Free Computer Consultant ………. Daily Insights

Microsoft is on version 4.5 of ActiveSync, necessary for any phone/pda with Windows Mobile on it. After all of these years it still sucks. Granted, Palm’s sync is just as bad - it either works or it doesn’t. If it doesn’t there is no knowing how much time you will waste getting it to work.

My Verizon XV6700 phone all of a sudden showed “no service”. I could still get on the internet, though. So 2 hours later after tech support, clearing storage (and losing hours of configuration work that you cannot save) and uploading a newer firmware and OS build, it’s working again.

ActiveSync had been working off and on for months before this (the phone is less than 1 year old, my PC is a clean install of XP Pro just a few months ago).

Now after all of this I think the phone is working again, setup, configured, programs installed, hours wasted.

Then I realize I have only a fraction of my contacts on it. Turns out it is not synchronizing any contact with Notes included. That’s handy - NOT!

Google it and you will find out this is a widespread problem; with no fix. I uninstalled/reinstalled ActiveSync, did some registry & file cleanup after it, still didn’t work.

Finally, I set it to sync off of my Exchange Server directly instead of the PC. Now it works. Not everyone has that option.

Get with it Microsoft. ActiveSync is so widely used; totally proprietary - can’t do without it. Yet so many people have so many unanswered problems with it and so very little help available.

Is the iPhone this bad too?

It was about 5 years ago that I finally ended the misery of my worn out, broken hinged, Windows based PDA with a shot from a .45 auto.

My unit folded over like a laptop and had a pretty decent sized keyboard. Shortly after I bought my first laptop and I decided I wasn’t going to have both. But so many times I would like to access information but don’t want to take the time to fire up the laptop, open Outlook and wait for Outlook to figure out I don’t have a network connection so it will let me navigate to the data I want.

So I bought a Verizon XV6700 with Windows Mobile 5.0. The Verizon network isn’t everywhere, despite the incessant “can you hear me now” commercials. But where it works, it’s cool.

This little device can not only make a phone call, but allow you quick access to Outlook contacts, email and tasks. Simply plug it into your PC via USB cable and it both synchronizes the data and charges the battery.

There is built in WiFi capability and even IPSec and PPTP VPN connectivity. There are a host of applications written for these devices; how about GPS using a bluetooth GPS antenna? Or using the built in Remote Desktop (it’s a small screen, but it works).

One of my favorites is software that allows me to view my Axis IP Network Cameras when away. I’m a reseller of hardware and software for one of the pioneer firms in DVR and Network Recording Systems for the security and surveillance market. This is incredibly hot!

When you aren’t on the Verizon EVDO network getting downloads approaching 700k, you can connect and even view cameras or do whatever at about 56k modem speeds. Slower, but it still works. In fact, one location where I would be doing good to make a phone call from I was able to plug in to my laptop and use the phone as a modem with speeds of about 46k.

Speaking of which, according to Verizon, this phone is incapable of acting as a modem, so they won’t sell you that service for an additional $15/month. That’s ok, because it works anyway. Just Google it and you will find pages of detailed instructions with photos. Follow the instructions and you’re in business. Only catch is that you can’t use the device as a phone at the same time. Heard of Skype?

I’m sure I’ve barely scratched the surface of this XV6700’s capabilities. The new phones coming out are using Windows Mobile 6.0, but who knows, maybe the 5.0 is more stable. This phone does a lot more than what I know how to do now, maybe by the time I catch up to it I can trade for a Windows Mobile 6.0 phone.

Connectivity is what it’s all about. If you want to be connected, look into a device like the XV6700 and a data network like Verizon’s EVDO. I think you will be impressed.

P.S. - It even plays mp3’s and movies like you might expect; just load them onto the optional miniSD card and take them with you.