iLAMP

The ability to sync Palm-based devices with Linux has existed for quite a while. However, as the popularity of Windows-based Pocket PCs increases, there's a growing need to be able to sync data from a computer running Linux with the Pocket PC--without using Windows.


The SynCE Project is working on exactly that. It works with Linux, FreeBSD, and similar operating systems.

While the project is still somewhat in its infancy, a number of add-ons and tools exist that work with popular desktops, such as GNOME and KDE.

In addition, several plug-ins are available that work with programs such as Evolution. However, it's unlikely that many distributions bundle SynCE, so you may need to do some compiling.

You can download SynCE from the SynCE Project's Web site. This Web site also sports a number of documents and tutorials to help walk you through the compile stage. In addition, you can download packages specifically for Red Hat, Fedora, or Debian, or you can build it using emerge on Gentoo.

Another useful tool is MultiSync, which synchronizes PIM data between GNOME-based systems and a Pocket PC. While MultiSync can handle other devices such as the Sharp Zaurus, Palm, and others, it also works with the Pocket PC, provided you use the SynCE plug-in for MultiSync. This program handles the synchronization between Evolution and the Pocket PC, allowing you to synchronize calendars, to-do lists, and contacts.

If you're a KDE user, you can use the KitchenSync tool to synchronize KDE PIM information with your Pocket PC, using the SynCE libraries to handle the connection.