Software Review: GooSync Calendar Synchronization Utility

What is GooSync?

GooSync is a utility that allows you to synchronize your Google Calendar with a variety of portable devices, including Windows Mobile Pocket PC’s and smart phones. I downloaded it to my Toshiba e330, which runs Pocket PC 2002. According to GooSync’s site, I could also use it with my Sony Ericsson W580i cell phone if I wanted to.

GooSync has both a free and a premium version. The free version will only sync calendar data, while the premium version, which costs about 20 pounds per year (GooSync is in the UK), will also sync contacts and tasks. I’ve found the free version to be perfectly adequate for my needs.

User Interface and Functionality

To install GooSync, I first had to register for a free account. I then downloaded a .cab file to my desktop, transferred it to my Pocket PC via ActiveSync, and opened it through my mobile device’s file explorer. The process took about 10 minutes. I had to enter my Google Account username and password on the mobile device the first time I used the software, but you don’t have to share that information when you register.

To use GooSync, you have to be connected to the internet, either by syncing with your desktop, or by using a wireless connection. Many cell phones can synchronize over the air. In my case, I open GooSync from my mobile device’s start menu, tap the “Start” button, and wait while the software does the rest. Syncing takes about one minute.

I’ve found GooSync to be very good at updating the right calendar, with one exception: Cutting and pasting appointments can confuse the free version. I used the cut and paste function to move several appointments on my mobile device. When I synced it later, GooSync placed both the old and new appointment times on both calendars. I guess you have to change your appointments manually if you use this utility.

Complaints

I attempted to use GooSync with my Sony Ericsson W580i cell phone, but it does not seem to have the option of syncing the phone through a USB cable.  Instead, I would have had to sync over the air and pay for data usage.  To sync my phone, I use a free utility called MyPhoneExplorer that syncs my phone and GCal without using data.

Conclusion

I’m very pleased with this software. Other synchronization solutions are available, but many of them require the installation of multiple software programs in order to work. GooSync appears to be the simplest.  It installs with minimal hassle, and with the exception of the cut and paste function, works smoothly and quickly. I would give this utility 4 out of 5 stars.

Further Reading

For more information, see the following links:

1. http://www.goosync.com/ - GooSync’s home page
2. http://andrewterry.com/2006/11/13/going-ga-ga-over-goosync/ - Another GooSync review
3. http://mytreo.net/archives/2007/09/goosync-for-your-treo.html - Review by a Treo owner
4. http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/reviews/item/GooSync_Premium_and_the_search_for_freedom.php - This review is more in-depth and technical

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