Filed under: Macintosh, Windows Mobile, Productivity

The Missing Sync: synchronize your Pocket PC with a Mac

Missing Sync 3.0

If you're a Mac user, but prefer Windows Mobile PDAs to Palm, you've probably heard of The Missing Sync. It's one of the best known 3rd party applications for synchronizing a Pocket PC with a Mac. It also claims to be the only Mac synchronization program that will work with Windows Mobile 5.0.

Version 3.0 throws a few new features into the mix.

Notes synchronization: Since Mac OS X doesn't sort notes the way Microsoft Outlook does, The Missing Sync 3.0 includes a notebook program for OS X. It includes support for text, pictures, and voice memos. You can categorize your notes, and search for them with Spotlight.

File and folder synchronization: You can choose folders and files on your PDA and computer that you want to keep synchronized. So if you have an Excel spreadsheet for tracking your business expenses, you can update it at home or on the go, and when you sync your PDA both copies will be updated.

iPhoto and iTunes integration: Sync photo albums and The Missing Sync will automatically resize pictures for display on your Windows Mobile device. Select an iTunes playlist and it will be copied to your PDA. The Missing Sync will not convert protected AAC audio files purchased through iTunes, but you can transfer mp3s and podcsts.

Other updates: Synchronize Safari bookmarks with Pocket Internet Explorer, and Address Book photo contacts.

The Missing Sync is available for $40. Users upgrading from previous versions can get a copy for $20.