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***Note: Please post to this thread only if you are discussing sync options between your Hero and Outlook without using and Exchange server***

Update 12/08/09 - Check out my new post about MyLink at: http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showpost.php?p=1397170&postcount=13. FYI...I'm still doing great with Companion Link.

I know there are many threads in this forum regarding sync options for the Sprint HTC Hero but I'd like to narrow this one down to only discussions regarding sync options between your Hero and Outlook either wired or wireless. Once again, NO EXCHANGE, please.

Since my work does not support syncing with Exchange, I've had to look at options to provide the same (or similar) capabilities that I had with my Diamond (Windows Mobile) to assure I had my business appointments and contacts in sync.

ADVICE FOR OUTLOOK USERS TRYING TO SET UP OR TEST A SYNC METHOD: Create a seperate .PST file and copy your Calendar and Contacts to it before you test so that you can easily replace. Rather than hard resetting your device, you can easily clear your calendar and contacts (Google and Phone items) following this simple post: http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showpost.php?p=1341094&postcount=68

So, here has been my finding so far:

HTC Sync Version 2.0.8 (and previous versions):
Sync Type: Outlook<>Hero via USB cable
Sync Items: Calendar, Contacts
From day one, I found installing the application to be a bit cumbersome. I had to re-install because I was getting some of the errors you've probably read about on other threads. Also, noticed some slowdown on my laptop. Once installed, the application did sync and it seemed to do a good job. The sync process took a very long time initially...about 20 minutes. Normal syncs after that still took about 4-5 minutes. But, I noticed that my appointment details and contact notes had been truncated and, after the 2-way sync was performed, truncated the information in Outlook. That was not good! I cleared all calendar and contact items and tested again. I had the same results. I also had issues throughout the testing with duplicates being created. Nonetheless, I fixed my calendar and contacts in Outlook (learned a good lesson on backing up too) and started researching.

CompanionLink for Google
Sync Type: Outlook<>Google<>Hero via Google Sync (wireless)
Sync Items: Calendar, Contacts, Tasks (via Calendar)
Free trial for 15 days and $40 bucks after that. But, so far I have had no problems. Sync has been near perfect with the only flaw when you change the date or time of one occurrence of a recurring appointment. It doesn't pick that up but, I can live with that. Installation is easy with many sync options including "purge" data on Google. Sync process is fast too. So far, it's working great but..at a cost. Also, it's not a direct-connect between device and Outlook either.

Others:

Plaxo - I have a Plaxo premium account already and there is an option to sync to Google but, there are many issues with their sync process with Google at this time. Maybe in the future though.

SEVEN Beta - Looks as if it was advertised to sync all but still only for corporate email.
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So, now I ask...how are you doing it?