Staying Connected and In Sync with a Windows Mobile Smart Phone

As a recent convert from a comparatively ancient Palm OS-based Treo 650 to a Windows Mobile 6-based Samsung i760 phone from Verizon Wireless, I have been exploring software and services that work with my new device.  As a solo appellate practitioner, my practice management needs may differ from larger firms or those with trial court practices, so these suggestions may not apply to your practice.  I have begun using several free applications and services to keep my practice (and life) organized.

I dumped MS Outlook on my primary desktop PC for Mozilla Thunderbird and its Lightning calendar add-on.  I also use Gmail as my primary email program and the free on-line Google Calendar to check my schedule and add/revise appointment when I am away from my home/office.  The free Provider for Google Calendar automatically syncs my Lightning calendar with my Google Calendar.  Changes make in either calendar appear in the other within minutes.  Then I use Zindus (also free) to sync my Thunderbird contacts with my Gmail contacts. 

The final piece of the puzzle is not free, but essential.  I use GooSync to synchronize my Google Calendar and Gmail contacts with my phone.  I now have three ways to access my information (phone, desktop PC, and web from any PC or device).  So far, so good.