There will continue to be a market for desktop sync software, even in the days of mobile cloud computing that are being ushered in by likes of Palm and webOS.

Count me in.  Call me paranoid, but I still use a desktop mail client on a day to day basis, primarily for archival purposes. Sure, Google and Palm both have massive server farms, and much of my important PIM data is backed up into the cloud automatically every night. The thing is, I really like having an offline backup of everything, because as we’ve seen in the last few months, some of the big players in cloud computing aren’t exactly impervious to losing our data.  And it's not like everyone want's all of their PIM data in the cloud. 

Mark/Space’s The Missing Sync is one such program that caters to the “I’d like to sync to my desktop” crowd, allowing for the synchronization of your contacts and calendars to various desktop mail clients on both the Pre and the Pixi, in addition to media like music, videos, and more. 

Installation and Setup: 

Installation

The program comes in two parts: the Missing Sync webOS app, which is downloaded from the App Catalog, and the desktop program, which is downloaded from the Mark/Space website. The initial installation and configuration process takes 10 to 15 minutes, and the process is straight forward.

Setup

After you've installed the two parts of the app, you're ready to set what gets synchronized.  Configuration options are located in corresponding tabs and yield a drop down menu; select which playlists for media sync, which folders for folder sync, etc.  Those who have used the BlackBerry Desktop Manager or any similar desktop sync program should feel at home here.

 Features and Use:

There are 8 distinct synchronization categories in The Missing Sync:

Contacts

 

This is where The Missing Sync really shines. One of my favorite features here is Proximity Sync, which is a feature that allows the Pre to automatically sync contact information via WiFi when on a preferred wireless network.  It's nice not having to toy around with the USB door every time I want to sync my contacts, and it's nice to know that I won't forget.  Pixi users aren't so lucky, as the newest webOS handset currently lacks a WiFi radio.

 

 

The program creates a new profile, which can be set as your default if you’d like all new contacts to be automatically synchronized. I did notice an oddity created by this:  through various upgrades over the years, some of my contacts have been backed up to Google and Outlook, and have subsequently made their way into my Palm Profile.  When The Missing Sync brought the contacts stored in Outlook over to my device, Synergy failed to link the duplicates, leaving me with some 216 duplicate entries that needed to be linked together by hand.

Calendar

The way Mark/Space chose to implement calendar sync is unfortunate (but I suspect unfortunately necessary given the limitations of webOS); instead of a true two-way sync of calendar data saved to The Missing Sync's profile, the program overwrites any of that calendar on the phone with whatever information your desktop mail client has, making this feature nearly useless.  A smarter (and free) alternative is a plug-in offered by Google that allows two way sync between Outlook (or your desktop email client of choice) and your Google Calendar.

Bookmarks

(Safari only on Mac, IE only on Windows): This feature, allows you to import bookmarks from your browser. It only appears to support exporting bookmarks from Internet Explorer in the Windows version, so Firefox/Opera/Netscape 2.0 users will have to go through the process of exporting your calendars to IE, and then to your device.  

Folder Sync

A smart feature enabling you to easily transfer PDF’s, Word documents and more without having to manually perform a drag and drop to and from the USB drive. This feature will be made infinitely more useful when proper document editing software finally starts to make its way to webOS (we’re looking at you, Docs To Go).  Configuration is simple, simply set which  folder (or a series of folders) you want to automatically sync its contents when you connect your webOS device to your computer.

Picture Sync

Like Folder Sync, allows configuration of both individual files and folders to sync automatically over USB.

Video Sync

Video Sync allows you to drag and drop files for transfer to your phone, and will convert video files that are not compatible with the media player in webOS to ones that are.  The feature works well, at least in theory.  I was unable to actually transfer or re-encode any files for transfer in my testing, getting only a series of non-descript error messages. 

 

Music Sync:  

The music sync feature works as it does in other programs of this type. You select the playlists you’ve created in your music program of choice (either Windows Media Player or iTunes) and sync away. 

Ringtone Sync

The Missing Sync comes preloaded with 12 ringtones that aren't terrible, and can synchronize them directly to the ringtone directory on the phone.  Unlike GoGadget, The Missing Sync does not come with a waveform editor, making this feature rather redundant as you can just as easily select music from the library on the phone for use as a ring tone.

Those looking to increase the utility of this feature, can use Audacity, a free and cross platform sound editor that allows you to chop songs up to your hearts desire to create ringtones.

Conclusion

Having a program that automatically backs contacts up at set intervals over WiFi so I don't have to mess around with cables or worry about forgetting to sync almost justifies the $39.95 price tag. If Mark/Space sold a version of The Missing Sync that just synchronized contacts and calendars, I’d recommend it in a heartbeat.  

As it stands, the problematic calendar sync, coupled with the suite of media sync options that aren't much better both in terms of elegance and than the likes of DoubleTwist and MediaMonkey (and sometimes even iTunes), make The Missing Sync a tough sell and difficult to recommend to anyone other than the most ardent desktop-sync only type of user. Then again, if you're that person (or you find an all-in-one sync app compelling), The Missing Sync does the job.

 

The disc is designed for clean installation. Can not update from previous versions of Windows. Being tested for authenticity and updates on Microsoft Update. Key sewn into the image but if you need it - it is in the archive. It contains all updates through December 2009. The image has been tested many times without errors. On Internet Explorer 6 (use it to download Firefox, Opera, Safari, Chrome, etc.)

Windows supports all languages and all the keyboard layout, any mui can be installed!
I have integrated a few new driver packs this time. I kept all the Sata, Raid, & Mass Storage Drivers from before, but also added Chipset, Lan, and WLan drivers.
This is why it is slightly larger in size than the previous releases. I did this because of people previously having such a hard time finding correct network drivers.
This way they are now able to connect to the internet and download all the other necessary drivers themselves. You will still probably need to install other drivers
yourself. Graphics, Sound, Printer, Etc. Unfortunately, the newest driver packs leave behind a little garbage on the main hard drive (Usually C: Drive). You can
safely delete everything EXCEPT WINDOWS, Program Files, & Documents and Settings.

Updates currently work fine and this also currently passes WGA. As a preventative measure, I've also
included Office and Windows WGA Cracks which are in a folder called "TJ" on the disc in case they start blocking the serial number included.
You don't need to use these unless you can't get updates, or this is no longer passing WGA.

This is set to automatically log you in each time you start up. If you want to be prompted for a username and password
please see the "TJ" folder on the disc. It contains a registry patch that you can run to have it prompt for username and password again.
This folder on the disc also contains numerous other little tweak applications, registry patches, WGA Cracks & More.
Please look at it before asking questions.

In the "TJ" folder on the disc, in the folder called "Registry", you will see another folder called "Save_Icon_Layout". Whenever I install
new graphics drivers my icons on my desktop get out of place. This little DLL and Reg Patch will help with saving/restoring your Desktop Icon Layout.
To Install It: Extract the "LAYOUT.DLL" filder to "Drive:Windowssystem32" folder. Then double click the Reg Patch to apply it.
Now it should show up as an option when you right click on your My Computer Icon.

I have removed the original Net Framework that ships with XP. It's super old and outdated.
You can still download and use a newer version however. Just download the latest version from Microsoft.com or Windows Update.

The Following has been Removed From This OS...

Applications:
Briefcase
Games
Internet Games
Pinball
Screensavers

Drivers:
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
Display Adapters
IBM PS/2 TrackPoint
IBM ThinkPad
ISDN
Logitech WingMan
Microsoft SideWinder
Modems
Multifunctional
Printers
Scanners
Serial Pen Tablet
Sony Jog Dial
Tape drives
Toshiba DVD decoder card

Hardware Support:
ATM Support
Brother Devices
Gravis Digital GamePort
Iomega Zip drive
Multi-port serial adapters
Ramdisk
Windows CE USB Host

Multimedia:
AOL ART Image Format Support
Images and Backgrounds
Intel Indeo codecs
Media Center
Mouse Cursors
Movie Maker
Music Samples
Old CDPlayer and Sound Recorder
Tablet PC
Windows Media Player
Windows Sounds

Network:
Client for Netware Networks
Communication tools
Comtrol Test Terminal Program
Connection Manager
FrontPage Extensions
H323 MSP
Internet Connection Wizard
Internet Information Services
IP Conferencing
MSN Explorer
Netmeeting
NetShell Cmd-Tool
Network Diagnostic
Peer-to-Peer (Has Nothing To Do With Torrents, XDCC, UseNet, Gnutella, LimeWire, Etc)
Share Creation Wizard
Synchronization Manager
TAPI Application Support
Vector Graphics Rendering
Web Folders
Windows Messenger

Operating System Options:
NET Framework
Blaster/Nachi removal tool
Color Schemes
Desktop Cleanup Wizard
Document Templates
DR Watson
FAT to NTFS converter
File and Settings Wizard
File System Encryption
Help and Support
IExpress Wizard
Manual Install and Upgrade
MS Agent
MS XML 2.0
Out of Box Experience
Private Character Editor
Remote Installation Services
Search Assistant
Security Center
Service Pack Messages
Symbolic Debugger
Tour
Web View

Services:
Application Layer Gateway
Error Reporting
Indexing Service
Messenger
Network DDE
Remote Registry
Removable Storage
Route Listening Service
RPC Locator
Service Advertising Protocol
Simple TCP/IP Services
Telnet

Directories:
DOCS
SUPPORT
VALUEADD

I have disabled and deleted the Classic Windows XP Install Screens with the info about XP and the blue Background.
You will just see a black background now and the install will look similar to 2000. This saves Space and gives more
info while installing.

The Minimum HD and RAM Requirements have been lifted. You can try and install this on whatever machine you like now.
High ISO Compression has been enabled to save space.

Patches:
TCP/IP Half-Open Connections = Unlimited (Default 10)
UXTheme Patch (Allows Unsigned Themes to be applied to XP)
Windows System File Checker Disabled (SFC)

Tweaks:
Boot and Shutdown-Auto-End tasks immediately
Boot and Shutdown-Auto-Kill hung applications immediately
Boot and Shutdown-Auto-Kill hung services immediately
Boot and Shutdown-Ctrl-Alt-Del at logon-Disabled
Boot and Shutdown-Logon Page-Classic
Boot and Shutdown-Setup Prefetch-Cache-Applaunch and Boot enabled
Boot and Shutdown-Status Messages-Extended
Desktop-Desktop icons size-32
Desktop-Internet Explorer icon-Hide
Desktop-My Computer icon-Show
Desktop-My Documents icon-Show
Desktop-My Network Places icon-Hide
Desktop-Recycle Bin icon-Show
Explorer-Add (un)register libraries in Context Menu
Explorer-Add 'Command Prompt' to folder context menu
Explorer-Advanced Search: preconfigure options
Explorer-Associate additional file types with Notepad
Explorer-Change Windows Explorer folder view-Details
Explorer-Classic Control Panel
Explorer-Disable Accessibility keyboard shortcuts
Explorer-Disable Autorun
Explorer-Disable Prefix: Shortcut to
Explorer-Disable shortcut arrow
Explorer-Disable Web Files and Folders connection
Explorer-Display the contents of system folders
Explorer-Launch folder windows in a separate process
Explorer-Show Drive Letters in front of Drive Names
Explorer-Show extensions of known file-types
Explorer-Show hidden files and folders
Explorer-Show Map Network Drives buttons in Explorer bar
Explorer-Show Statusbar in all windows
Explorer-Show the full path in the Address Bar
Explorer-Show the full path in the Title Bar
Explorer-Use small icons in Explorer bar
Internet Explorer-Disable information bar when popup is blocked
Internet Explorer-Disable Market Place bookmark
Internet Explorer-Disable Media Player 6.4 created bookmarks
Internet Explorer-Disable Outlook Express link creation
Internet Explorer-Disable Password-Caching
Internet Explorer-Disable sound when popup is blocked
Internet Explorer-Enable Google URL-Search
Internet Explorer-Keep IE URL-History for-0 Days
Internet Explorer-Set Homepage-www.google.com
Internet Explorer-Set Internet Explorer to accept 10 connects at a time
Internet Explorer-Set popup-blocker to high
My Computer-Add Administrative Tools
My Computer-Add Control Panel
My Computer-Add Control Panel to Context Menu
My Computer-Add Device Manager to Context Menu
My Computer-Add Drive Cleanup to Context Menu
My Computer-Add Event Viewer to Context Menu
My Computer-Add My Network Places
My Computer-Add Network Connections
My Computer-Add Registry Editor to Context Menu
My Computer-Add Scheduled Tasks
Network-Allow receiving Remote Assistance-Disable
Network-Disable restoring mapped network drives on logon
Performance-Disable Info Tips on Files and Folders
Performance-Disable Last accessed Timestamp on files
Performance-Disable Optimize harddisk when idle
Performance-Disable Tracking of Broken Shortcut Links
Performance-Disable WBEM logging
Performance-Do not cache thumbnails
Performance-Run 16-bit Windows applications in a separate process
Performance-Use Windows classic folders / No Tasks Sidepanel
Privacy-Disable Driver Update Internet prompt
Privacy-Disable File MRU-List
Privacy-Remove Alexa
Security-Always show Updates under Software
Security-Disable DCOM
Security-Disable Web Open With prompt
Security-Re-Enable user:pass URLs
Start Menu-Add Administrative Tools menu
Start Menu-Clear most recently opened documents list on logoff
Start Menu-Control Panel-Display as a menu
Start Menu-Disable and remove Documents list from the Start Menu
Start Menu-Disable Highlight newly installed programs
Start Menu-Do not use Personalized Menus
Start Menu-My Computer-Display as a menu
Start Menu-My Documents-Display as a menu
Start Menu-My Music-Don't display this item
Start Menu-My Network Places-Don't display this item
Start Menu-My Pictures-Don't display this item
Start Menu-Network Connections-Display as Connect to menu
Start Menu-Printers and Faxes-Display as a menu
Start Menu-Reduce popup delay
Start Menu-Remove Search For People from Search
Start Menu-Remove Search the Internet from Search
Start Menu-Remove Set Program Access and Defaults
Start Menu-Remove Windows Catalog shortcut
Start Menu-Scroll Programs
Start Menu-Use small icons in Start Panel
Taskbar-Disable Balloon Tips
Taskbar-Disable Group similar Taskbar buttons
Taskbar-Disable Hide inactive icons
Taskbar-Disable Language-Bar
Taskbar-Hide Volume Control Icon in System Tray
Taskbar-Lock the Taskbar-Yes
Visual Effects-Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing-Disable
Visual Effects-Combo box animation-Disable
Visual Effects-Cursor shadow-Disable
Visual Effects-Display mouse pointer trails-Disable
Visual Effects-Fade out selection-Disable
Visual Effects-Gradient captions in windows-Disable
Visual Effects-Keyboard shortcut underline-Enable
Visual Effects-Menu animation-Disable
Visual Effects-Menu shadows-Disable
Visual Effects-Menu style-Flat
Visual Effects-Show translucent selection rectangle-Disable
Visual Effects-Show window contents while dragging-Disable
Visual Effects-Slide taskbar buttons-Disable
Visual Effects-Smooth edges of screen fonts-Clear Type
Visual Effects-Smooth-scroll list boxes-Disable
Visual Effects-Tooltip animation-Disable
Visual Effects-Use a background image for each folder type-Disable
Visual Effects-Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop-Disable

Additional Features:
VLK Serial Number
Firewall Disabled (Can be re-enabled)
System Restore Service Disabled (Can be re-enabled)
Automatic Updates Disabled (Can be re-enabled)
Default Theme Set on Classic (Can Change to Luna Which is Still Included)

Install Notes:
1. Unrar the Archive(s) using WinRAR or 7Zip. This will produce an ISO file.
2. Burn the ISO using a program such as IMGBurn, Nero, Alcohol 120, Blindwrite, ect... (Burn at a slow Speed to ensure no errors, 1x-4x)
3. Change Bios Priority settings so it boots from the CD-ROM Drive First. (You may be able to skip this step)
4. Insert Disc and Reboot PC, Follow the on screen prompts and enjoy.

Notes:
If you are getting errors while copying files. It's your CD, not the release. Try burning it to different brand of cd/media and try burning at the slowest speed possible.
I just tested this in VMWare and it works flawless. You should get between 16-19 Processes and under 100mb of ram usage when using the computer initially. Everything you install/use will obviously increase this, however its the leanest XP Copy around.

Change Log:
December 2009 Release
-Updated Through December 2009
-Added More Stuff To TJ Folder On Disc
-Added Latest DirectX Files
-Integrated New Chipset, Lan, WLan, & Mass Storage Drivers
-Numerous Other Small Updates/Fixes
-Probably More, But I Can't Remember Them All