Easy Sync 2.8.6 Review

Active Sync will synchronize files between your pocket pc and your desktop, but it is very limited in how it does so.  Desktop files must be placed in your pocket pc’s My Documents folder.  That means that all files to be sync’d on your pocket pc must be in the My Documents folder.  What if you want to place files on a flash drive on your pocket pc?  What if you want to sync files from a network to your pocket pc?  Active Sync won’t help you.  But Easy Sync will.

Easy Sync claims it has bidirectional sync, one way transferring of unlimited number of files, supports transferring over network, and syncs several devices.  It won’t replace Active Sync, but will enhance it.  Here are some of its features:

• Bidirectional synchronization, one-way upload and download
• Able to process unlimited number of files and folders
• Supports Storage Card and Network locations
• Sync multiple devices with one computer
• Real time monitoring of changes made to files
• Flexible scheduling
• Filter by mask (e.g. *.txt, *.mp3, etc.)
• Sound notifications and pop-up messages
• Simple and intuitive user interface 

So how does it perform?  Read on.

Installation

Installation went smoothly.  Just follow the prompts.

They have a 14 day free trial.  Once it’s installed on your desktop, you’ll want to add files for syncing.

Above:  Add a new task, which is a new item for syncing.  It can sync data, files, folders, podcasts and photos.

To begin, you must choose Sync Options:

I have only used the first option, which syncs bidirectionally.  So any change made to either my desktop file or pocket pc file, will cause the same change to be made in the opposite file.  Of course, you can make the files sync one way only, from either the desktop to the pocket pc or vice versa.  If you want to keep a backup of a pocket pc folder on your desktop, then the middle option would be useful.

I have two Excel files I like to have with me at all times.  I made a folder on my network drive at work called, “Excel Sync”, and put those two files in it.  Easy Sync asks you to pick the desktop folder to sync.

Next you choose the pocket pc folder to sync.  Mine is in a Microdrive, and I also called it Excel Sync.  What a coincidence.

You are then prompted to choose the launch conditions.  You can choose between manual sync, On-Connect, and Continuous.  You can also schedule your syncs daily, weekly or monthly.  This interface, if you haven’t yet guessed, is very easy to work with.

The screenshot above shows the linked folders.  Next, you must name this task.

Next, Easy Sync will prompt you to run your first sync.

After your trial is over, you may decide to register, which I highly recommend.

The software makes a neat “popping” sound upon synchronization.  It sounds like when you put your finger in your cheek and pop it out.  Having a sound is reassuring.  Especially considering what happened to me today.

I have a ListPro file I have made.  It is supposed to sync automatically.  I have hundreds of pieces of data in it and it has taken me many hours to construct.  Yesterday I was with a customer who informed me they are buying a particular line of products from a competitor.  He said, “Their prices are better than yours.”  Well, I know they’re not, and this got my competitive juices flowing.  I said, “your price is….is…is…uh, my file shows an old price!”  I guess sometimes Active Sync forgets how to sync a file.  I lost the opportunity to make a sale.  That really pissed me off.  Now, it’s not ListPro’s fault, and their customer service was excellent in helping me get the file to sync again.  Today I spent many hours recreating the ListPro file, then I used Easy Sync to keep the desktop and pocket pc versions in sync.

In order to sync ListPro files, the files must be closed on both devices.  Same with Excel files.  But most other files can be open and will sync continuously.  According to Easy Sync, “…after you make changes to e.g. Excel or Word files, the new versions of docs are not synced to your mobile device. The reason is in access permissions to files you’re working with. Such applications as Microsoft Office usually lock files they’re working with. Easy Sync can’t access them, while they’re opened. So the solution in such situations is simple - just close the document you worked with so it could be synced to your device.”

I have my photos set for syncing, and they sync continuously.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP / Vista
• Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 (download)
• Microsoft ActiveSync 4.5 (download) or Vista Windows Mobile Device Center (download)

Compatible Devices

• Microsoft Pocket PC
• Microsoft Smartphone
• Windows Mobile 2003
• Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition
• Windows Mobile 5
• Windows Mobile 5.0 with Messaging and Security Feature Pack
• Windows Mobile 6
• Windows Embedded CE 6.0

Buy It

The price is 24.95 USD and you can purchase it at the Easy Sync website.

Conclusion

This is a very simple, intuitive program to use.  Their website has a wonderful FAQ to get you through any bumps in the road.  Syncing is flawless, setting up new tasks to sync couldn’t be easier.  I enjoy using this software and highly recommend it.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Easy to set up syncing
• Sound alerts you that sync has occurred

Cons

• Sync error messages are cryptic and nondescriptive
• Microsoft Excel and Word files don’t sync unless the program is closed (probably Microsoft’s fault, and not that of Easy Sync)
• Pricey

Written by Steve Laser · Filed Under Mobilitysite Reviews, PocketPC, Software, Windows Mobile 6 
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