Lekky - you're quite right, which is why I used to use Funambol to sync my Blackberry to my desktop Outlook. Shame, but Funambol only supports contacts at the moment, though the rest of the sync is being worked on. OTA sync to my Outlook is my preference, after that, daily sync with the ability to use the features and functions of Outlook, only after that would be instant sync to Google.
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HTC Sync...Very Basic and poor second to Nokia
- Thread starter riverboat2001
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- htc desire
Si Pie
Well-Known Member
In my case I don't have a choice with my work's calendar, as it is handled through Lotus Notes. So if I want to easily add that to my phone then HTC Sync is the most feasible way. Other just prefer having some sort of control I guess, I suppose you know it's working if you physically have to do it.
A further physical backup is by no means bad anyway - what if your Google account gets hacked or something goes wrong (for example)?
What I do find strange about this thread and some others is that quite clearly there is a problem that users are having and rather than seeking alternative solutions through such a thread, they're just venting their frustrations about it. I understand issues can be frustrating but it's not like anyone here can help in such an instance, whereas going to HTC and raising the issue with them may get it resolved.
A further physical backup is by no means bad anyway - what if your Google account gets hacked or something goes wrong (for example)?
What I do find strange about this thread and some others is that quite clearly there is a problem that users are having and rather than seeking alternative solutions through such a thread, they're just venting their frustrations about it. I understand issues can be frustrating but it's not like anyone here can help in such an instance, whereas going to HTC and raising the issue with them may get it resolved.
I guess its dinosaur age for me, plus I like having something there I can look at. Does the cloud sync backup everything, as in texts as well though? It just doesn't seem as if it is being backed up somewhere. I don't mind the Google integration with contacts, calendar etc, makes sense nowadays to have that. Sure its backed up to SD card, but if I proove a point and totally wipe my phone and SD card will I get every detail back (bar apps and settings)?
Also just checked my Google account, any new contacts I have done on the phone are not showing up. They are linked with their respective Google contacts (but some are not in there). Am I missing something?
backups are saved to SD Card. So I still think there is a need to have some kind of backup. I copy the SD Card contents every now and then anyways.
lekky
Lover
the best bet is a backup app like MyBackup. It backs up everything, contacts, sms, bookmarks etc
It backs it all up to their online server or your sdcard depending on what you want. Ability to set a schedule means that surely this is much much better, as a backup solution, than having to connect to my pc all the time and doing a manual backup.
With regards to new ones on the phone not showing up, have to make sure they were created as google type contacts.
I'm really not trying to be rude or anything you know, I just really don't understand the need for this manual/physical sync with a PC. Especially when there are proven faster and more efficient methods of doing so, methods that work out of the box, are pretty seamless and don't have any of the hassle these other methods people want to do have!
Si Pie
Well-Known Member
Thanks Lekky,
I've been keeping tabs on the situation but at the moment, as I only wish to get calendar updates it's not so much of a problem - my calendar only updates whenever I enter something in (which I can do in the phone) or when I accept a meeting request (I have to be at work to do this anyway). So syncing up via HTC's software is a painless solution.
I just wish my company didn't use Notes, they're even running an outdated version (6.5!!!). If there's anything which will make my life easier, you can be sure I will look into it
Not at all rude, BTW I twigged the contacts thing, they were on the phone. So have exported them to SD then reimported to Google. I am now guessing I'll have a little tidying to do, but when done should be fine.
Its letting go of certain habits. I'll have a look at MyBackup. Things aren't backed up though like photos through cloud sync though? They are on the SD Card so you do need a physical backup, unless you sync to Flikr or some such as well!
lekky
Lover
Yeah, I will half agree with pictures lol, most of the time pics you take on your phone you want on your PC anyway 
(Although I do actually sync all my pics to picasa instead of plugging in and backing up!)
I actually did have a nokia N82, and did install the massive bulk of applications that was the Nokia PC suite. Honestly I thought it was a horrible mess, too much and too clumsy. I used it maybe a handful of times before reverting to simply dragging and dropping because this was much faster and simpler.
Its one of the reasons again why I can't understand people liking that clunky stone age way of doing things than the new seamless almost not having to do anything manually way
(Although I do actually sync all my pics to picasa instead of plugging in and backing up!)I actually did have a nokia N82, and did install the massive bulk of applications that was the Nokia PC suite. Honestly I thought it was a horrible mess, too much and too clumsy. I used it maybe a handful of times before reverting to simply dragging and dropping because this was much faster and simpler.
Its one of the reasons again why I can't understand people liking that clunky stone age way of doing things than the new seamless almost not having to do anything manually way
lekky
Lover
Yeah, I will half agree with pictures lol, most of the time pics you take on your phone you want on your PC anyway (Although I do actually sync all my pics to picasa instead of plugging in and backing up!)
I actually did have a nokia N82, and did install the massive bulk of applications that was the Nokia PC suite. Honestly I thought it was a horrible mess, too much and too clumsy. I used it maybe a handful of times before reverting to simply dragging and dropping because this was much faster and simpler.
Its one of the reasons again why I can't understand people liking that clunky stone age way of doing things than the new seamless almost not having to do anything manually way
(Although I do actually sync all my pics to picasa instead of plugging in and backing up!)I actually did have a nokia N82, and did install the massive bulk of applications that was the Nokia PC suite. Honestly I thought it was a horrible mess, too much and too clumsy. I used it maybe a handful of times before reverting to simply dragging and dropping because this was much faster and simpler.
Its one of the reasons again why I can't understand people liking that clunky stone age way of doing things than the new seamless almost not having to do anything manually way
riverboat2001
Well-Known Member
Hi, just from my point of view,
I used Nokia PC suite to edit my calendar, send text messages, download and install programs, manage my maps, manage contacts. As soon as my phone was in bluetooth range of anyof my pc's that had PCSuite installed on it, they connected instantly, and i could use/manage my phone but with my laptop keyboard.
Now don't get me wrong, Google online pretty much beats Ovi hands down. Apart from the ability to find the program you want to download, and send it to your phone via text message.
Once Google integrate web and mobile maps that will be great.
But we don't always have access to the web all the time.
A lot of people have Vista and Win7 machines now, as these no longer come with Outlook or any email client, i'm guessing that quite a lot of people will struggle to "sync" their HTC phones with their chosen email clients!
Lastly i have "subscribed" in Thunderbird to my Google calendar, BUT i can't edit that calendar within Thunderbird, i have to go online to Google, make the changes then let Thunderbird refresh to reflect the changes.
I used Nokia PC suite to edit my calendar, send text messages, download and install programs, manage my maps, manage contacts. As soon as my phone was in bluetooth range of anyof my pc's that had PCSuite installed on it, they connected instantly, and i could use/manage my phone but with my laptop keyboard.
Now don't get me wrong, Google online pretty much beats Ovi hands down. Apart from the ability to find the program you want to download, and send it to your phone via text message.
Once Google integrate web and mobile maps that will be great.
But we don't always have access to the web all the time.
A lot of people have Vista and Win7 machines now, as these no longer come with Outlook or any email client, i'm guessing that quite a lot of people will struggle to "sync" their HTC phones with their chosen email clients!
Lastly i have "subscribed" in Thunderbird to my Google calendar, BUT i can't edit that calendar within Thunderbird, i have to go online to Google, make the changes then let Thunderbird refresh to reflect the changes.
As useful as cloud syncing is, it's a fact of life that I will not always be connected and I still need to be able to manage my calendar and contacts when I'm not. Simple.
At the end of the day I want ownership of my data.
BTW - despite being pretty savvy and posting numerous requests for help relating to sync / the confusing different classes of data on android (Google Account / My Phone etc etc) on forums and getting no useful responses I am still unable to hook up HTC sync to outlook.
Fact is, local sync to outlook is supposed to be a feature, and a pretty important one to many people, but it just doesn't work. Possibly by design!
At the end of the day I want ownership of my data.
BTW - despite being pretty savvy and posting numerous requests for help relating to sync / the confusing different classes of data on android (Google Account / My Phone etc etc) on forums and getting no useful responses I am still unable to hook up HTC sync to outlook.
Fact is, local sync to outlook is supposed to be a feature, and a pretty important one to many people, but it just doesn't work. Possibly by design!
lekky
Lover
I'm going to keep picking until you guys get annoyed with me (or realise i'm right rawww)
Well google calendar and email work offline on your PC (bold because a lot of people don't realise this), so you don't need access to the web all the time. Calendar & contacts synced via the cloud, updated wherever you are. Apps (programs), well its done all through your phone. Maps done via turn by turn nav/google maps.
You talk about previously being able to manage your phone via your PC, how about managing your information from whichever device you are currently using? The device doesn't matter to me anymore, I know I can get the latest up to date copy of my information anywhere, with nothing holding me back. New way of thinking but for me, infinitely better than the old way.
I used to use Thunderbird, and I did love it. However, in line with the new way of doing things, having a dedicated email client is akin to having locks around my feet, slowing me down, stopping me from accessing my information when and where I want it.
Why should I be tied down to using a program installed on one of my PCs to manage all my information? I don't need that holding me back. Instead I prefer to be able to access all my information, contacts, calendar and emails from whichever device is at that moment in time closest and easiest for me to get to. In full knowledge that without any intervention from me, it will be the latest copy (well its not a copy, it is itself) of that information!
Well google calendar and email work offline on your PC (bold because a lot of people don't realise this), so you don't need access to the web all the time. Calendar & contacts synced via the cloud, updated wherever you are. Apps (programs), well its done all through your phone. Maps done via turn by turn nav/google maps.
You talk about previously being able to manage your phone via your PC, how about managing your information from whichever device you are currently using? The device doesn't matter to me anymore, I know I can get the latest up to date copy of my information anywhere, with nothing holding me back. New way of thinking but for me, infinitely better than the old way.
I used to use Thunderbird, and I did love it. However, in line with the new way of doing things, having a dedicated email client is akin to having locks around my feet, slowing me down, stopping me from accessing my information when and where I want it.
Why should I be tied down to using a program installed on one of my PCs to manage all my information? I don't need that holding me back. Instead I prefer to be able to access all my information, contacts, calendar and emails from whichever device is at that moment in time closest and easiest for me to get to. In full knowledge that without any intervention from me, it will be the latest copy (well its not a copy, it is itself) of that information!
riverboat2001
Well-Known Member
I'm going to keep picking until you guys get annoyed with me (or realise i'm right rawww)
Well google calendar and email work offline on your PC (bold because a lot of people don't realise this), so you don't need access to the web all the time. Calendar & contacts synced via the cloud, updated wherever you are. Apps (programs), well its done all through your phone. Maps done via turn by turn nav/google maps.
You talk about previously being able to manage your phone via your PC, how about managing your information from whichever device you are currently using? The device doesn't matter to me anymore, I know I can get the latest up to date copy of my information anywhere, with nothing holding me back. New way of thinking but for me, infinitely better than the old way.
I used to use Thunderbird, and I did love it. However, in line with the new way of doing things, having a dedicated email client is akin to having locks around my feet, slowing me down, stopping me from accessing my information when and where I want it.
Why should I be tied down to using a program installed on one of my PCs to manage all my information? I don't need that holding me back. Instead I prefer to be able to access all my information, contacts, calendar and emails from whichever device is at that moment in time closest and easiest for me to get to. In full knowledge that without any intervention from me, it will be the latest copy (well its not a copy, it is itself) of that information!
To be honest, i'm with you most of the way, but Thunderbird is staying, as i have numerous email accounts, including Ebay ones etc, that mean printing some of the attatchments, so i can't see that changing, also how do you cope with your emails when one of your mates sends you a 5mb video clip, does the phone download and play it or what?
I've had the same email account since 2001 and i'm keeping the home one like that. But for all the google services i can keep things seperate plus i don't want a million emails sent to my phone (well not a million literally, but you get my meaning)
So in your opinion do you think google/htc will develop a better offline syncing suite, or do think they want people to follow the way you have chosen to go?
The bit about the maps is a new thing that google are working on, where you can plan a route online and download it to your phone etc.
Lastly, can you expand a bit about googling syncing working offline?
riverboat2001
Well-Known Member
I've downloaded the "Provider" add on for Thunderbird, best of both worlds now, well pleased.
I didn't see it as rude, and for me it's not about whether I sync OTA or via a cable. What it is aboue for me is what I sync TO. At the moment I have to sync via cable because I want to sync to Outlook because Outlook is the way I work with email, calendar, tasks and contacts all integrated. I have tried Google Mail, Calendar and Contacts and simply don't like them.
I would much rather have OTA sync, instant updates, etc, but not at the expense of losing my productivity. So the argument, for me, isn't about why I want to sync with a cable, but why I want to sync with Outlook.
But that still leaves you without a local connection - so if you have no internet you still can't sync / manage data between the Desire & Thunderbird?
RobDickson
Android Enthusiast
I do agree that OTA synchronising is the way forward, I just don't feel it works as well as I want it to.
Contacts:
1) Only paid-for applications sync. contacts with Gmail.
2) First-name and surname are not separate fields in Gmail. I find this important, so that I can choose to sort by surname on my PC and by firstname on my phone.
Calendar:
This would work perfectly well OTA, but if I'm synchronising my contacts using HTC Sync, I might as well synchronise my calendar this way too.
Notes and tasks:
From what I can tell the two programs suggested don't link with Outlook. Having said that, the HTC Desire doesn't support notes and tasks yet either (although I've been assured by HTC that it will "soon").
Contacts:
1) Only paid-for applications sync. contacts with Gmail.
2) First-name and surname are not separate fields in Gmail. I find this important, so that I can choose to sort by surname on my PC and by firstname on my phone.
Calendar:
This would work perfectly well OTA, but if I'm synchronising my contacts using HTC Sync, I might as well synchronise my calendar this way too.
Notes and tasks:
From what I can tell the two programs suggested don't link with Outlook. Having said that, the HTC Desire doesn't support notes and tasks yet either (although I've been assured by HTC that it will "soon").
riverboat2001
Well-Known Member
True, but as my needs are purely social based, it doesn't matter if the actual syncing happens later on. But it does mean both hubby and i can edit our shared calendar wherever we are on whatever device. Simples
lekky
Lover
Both calendar and gmail have an option in settings to sync their content on ypur pc, basically offline, you browse to the pages and they exist as if you were online.
I agree the gmail app should let you save downloads, but I have an app that adds this functionality so when I get a video I simply download it and watch it
Before I got my phone my main account was a hotmail one. After a short while with my Hero I made the decision to fully move over to my gmail account. To keep my hotmail emails coming I have them forwarded to my gmail, auto archived and automatically labelled as "hotmail". That way I can still keep an eye on all the spam in case something important comes through.
I'm not sure if they will develop a better desktop syncing tool, android wasn't designed with that in mind. I believe it was designed with the idea of a constant internet connection, and seamless syncing. But who knows :/
Personal preference yeah, some people prefer what they are used to. But I think the change is worthwhile. As you say you believe Outlook makes you more productive, but to me its a cage, forcing you back to the same computer to get your information. Its almost as if outlook owns your information, you being the tool that accesses it. The way I work i own the information, and the tools are readily available wherever I am.
@RobDickson I would prefer firstname and surname as separate too, not sure why google chose it that way.
Freedom!!!!!
RobDickson
Android Enthusiast
Of course connecting your Desire to your PC is a more economic way to charge it.
Asphyxsia
Newbie
how is it more economic?
can you buy the phone without a charger?
is a powerboard that expensive?
the energy going into the battery has to come from somewhere... it is the same from the pc or the ac adapter...
RobDickson
Android Enthusiast
@lekky True, but that doesn't always matter.
@asphyxsia There is a difference. Your PC is already powered up, converting the AC power to DC power. If you plug a charger into the wall, it's powering up another AC/DC inverter. OK, it's not going to save the world, but every little helps.
@asphyxsia There is a difference. Your PC is already powered up, converting the AC power to DC power. If you plug a charger into the wall, it's powering up another AC/DC inverter. OK, it's not going to save the world, but every little helps.