So after getting my G1 I found myself, as expected, pretty frustrated that I was unable to sync my contacts and calendar with those on my Mac. I understand Google want people to use their apps but if the mobile networks are to have any chance of selling Android to corporate users a the ‘no sync option’ approach just isn’t going to work.
Mercifully my own issues are at an end thanks to Spanning Sync, a fantastic application which allows Mac users to wirelessly sync their contacts and calendars.
Spanning Sync costs $25 per yearly subscription so it’s hardly a bank buster and, because it’s licensed to the end user and not to a single device, it’s possible to sync any number of computers with your phone. With no need for cables I’m able to sync my G1 with iCal and Address Book on my Mac and iBook.
Another cheap but essential purchase has been this headphone adapter which converts the HTC’s non-standard connector to a standard 3.5mm socket.
Freed from suffering the dreadful headphones which came in the box I’m finally able to use the phone as an MP3 player and leave the iPod at home.
My final G1 essential is the Telegraph newspaper’s application which can be downloaded from the Android Market. Better than browsing the web for news, this app provides a well designed interface which really makes the most of the G1’s screen and functionality.
It’s great to see a UK media company so enthusiastically embracing an emerging technology and I suspect it won’t be long before other news providers copy the Telegraph’s efforts.
