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Over the air sync options between iPhone, Mac, Google

As a follow-up to Gmail, MobileMe, Address Book synced contacts sanity, this is a simple walk through on setting up OTA sync between your iPhone and Mac + Google. While some may question the value of such a post, this covers the requirements for syncing data which resides within your Google accounts using the free and paid for MobileMe option.

NuevaSync: Free Calendar + Contacts sync OTA for iPhone

NuevaSync SetupAre you managing all of your events and contacts in the “cloud”? Not interesting in syncing your important data down to your machine to read, edit, and manage in iCal or Address Book? Check out NuevaSync.

NuevaSync allows direct, over-the-air, native synchronization of certain smart phones and PDA devices with public PIM, and calendaring services including Google Calendar. NuevaSync does not need any software installed on your device because it uses synchronization protocols that are already built in.

The beta service offers free OTA sync between your various Google Calendar & Gmail (Contacts) and iPhone or iPod Touch. NuevaSync can be setup and activated directly from your mobile device reaffirming the fact that a computer is not required. NuevaSync will not directly sync with your computer. NuevaSync is setup as a Microsoft Exchange server services. This beta service is intended strictly for syncing to your mobile device.

Google: Calendar + Contacts sync OTA for iPhone & Mac

Interested in pulling your Google Calendar + Contacts data down to your Mac for free? Apple recently released software updates (10.5) which support your Google account in both iCal and Address Book. Like Apple, Google has taken steps to properly document the steps to setup your software correctly.

calaboration

Check Getting Started with CalDAV. The related software download can be found on Google Code: calaboration. The process is simple and [only] requires that you download the software, enter your Google username and password, and select the calendars to sync.

Address Book Google sync feature

The requirement to sync your Google Gmail Contacts with Address Book is just as simple. Most of the details are posted in the Gmail + Address Book sync post a few days back. In short, open your Address Book Preferences and enable the ‘Synchronize with Google’ feature. Note the added convenience of creating a smart group which looks for updated contacts which makes it easier to track down recent sync changes.

In order to sync data to your iPhone, utilize the free beta service NuevaSync (above) or make a physical connection via USB.

Google Mobile: Free Contacts + Calendar sync

Google recently released its Google Sync Mobile service. Find out more details on the new over-the-air sync service on the official info page. iPhone users can enjoy free OTA syncing for contacts and calenders. Note that the initial sync will delete your contacts and events off the phone.

MobileMe: Paid for Calendar + Contacts sync OTA for iPhone & Mac

Weary trusting your Google Account data with a beta service? Your option for both Calendar and Contacts sync OTA between iPhone and Mac is MobileMe. While the annual subscription based service offers a handful of other “cloud” features, you can specify only Calendar and / or Contacts syncing.

MobileMe Settings

Reset MobileMe SyncOpen System Preferences > MobileMe > Sync. Specify your sync interval – automatically, every day, every week, or manual – and uncheck any sync services that you do not plan on using.

If you have made any significant changes to either iCal or Address Book, or are running into sync conflicts caused by another computer, you can force a reset of your MobileMe data (server side). Towards the bottom of the MobileMe window, select the ‘Advanced…’ button, then ‘Reset Sync Data…’ on the next screen. From here you can force a reset of data either on a) your local computer, or b) data stored on MobileMe. Read the description and understand the action before proceeding.

BusySync: Paid for Calendar + Contacts sync with your Mac

One service that I’ve begun using is a paid for background application called BusySync.

With BusySync it’s incredibly easy to share iCal calendars with family or coworkers on your LAN without the need for a dedicated server. Shared calendars can be viewed and edited by multiple users, and changes are instantly published and synchronized with all users on the network. You can even make changes to shared calendars while offline and your changes will sync when you reconnect to the network.

BusySync Publish

Those that have tried the WebDAV based sync between Google Calendar and iCal can attest to the fact that the syncing is not creating a real calendar object in iCal. Meaning? You can setup your WebDAV sync using the Google calaboration tool which will place events in iCal. However, if you happen to be syncing your iCal events OTA to your iPhone with MobileMe, it will not sync any calendars originating from Google. The solution would be to use NuevaSync to supplement your non-MobileMe sync.

Summary

  • For users interested in a full suite of “cloud” services like photo / video gallery sharing, easy web publishing, and file storage – without the need to administrate a real web server – in addition to OTA sync with their iPhone, check out MobileMe.
  • Check out the full Google Mobile service for syncing contacts / calendars OTA.
  • Are you using Google and an iPhone? Want OTA sync? Check out the free beta service NuevaSync.
  • Looking for a free solution to sync your Google data with your iPhone and Mac? Make use of WebDAV and Address Book synchronization.
  • Try BusySync if you just want Calendar and Contacts sync without worrying about a beta service or paying the MobileMe annual subscription.
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A few more tempting Apples fall from the tree

Apple MacBook updateDamn Apple and my own timing when it comes to purchasing hardware right before updates happen. A month has barely passed since picking up a fully loaded MacBook and Apple updates the entire notebook line. Both the consumer level MacBook and professional level MacBook Pro received noticeable updates inside and out. Both are now equally attractive with the MacBook receiving new juice from NVIDIA.

Things that make me want the updated MacBook:

  • New manufacturing process for the aluminum case.
  • A design which blends the MacBook Air + iMac.
  • Increased graphics power with NVIDIA.
  • Multi-Touch glass trackpad

Things that make me bury the idea of getting the updated hardware:

  • Constantly reminding myself that I am never content with a purchase. Not "buyers remorse", it’s the itch to have the NEW.
  • The card that would carry the weight of the purchase is now going in a glass of water. Soon to be buried under lima beans in the freezer. Note to self, buy lima beans and brussels sprouts.

So come out and admit it. Are the updates appealing enough to warrant a purchase, or nothing more than a shoulder shrug? By the way, Apple… Please come out with a netbook. My frankenstein Acer Aspire One with OS X falls short.

That Apple LED Cinema Display looks mighty tasty… must resist.

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The 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo MacBook, no 12.1" MacBook Pro

Anyone who has followed my hardware track record, articles, and Tweets will surely know that when last Tuesday came and went without an update announcement along the lines of ‘The 12" PowerBook grown up, meet the 12.1" MacBook Pro’, I was sorely disappointed. In fact, not too long ago, I even went so far as to sell my 15" MacBook Pro in hopes of replacing the notebook with a 12" widescreen variant. To this day, I still consider the 12" PowerBook G4 one of the best computers manufactured by Apple. Despite that fact that current Intel-powered machines are valuable beyond belief – essentially serving as two computers in one (OS X or Windows) – the professional-grade equivalent to the classic PowerBook is still missing.

Rather than considering the idea of moving the Mac Pro setup to work, it was time to re-evaluate the hardware options. The IBM X-Series ThinkPad was suffering from an unexplainable [randomly] blinking screen, the Vaio VGN-TXN15P was gifted to my grandfather, and the 12" PowerBook just didn’t have the grunt I wanted to run multiple processor hungry applications at once. With WWDC around the corner, I opted to return to my roots and elected to re-introduce myself to the MacBook family.

Prior track record with the original MacBook Rev. A release

If you have followed 5thirtyone.com regularly since its inception, you are probably familiar with a number of issues that I experienced with the original MacBook Rev. A notebooks. For newer readers / visitors, these issues included the much discussed discoloration, my failed attempts to prevent discoloration, Apple’s censorship of a thread I created concerning the ordeal, a Genius Bar appointment to replace the shell, a damaged trackpad after repair followed by the reappearance of the discoloration, and finally an upgrade to a 15" MacBook Pro.

With so many problems experienced during ownership of the original Rev. A release, why go back? Because no matter the manufacturer, no matter the product, there will always be lemons in the batch. Thanks to a series of updates to the MacBook line and my problem-free ownership of a Mac Pro, my faith has been restored – that and I am a hopeful believer in the idea Apple will reincarnate the classic 12" notebook.

Decisions, meet the 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo MacBook

Black MacBook, On

I continually told myself that I could never cave into the aesthetics of a black MacBook. Although Apple may have fixed the discoloration, I was still hesitant. The hesitation alone was enough to convince me to go black this time around. The recent [lame] MacBook hardware updates that rolled through couldn’t have had come at a better time. The new decision was not so much a "should I go white, or should I go black?", it was now a question of "should I go old, or should I go new?" The Apple Refurb store offers the older Core 2 Duo’s at decent prices (when they’re in stock), and Amazon stocks a few marked down as well.

I chose to go new and added the black 2.16GHz MacBook Core 2 Duo (W8718JL5YA4) to the hardware family. There were a few immediate Pro’s & Con’s, notably the fact that this particular MacBook offered approximately the same performance as my previous 15" MacBook Pro – all the more reason why Apple needs updates to redefine the difference between the MacBook and MacBook Pro line.

Initial thoughts – 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo MacBook

Pro’s – Learning to love the MacBook again

  • Matte black finish – black through and through. No scratch-the-skin-and-find-the-white here. The matte black has really grown on me; where’s the matte white finish version? Thankfully I won’t need to see the dirty discoloration on this one.
  • Fantastic HDD capacity – 160GB hardrive; still the usual 5400 rpm though.
  • Booyah! 3.0GB RAM upgrade kit via Other World Computing. Check the benchmark tests for performance issues. Personally, I opted to go with the basic 2.0GB kit – the option exists though.
  • Size! OK, so this isn’t the 12.1" that I was waiting for, but it is the next best thing. Thinking back to the times when I would carry the 15", the 13.3" MacBook feels much more compact.

Con’s – No reason(s) to hate it, but there are some things that bug me.

  • Oily fingers leave fingerprints all over the casing like chocolate chips on mischievous little 3-yr. olds face.
  • I feel like I took Darth Vader’s personal computer.
  • The white Apple logo is too ‘bright’ now, I think I’ll crack the case and slip some dark velum paper behind the logo – or take a black Sharpie to the backside. Yay! Now I match my 8GB iPod & EVDO schtick.
  • I’ve lost that hip feeling.

Honestly, I highly doubt the .16GHz will make much of a difference for anyone. If you’re bent on picking-up a MacBook, now is the time. Just point your browser to the previously mentioned Apple Returb Store or Amazon for some rockin’ deals on the slightly older Core 2 Duo models.

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Not aesthetic, MacBook hardware issue

After two consecutive top shell replacements on the MacBook to alleviate the aesthetic issue(s) presented due to discoloration on select Rev. A MacBook’s (white), I am unfortunate enough to experience an altogether new problem concerning – presumably – the logic board.

After hearing news from a fellow 9ruler concerning random shutdowns, I laid my discoloration woes at bay. A discolored MacBook isn’t so bad. At least I’m not experiencing random shutdowns.

Unfortunately, I may have very well jinxed myself. Roughly two hours ago, while working on a mockup for an active project & structural markup for an additional site, my MacBook shut down completely. After the momentary shock realizing that I had lost any changes made over the previous 20 minutes, I came to my senses and attempted to reboot the machine. No power. It took six attempts to make it to the login screen. Thinking that the battery had died, I checked the battery status only to discover that the computer had a full charge.

Overheating issue? Unlikely. A quick temparature check after rebooting showed an acceptable 56C. Nothing out of the oridinary since the firmware update. Processor load issue? Unlikely as well. Unless of course a Core Duo finds a single 5 layer PSD, TextMate, and iTunes a processing burden.

With ProCare membership in hand, I will make yet another visit to the nearest Apple store for what will be the 4th repair on this machine. I am more than willing to upgrade this machine in hopes of squashing additional problems. If only the in-store manager would sign-off on such an order. If such an exchange is impossible, I guess the MacBook is going in for open surgery.

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Leather & Apple never looked so good

marware macbook protection

Who would have thought PVC leather and the Apple MacBook could look so great together? If a seemingly indestructible piece of plastic could offer little help preventing the discoloration on select rev. A MacBooks, maybe PVC leather holds answer?

If you can overcome the idea of applying leather on to your shiny white or dull black MacBooks, Marware has a great solution for protecting your investment in the form of Protection Packs [product page]. Each Protection Pack is comprised of two elements: a) keyboard cover, and b) a palm rest (padding & protection) peice.

Keyboard & screen protection

The included keyboard cover serves as both an intermediary layer between the keyboard & screen, as well as a convenient microfiber screen wipe. Anyone who carries their notebooks around within the confines of a messenger bag or backpack should be well aware of the potential contact the keys and screen make at any given time. On several occasions upon opening my MacBook, I would noticed a number of horizontal lines across the screen. (more…)

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MacBook discoloration saga continues

Preface: Do not mistake this post as a sign of negativity towards Apple, Apple computers, the University Village Apple Store, and my handy MacBook. The following is published as proof of the existence of an ongoing issue concerning the white Apple 2.0GHz MacBook which I have had in my possession since 5/22 [read more].

On July 17th I returned to the University Village Apple store to pick up my MacBook from repair. The top shell was replaced under warranty in lieu of the yellow discoloration [Apple KB] that seems to have effected an isolated number of machines – including my own.

Upon returning home, I discovered that the trackpad button no longer returned any tactile feedback making it irritatingly difficult to select windows, highlight text, or complete any work within Photoshop with out the aid of an external mouse. I promptly returned to the store hoping that the machine could be quickly repaired. After speaking with the Assistant Manager, the only available route was to reschedule an appointment with the Genius Bar to have the machine looked at again. The machine was briefly inspected by the same individual who replaced the top shell the previous week and deemed under spec. A second top shell replacement, keyboard, and trackpad were placed on order for an second shell replacement.

While waiting patiently for the replacement kit to arrive in store, I am now noticing – after approximately one week of use – the same yellow / grey discoloration (visual aid) which appeared on the palm rests of the first shell. Not surprising in the least as spare parts for repairs are most likely extras left over from the first wave of MacBooks to leave the manufacturing facility.

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Scheduled Apple repair date

apple genius bar repair slip

I’m happy to close the MacBook discoloration issue with a great deal of good news and to serve as a reference for an isolated number of MacBook users who seemed to have suffered a similar run of bad luck. To serve as a background on the matter:

  • Apple acknowledges that an early batch of MacBooks have exibited signs of discoloration.
  • Apple has not disclosed the serial numbers of affected machines.
  • Repairs are covered under warranty. Please contact AppleCare at +1 (800) 275 – 2273 USA. Immediately escalate the call to a product specialist. In order to prevent a similar conversation.

The AppleCare product specialist should walk you through the steps necessary for a MacBook shell replacement. The general method Apple recommends is that the machine be sent into an Apple repair depot. Turn around time is estimated at 5 business days with overnight shipping provided via DHL thanks to Apple.

If by chance a nearby Apple Store serves as an authorized repair center, chances are that you will be able to visit a store for a local repair (same-day granted parts availability). (more…)

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Apple concedes, discoloration defect

After receiving the run around concerning the discoloration of select MacBooks, I am now pleased to relay the announcement that Apple admits yellowing is indeed a manufacturing defect.

  • May 22nd: Receival of a shiny 2.0GHz white MacBook.
  • June 10th: Subtle yellow hue begins to form which I am unable to cleanse with mild soap and water. I discover a small handful of MacBook users suffer from similar luck.
  • June 14th: Publicly state on support forums that yellow discoloration has appeared in select areas. in search of a remedy, non-acetone nail polish remover is recommended. Red flag: Why in the world should I need to use a chemical created to remove nail polish on a less than one month old MacBook?!
  • June 21st: Receive a ShieldZone Standard kit and apply the protective film to the properly cleansed palm rests and trackpad areas.
  • June 25th: Yellowing forms underneath the ShieldZone kit in an area which was once white prior to film application. I immediately publish my findings in hopes that others may benefit from my experience.
  • June 25th: Apple removes access to support thread which I create concerning the topic. By the end of the evening, Apple has removed the thread completely preventing any futher discussion. Throughout the day, I fall victim to a barrage of emails from Apple fanatics in an attempt to discredit my post.
  • June 30th: Apple admits manufacturing defect.

As stated on June 25th: (more…)

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MacBook discoloration despite ShieldZone Standard kit

I can not express my complete and utter amazement and irritation at this very moment concerning the white Apple MacBook. Exactly 10 days after sharing the discoloration issue select MacBook users were reporting, and 4 days after applying Shieldzones Standard Kit, I am in utter disbelief as I sit here next to the window staring at the yellow discoloration appearing underneath the ShieldZone film. Amazing! How does this MacBook plastic do it?!

discoloration underneath shieldzone

Words can not describe how displeased I am at this very moment with my MacBook. I support Apple, I love OSX, but this discoloration issue needs to be addressed. If a durable plastic film – similar to the protective film applied to automobiles – can not prevent further discoloration on the plastic shell, the discoloration must be a defect of the manufacturing process. The discoloration is not caused by oil or perspiration.

I dropped ShieldZone an email informing them of the discoloration. I’ve opened a thread in the Apple support forums. What we need is a resolution. (more…)

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Does Apple acknowledge MacBook discoloration?

Over the past few days I followed the support thread on Apple.com regarding the discoloration experienced by early MacBook adopters. Unfortunately, it seems that the machine I use suffers from the same reported issue.

After having the machine for approximately 20 days, a considerable amount of yellow / grey discoloration has appeared in and around the palm rests, trackpad button, and below the spacebar.

Having previously owned an iBook making no conscious effort to prevent dirty hands from touching the computer, I never once witnessed discoloration on the plastic palm rests. Considering I wash my hands religiously before using this MacBook, I am extremly surprised at the rate of discoloration.

  • Model: White 2.0GHz MacBook
  • Extra: 2GB Ram upgrade
  • Serial: 4H619

Hopefully, Apple decides to announce some sort of recall or shell replacement [under warranty] without the need for owners to be without computers. Strangely, the original support thread reporting the issue has since been locked (with no explaination).

Not surprisingly, after dicussing the issue with a Genius Bar rep, I was informed that the discoloration fell under natural “wear & tear” and that cosmetic issues were not covered under warranty. There was also no guarantee that sending in a machine with the discoloration – for up to 14 days – would (more…)

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