Handheld-to-Handheld Synchronization

[Pgr]

Hi,

I was wondering if anybody knows of any software that is able to synch Palm pdb databases directly between two handhelds, that is, without involving Hotsync to a PC (or synching through a server on the Internet).

What I would like is a generic program that would work for any pdb, but if anybody knows of specific software that implements this just for their own databases, I would love to hear about their experience.

By the way, the reason I'm interested in this is because lots of times I want to share some sort of list, database, or whatever with co-workers and I feel that nothing would be better to keep them in sync than plain old beaming, or eventually bluetoothing (or peer-to-peer wi-fying): truly mobile solutions, with no infrastructure required.

Thanks!

[Pgr]

After 98 views and no answers, I am convinced that no such thing exists.

SO...

Anybody want to pick up the idea? I notice sometimes programmers come into these forums asking for ideas, so here's one...

I believe it could be done without making a big mess out of communications, just a program that could do this:

1- Receive a pdb database transmitted from another handheld through a common interface (bluetooth, wi-fi, infrared).
2- Search the local handlheld for a database with the same name
3- Iterate through the records to synchronize them using standard Palm database record timestamps (consulting the user about records with different updates on both files)
4- Save the synchronized file and offer to send it back to the other handheld.

Possible uses for this:
- synch HandyShopper shopping list with your wife;
- synch a category of your Memos with a co-worker;
- synch your calendar or task list with your assistant;
- etc

[nameuser]

That sounds good man!
Would be very usefull.

[_Em]

Instead of the pdb transfer, someone could also write a wifi/bluetooth hotsync server app for PalmOS with limited conduits -- more complex, but also more useful.

[Greek]

I think that it should work by Sending via IR or BT the CalendarDb-PDat, ContactsDB-PDat, MemosDB-PDat, TasksDB-PDat.

I have restored those datatabes with the device empty and the PIM data came back.

I also "synced" the PIM data from the TX to the Treo by copying these folders in my TX user in the PC: address, datebook, memo, todo.

Then made a HotSync with the Treo (which was empty) and all the PIM data from the TX was correctly read by the Treo.

I then used SyncToy but it worked sometimes, and sometimes it didn't. I now manually change something or beam or send if I create something new. If I make many changes to one of the devices, then I copy the folders from one user to the other and sync the device with older info by setting the HotSync Manager with PC Overwrites Handheld (just to be sure).

Regards,

[Pgr]

I think that it should work by Sending via IR or BT the CalendarDb-PDat, ContactsDB-PDat, MemosDB-PDat, TasksDB-PDat.

I have restored those datatabes with the device empty and the PIM data came back.

I also "synced" the PIM data from the TX to the Treo by copying these folders in my TX user in the PC: address, datebook, memo, todo.

Then made a HotSync with the Treo (which was empty) and all the PIM data from the TX was correctly read by the Treo.

I then used SyncToy but it worked sometimes, and sometimes it didn't. I now manually change something or beam or send if I create something new. If I make many changes to one of the devices, then I copy the folders from one user to the other and sync the device with older info by setting the HotSync Manager with PC Overwrites Handheld (just to be sure).

Regards,
Hhhmm... what you're doing here is database-level synching, and then some manual record-level synching.

What I'm looking for is record-level synching (as occurs between Palm Desktop and the handheld during Hotsync), but from handheld to handlheld. It's a different thing.

[videkatten]

Try RecoX:
http://www.mobilefan.net/Palm-OS.nsf/Download-Free/Enhancement-Recox-V1.4.6-for-Palm-OS-3.0-to-Palm-OS-5.x

[Greek]

Just tried RecoX. Duplicated the Contacts from the TX to my 650 and viceversa, so I got 3 identical entries for each person...

I must add that the process took over 5 minutes and there was no problem with Memos, Datebook or Tasks.

Restored ContactsDB-PDat with NVBackup in the TX (thanks Alex!!! :)). Database got back to normal.

Then I sent the same database with FileZ via BT from the TX to the 650 and it got back to normal too. This is so much faster and straightforward (and reliable). :)

Regards,

[Pgr]

I didn't try RecoX because I don't really have time now... but I'm also not very keen on payed-for software when the last update was in 2004 or something... although RecoX seems to be exactly what I'm looking for...

Greek: I see RecoX has some options (like SimSync) that could be the solution for your failure, in case you care to try it.

Sending the whole database across devices is ok when you own both devices and are pretty sure you updated stuff on one side, and not on the other.

But updating between two different people who worked heavily on their own database needs record-level synchronization (and conflict-handling).