Using a single computer with all my files in it has done wonders to my productivity. As soon as I get home, I configure the Macbook into a Desktop Replacement. However, I have always been annoyed with having to transfer files from the Macbook to my Desktop for files that need to be printed or synchronized. And while waiting to print, with some time to kill, I cannot even check my emails from the desktop since these will not appear in my everyday laptop.
Of late, I found myself working with 3 separate computers. Since we started the ASEAN Ministers Meeting preparations five days ago, I found myself just tugging along the LE1600. I must say that I am truly enjoying once again the benefits of a Tablet PC which I have enumerated here. The Macbook tethered to a printer and a Samsung 226BW 22" LCD monitor is left in my hotel room at the Makati Shangri-La.
If synchronizing 2 computers have always been a pain for me, doing so for 3 computers must be terribly confusing?
Enter Folder Share. I have been using this free software during my Windows only days and did not know that I could now also use it for the Mac OS X. Yes, I now use this invaluable software to sync Outlook files and my POWERDOCS folder between my Desktop and the Macbook.
I had to install the client software in the Desktop, in the XP side of the Macbook (to be able to synch Outlook PST files), and in Mac OS X (to sync the POWERDOCS folders between the Desktop and the Macbook). With this setup, the FolderShare Online control panel shows 3 devices as file source. The LE1600 is shown grayed out because it is currently offline.
Setting up FolderShare this way is pretty straight forward except for the Outlook synchronization which requires some digging in order to locate the Outlook folders to sync. Here is how to do it:
- You must first select show hidden files. Click START, Go to Control Panel, Folders Option, click the VIEW Tab, and then select Show Hidden Files.
- Then locate where the Outlook PST files reside. These should be in C:/Documents and Settings/Administrator/Local Settings/Application Data/Microsoft/Outlook.
- This is the folder that you want FolderShare to synchronize across multiple computers.
I recently configured the Macbook, the LE1600, and the Desktop in this manner. I can check my emails and work on any POWERDOCS file on any of the 3 computers, and provided that I have internet connection on at least 2, the files will be synchronized. For the last 5 days, I have worked exclusively in the LE1600 and find all the files already synchronized with the Macbook as soon as I reach the hotel room. Using the Access My Files link in FolderShare, I also confirmed that these files have all been synchronized as well with my desktop at home.
It is very liberating to feel that no matter which computer I grab each day I will have all the data I might need. There are other sync solutions out there but I believe the ability to use FolderShare no matter where the computers may be is the only solution for me at this time. I have experienced no performance hits or other negative side effects of using FolderShare since I started using it last year. But that was before the Macbook invaded the Technocop Command Center.
Hmmn, I will give this solution another week before deciding if it is time to bid farewell to the pigpogPDA.
Here is an in-depth review of folder share from PCMAG.
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