android 1.6, which immediately upon switching on the device, got updated to Android 2.2.
My concern is that I am NOT ABLE TO SYNCHRONIZE my MICROSOFT OUTLOOK 2010 data like CONTACTS, TASKS, CALENDAR and MAILs to my STREAK.
Its my first android device. And for last 5 years I have been using (handheld devices/PDA's) with WINDOWS MOBILE OS with latest being HD2, and all these years, I have been very very comfortably using Activesync, to synchronize all this.
I must also mention that I have tried to do a lot of search on XDA and google, with suggestions like using third party applications, but none of them are practically working.
I am a business user and my work necessitates me to have all this outlook data (including mails) to be with me (on my handheld device) always. In fact I was delighted to read claims on XDA "There is NOTHING that an android device can not do which a winmo device can do...". But then ,this is what is the LEAST that I want to my STREAK to perform... or else I might have to return this and buy HD7!!!
Any suggestions???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
The Dell PC Suite syncs contacts, calendar, tasks & notes with Outlook. have you tried that?
http://support.dell.com/support/top...71813763D71D397E040AC0A65E96FA0&isLegacy=true

Insane Devil said:
Hi,
The Dell PC Suite syncs contacts, calendar, tasks & notes with Outlook. have you tried that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't work with 2.2, only with 2.1 sadly.
See this page on syncdroid.net.

Philip said:
Doesn't work with 2.2, only with 2.1 sadly.
See this page on syncdroid.net.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes mate thats correct tried it a couple of weeks ago .
But when a was reading this thread i thought i would just have a look at dells page to see if its been updated,
Anyway downloaded the latest version installed it coupled up my baby and all was fine synced music, pics, outlook contacts and the rest, so it seems to be OK now .
Give it a try

lufc said:
Anyway downloaded the latest version installed it coupled up my baby and all was fine synced music, pics, outlook contacts and the rest, so it seems to be OK now .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I'm confused.
Are you referring to the Nero software that Dell are using with FroYo, rather than the discontinued Dell PC Suite? If so, I understood that it only syncs Contacts from Microsoft Outlook (not least because Dell have removed the Task and Notes applications from 2.2 that they had provided with 2.1).
When you say "all the rest", do you mean that it syncs Calendar, Tasks and Notes from Outlook? If so, what applications does it use on the phone to access Tasks and Notes?

Philip said:
Now I'm confused.
Are you referring to the Nero software that Dell are using with FroYo, rather than the discontinued Dell PC Suite? If so, I understood that it only syncs Contacts from Microsoft Outlook (not least because Dell have removed the Task and Notes applications from 2.2 that they had provided with 2.1).
When you say "all the rest", do you mean that it syncs Calendar, Tasks and Notes from Outlook? If so, what applications does it use on the phone to access Tasks and Notes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right on that score philip just contacts, sorry for the confusion

Iphone to note, 1st time android user

Just upgraded to the note from iphone 4 (ios 5).
Although the obvious flexibility with android is instantly obvious, I guess there are some workarounds for the other things that the iphone (apps) do beter.
Here are some questions I have, if any experienced android users wouldnt mind answering thanks: -
1) The stock calendar isnt very good, what is the best alternative?
2) Relating to above, any way to sync with outlook calender?
3) Anyway to sync contacts with outlook?
4) How do you set the email to delete from the server (IMAP)?
This linking with gmail and google calendar seems as bad as having to have Itunes installed

Bengaz said:
Just upgraded to the note from iphone 4 (ios 5).
Although the obvious flexibility with android is instantly obvious, I guess there are some workarounds for the other things that the iphone (apps) do beter.
Here are some questions I have, if any experienced android users wouldnt mind answering thanks: -
1) The stock calendar isnt very good, what is the best alternative?
2) Relating to above, any way to sync with outlook calender?
3) Anyway to sync contacts with outlook?
4) How do you set the email to delete from the server (IMAP)?
This linking with gmail and google calendar seems as bad as having to have Itunes installed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good on you for taking the Android challenge.
I rather like the S-Planner.
Syncing contacts with outlook is possible a number of ways.
If you export a contacts.cvs from Outlook and import it into gmail/contacts, these will then sync with the phone.
There are number of expensive apps for syncing Outlook.
I ditched Outlook when I went to Windows 7 and now use Windows Live on the pc.
BTW, I never use gmail for email, but only to access my Youtube account, and now to sync with google calendar.
It is possible to sync with MS windows Live calendars and contacts too.
You can get a hotmail app for this.
I find syncing to google really easy, much better than MS activesync.
I frequently got duplicates and / or wiped my phone with activesync.
And nothing could be worse than itunes.
Never owned it but have often tried to help others with issues.
It's a trojan piece of #@!*.
Delete emails from the server is in settings for the account.

are you using the stock android calendar or the s planner calendar--they are different and s planner is at least as good imho as iphone calendar from my research
i am making the exact same transition--this week, my note arrives on Tuesday

3Labs said:
are you using the stock android calendar or the s planner calendar--they are different and s planner is at least as good imho as iphone calendar from my research
i am making the exact same transition--this week, my note arrives on Tuesday
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhhh exciting times, I'll never forget my first Android phone, after years persevering with good old Windows Mobile. Your in for a treat
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

I've been using Android for just over a year and when I looked for satisfactory sync options for Outlook 2003 - contacts, calendar, notes and tasks - the thing that seemed to fit the bill best at the time was gSyncit - http://www.fieldstonsoftware.com/software/gsyncit3/.
It's paid software with a one time cost rather than an annual charge. In terms of syncing reliably I find it to be very good. Everything goes where it should, both backwards and forwards, and I don't get duplicates or missing entries. I bought a copy for my girlfriend as well when she bought an Android phone a couple of months after me.
There is a problem which has prevailed on and off pretty much since day one, for both of us, and still hits occasionally. That is an inexplicable failure on startup, leading Outlook to want to disable to addon. Usually it can be fixed by closing and restarting Outlook, although sometimes it need three of four attempts before it will play ball. Nowadays the occurrence is fairly low, maybe happening once a fortnight or less, and that's with the software used seven days a week and for most of each day.
Once you have your stuff in the Google cloud, whether you choose to access it there or not, Android takes care of syncing from the cloud to the phone and back again.
There are other possible options including Kies for Samsung owners, or free software such as MyPhone Explorer - http://www.fjsoft.at/en/downloads.php.
What I like about gSyncit is that once set up it sync automatically in the background and is entirely hands off in operation. The other solutions I've seen appear to require a deliberate action to connect hardware together and initiate a sync operation. Regarding the stability issues I've experienced, I've downloaded several upgrades over the year or so I've had it, but those were all for V2. A while ago a V3 was launched, with a small premium for the upgrade. I haven't bothered to upgrade as I find V2 does all that I need, but maybe it fixes that little stability issue my girlfriend and I have experienced.

3Labs said:
are you using the stock android calendar or the s planner calendar--they are different and s planner is at least as good imho as iphone calendar from my research
i am making the exact same transition--this week, my note arrives on Tuesday
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S planner...
your probably right about the standard iphone calendar but I was used to using "week calendar", the best calendar app ive ever used, Ive been in touch with the Dev and it may come out for android...
Another excellent app I used on the iphone was "notebooks".
This is soon to be out on android and desktop (with dropbox sync). Cant wait for that one, for now I use colour note.
One thing ive found in the last 2 days, the apps for the iphone seem far better.

Ok, ive solved my first problem (calendar) and hopefully make the switch to android easier for some other people...
On the iphone, upgrade to ios5.
Sign up for icloud and get a .me email address.
sync your iphone with icloud.
download the desktop icloud app (syncs to outlook)
(ive been using this for a while now and its 100% reliable so far, you can also ditch itunes for good then)
install "caldav-sync beta" on android phone.
using icloud server details, set up a new sync connection.
the icloud server details can be found here
now you can make a gradual transition from iphone, desktop (outlook) and your android phone while keeping the 3 in sync.
You get 5gb free space on icloud, more than enough for contacts and calendar and the android app is around £1...
To add to this, you can do the same with contacts using "carddav-sync beta".
However im only getting 25 of my 300 contacts synced for some reason. I need to fix that, anyone have any ideas why?

3Labs said:
are you using the stock android calendar or the s planner calendar--they are different and s planner is at least as good imho as iphone calendar from my research
i am making the exact same transition--this week, my note arrives on Tuesday
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting you say the S-Planner is as good as iphone's calendar.
I really like it.
I would like to customize the colours, but you can't have everything.
Maybe a mod will appear in the Themes section for this.
I hope you have a good experience of the SGNote.
You might find it different, but I hope you enjoy the freedom and power.

Week calendar
Bengaz said:
S planner...
your probably right about the standard iphone calendar but I was used to using "week calendar", the best calendar app ive ever used, Ive been in touch with the Dev and it may come out for android...
Another excellent app I used on the iphone was "notebooks".
This is soon to be out on android and desktop (with dropbox sync). Cant wait for that one, for now I use colour note.
One thing ive found in the last 2 days, the apps for the iphone seem far better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please go easy first time post. I am also looking to go to a note from the iPhone4. One of the only reasons to keep with iPhone is week cal app. I too asked them about an android vesion a few months ago. Week calendar is the best calendar app. I've tried all the others including Jorte etc

Made the Same step from iphone to note and I think the calender are at least equal to iphone (used saisuke, calengoo,...) but due to the fact that I sync everything over Google, it's easier with an android device.
If you need outlook I recommend, as mentioned, gsync, too. Is about 10 bucks per licence and syncs from contacts to tasks everything but slowed down my office 2010...
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

Guys Guys Guys...
There is an easier way of doing this. For free... I follow this approach & it works like a charm.
1. Download Google Calender Sync from this link: http://www.google.com/support/calendar/bin/answer.py?answer=89955
2. Install the program on your laptop/PC. Set it up to sync outlook calendar with your Google Calendar at whatever frequency you want. I have it set to 30 mins. This way, your Google calendar will sync with your Outlook Calendar.
3. On your android phone, setup your calendar to sync with google calendar. This way, all your 3 calendars, Outlook, Google & Phone, will be in sync all the time.
I have never needed to sync my outlook contacts with my phone, so I have never tried that. If I do come across some info on that, I will let you know...

triandy said:
Please go easy first time post. I am also looking to go to a note from the iPhone4. One of the only reasons to keep with iPhone is week cal app. I too asked them about an android vesion a few months ago. Week calendar is the best calendar app. I've tried all the others including Jorte etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, did you tried out business calendar? it's really brilliant i think. I just looked at screenshot of week calendar app. Looks like the business calendar week view, wich is great i think.
i use it together with a tiny but powerful app, quick addroid, wich lets you add everything in batches.

triandy said:
Please go easy first time post. I am also looking to go to a note from the iPhone4. One of the only reasons to keep with iPhone is week cal app. I too asked them about an android vesion a few months ago. Week calendar is the best calendar app. I've tried all the others including Jorte etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My main use for my phone is my calendar and notetaking. The S planner maybe as good as the STANDARD iphone calendar but that is pants as well. There is nothing on the android market comes remotely near week calendar I'm afraid.
Same goes for notes as we'll I'm afraid. Nearest you can get to notebooks for iphone is note everything pro. Still way off in function and sync though
As for sync. Use icloud and the desktop app to link to outlook if you need to email directly from office like me.

Nasobem said:
Hi, did you tried out business calendar? it's really brilliant i think. I just looked at screenshot of week calendar app. Looks like the business calendar week view, wich is great i think.
i use it together with a tiny but powerful app, quick addroid, wich lets you add everything in batches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried it but its nowhere near

Raghav1980 said:
Guys Guys Guys...
There is an easier way of doing this. For free... I follow this approach & it works like a charm.
1. Download Google Calender Sync from this link: http://www.google.com/support/calendar/bin/answer.py?answer=89955
2. Install the program on your laptop/PC. Set it up to sync outlook calendar with your Google Calendar at whatever frequency you want. I have it set to 30 mins. This way, your Google calendar will sync with your Outlook Calendar.
3. On your android phone, setup your calendar to sync with google calendar. This way, all your 3 calendars, Outlook, Google & Phone, will be in sync all the time.
I have never needed to sync my outlook contacts with my phone, so I have never tried that. If I do come across some info on that, I will let you know...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem with this approach is that google calendar sync has issues with not syncing certain formats of appointments from outlook to google cal. I googled it and its a wide spread issue with no easy workaround that I was able to find. I got tired of not having all my calendar items sync and just snagged the gsyncit app.

The whole point is to NOT use Google. My way works perfect and supports all the contact formats, reminders etc.