I'm currently using an HTC Touch Dual WM 6.1 handset which I've modified heavily (new radio ROM, new device ROM, modified UI etc.). Now, I use this handset in a predominantly business environment and it is with this in mind that I've got a couple of questions for the experts here at AAS.
1) Microsoft exchange compatability - a WM 6.1 handset works perfectly with my corporate exchange server. Every mail, every contact is sync'd and it all works very, very well indeed. I know very little about the Symbian OS (I did have a Psion 5 that I used to death a long time ago, but that was a different story...) so I'm wondering whether I can buy a new N95 8Gb, enter my exchange details and have the phone simply sync all my contacts, calendar and e-mails with the minimum of fuss. Is all the software in the phone? Or is it somethign I need a third party bit of kit to make work?? Like most people my contacts list is way bigger than the 200 that the SIM card can cope with, so I'd have to think of another way to transfer all that data (bluetooth or something similar)
2) Using the N95 as an HSDPA modem with a laptop - again, with a WM device it's a simple case of clicking on internet sharing and, voila, the laptop is now connected to the Internet through the HSPDA / 3G signal. Can I do this with the N95 8Gb? Is it a fairly simple case of cabling up, clicking and connecting??
I'm a fairly advanced user, able to flash and utilise all aspects of my hi-tech gear, so I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty with the N95. But both of these features (exchange sync and HSDPA modem) are really, really important to me and I need to know that they work in a similar way (i.e. as perfectly) as my current handset before I take the plunge and get the N95.
Of course, I may wait a little while and get the N85 with that lovely OLED screen, but the same important issues will still apply.
Cheers
The Exchange sync clients for Symbian S60 are called MailForExchange and Roadsync.
The first is made available for free by Nokia and the second costs about $50. The main difference seems to be (from what I have read) that Roadsync allows you to sync subfolders of your Inbox whereas MFE only allows the Inbox itself to be synced. Some people also find that MFE is heavier on the phone battery.
Both clients will also sync your contacts, calendar, and todo list but MFE does not allow you to send or receive meeting invitations (don't know whether Roadsync is better in this regard). MFE also comes with a program to allow you to look up users on your Exchange global account list in the same way as a Blackberry would.
I use MFE on my N95 against a hosted Exchange account and have no problem with it. I have never tried Roadsync.
The simplest way to install MFE is to go to the "Download" client on your N95 and install it over the air. If you buy a branded handset from Voda etc you might find it isn't in Download in which case go to www.nokiaforbusiness.com (not sure if that url is exactly correct but Google will find it for you), specify your phone type and download from there. You would then use Nokia PC Suite to install the SIS file to your phone.
The simplest way to use your phone as a modem is also to use Nokia PC Suite. It comes with an icon that called Internet Access or some such thing which automates the whole process. I use this quite regularly (despite not being able to remember what it's called) and can attest to it working really well, even on my crappy work laptop.
Good luck with your choice. I made the move from WinMob to S60 2.5 years ago. S60 takes a little getting used to but it was well worth it so far as I am concerned.
keefsloan wrote:
2) Using the N95 as an HSDPA modem with a laptop - again, with a WM device it's a simple case of clicking on internet sharing and, voila, the laptop is now connected to the Internet through the HSPDA / 3G signal. Can I do this with the N95 8Gb? Is it a fairly simple case of cabling up, clicking and connecting??
Yes, it's very easy using all the four possible configurations (BT, IrDA, Wi-Fi and USB cable; note that only the latter two will deliver download speeds over 70 kbyte/s). Please see my dedicated Modem Bible cross-posted to all major boards (including this one); for example, http://forum.xda-developers.com//forum/thread/407563/