The cloud is awesome but I still want desktop sync also. When I upgraded my iPhone from first gen to 3G, the first thing I did was enter my MobileMe account and within seconds, I had my contacts and calendar in the phone. This was before pulling out of the parking space.

Desktop sync is useful for saving system settings, icon placement and application settings.

In a perfect world, it takes both.

Tank

3rd party apps will most likely take care of this for people who care. Google was smart, they didn't spend time and money developing apps that someone else would have more of an economic incentive to develop after the fact.

nickexperience

The cloud is great. Nothing wrong with a good cloud. But Google's "no one can see your data (except us)" cloud is totally bogus.

tucker

I would prefer desktop sync. However, I find that it is not all that hard to sync data to your phone.

If I need to move my MP3s, I can use the USB media card reader and transfer it that way.

If I want to transfer my cellphone numbers, I will use the desktop sync software that I have for my current phone, export it to a .csv format, and then import it to my Gmail account.

I don't use Google Calendar, but I would assume it has some sort of import function.

With the exception of MP3s, it's the same number of steps.

I created a new Gmail account specifically for my G1 when it comes in. I'm forwarding the emails to my main account (I don't care to receive my emails to my phone, it's one of the reasons why I hate my work blackberry). This is so that I can divide my cellphone contacts from my email contacts, and to protect my primary account in case I lose my phone.

Shook-Yang

@Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another du...: Hey! You! get offa my cloud!

hakubak

I'm ok with the cloud, as long as it's my cloud.

Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude

I prefer not to use T-Mobile.

Daytodaz3

I'd prefer desktop, for the feeling of control. Not that there actually is that much more control, but still. But I guess some developer will come up with an app, that's why it's open source (plus: imagine how many apps that turn your phone into a flashlight android's going to have!)

I wish people would stop comparing it to the iphone, though (and 'people' includes T-Mobile in this case).

str88f

Well I would like to as least have the option to desk sync.

Tweak

I'm too reliant on syncing my phone with Exchange. I'm going with that.

ripfire

How is this supposed to compete with the iphone if you can't even sync anything with your computer!

gamecrazychris

its the 21st century!!!! cloud computing FTW!!!

citizen024

I think it'd be nice to have, but it's no where near that much of a big deal to me. I keep most of my contacts in the cloud anyways. It's just easier to move around multiple computers with that.

.endejas.

Desktop of course. Just like a baby needing its mommy.

Earthslide

The combination of the cloud AND the desktop are the best of both worlds. But if I had to choose one I would prefer the cloud.

Mayor McRib

Honestly, Google has provided a platform with backing that is the closest thing to an "open" phone platform to date. It isn't meant to be perfect, or polished, or shiny. It's meant to work, provide you with a modicum of flexibility, and be an alternative to the iPhone or Palm OS or Windows CE.

They want others to do the work of pushing the platform they have provided.

I applaud the effort, and the fact that they are able to tie things in. However, google is in this to make money. Not to make the world better without making money. Making money comes first, their charity work is a second. Google is about page views, ad revenue, and getting you locked in using their products.

Apple wants to do the same, and so does Microsoft.

Xavoc

Lack of features is always bad, it can please a wider public. However, in my case, i don't think it would be too big of a hassle.

joandrade

If my old Nokia or Motorla dumb phone can sync to my computer then why can't this? On the other hand, specifically to do with contacts, most people DO NOT save to sim or back up to a computer, so this would work help. But then again, what is the average consumer doing with a smart phone?

pure241

Cloud computing is fine with me. I think the ppl who really have a prob with this are the fake 007 wannabes who need all there private email locked down. lol

Jrperiod

It wouldnt hurt to have a desktop syncing available. Doesnt mean we have to use it but I think it should be there.

pdditty

My phone doesn't have desktop sync and I have no problem getting music onto it, that's the point of the microSD card. Everything else can just be synced through Gmail.

cardboredbox

@Mayor McRib: @Xavoc:
I think they are making too much fanfare out of "the cloud".

What is The cloud?... just a big repository for your contacts, blog and pictures? Big deal.
Google, Microsoft, Skype and just about anybody has some sort of a contact list.
If anything, Microsoft is ahead with the Live Messenger account, because it ties your AIM contacts (cloud) with Windows Mail contacts (desktop) while IE ties all together with the live toolbar.
But MS Live is only good to a centain degree. Unless you create and put a contact in Live, you do not get it tied to WinMail and viceversa.
And no current WiMobile phone actually sync's to WinMail... only MS Outlook.
MS might think that Non-business users do not need to sync, I guess.

Anyhow, Android (or any other phone platform for that matter) need to sync to both, desktop clients and web contacts to succeed.
At this point in time, you cannot succeed in the game if you do not tackle consumer oriented products that also work for corporate.
(see Apple finally jumping on the exchage bandwagon)
Nobody carries around 2 phones, one for business and one for work....it just doesn't happen.

On the other hand Google should be careful how to manage the accounts. No serious business will use gmail.com for email.
I see every saleman with a hotmail, gmail or aol account as a smuck working for a company that does not care enough to have it's own domain.

For a platform to be adopted widely it needs to tackle all fronts at once, even if it's open source.

aec007

why not do both?

xxdesmus

Since my wife is too cheap (and me by proxy) to pay for a $30 data plan, desktop sync is my only option. I use outlook exclusively to manage contacts and calendar, so for me, no sync is tres bad.

Geisrud

Desktop sync please.

OGHowie

I got the iPhone, and I will NEVER sign up for T-Mobile.

MadMacs

Wifi Syncing will come asap. No worries imo.

Minotaar

I'm on T-Mobile using an MDA (HTC Wizard). I want 3G. I will not get this Google phone as all my e-mail, calendaring and contacts are in our corporate Exchange account.

T-Mobile better find a good Windows Mobile 6.1 touch-screen, slide-out QWERTY, 3G model by the end of the year or I'm changing providers. HTC Touch Pro would be nice :) - that HD version looks awesome if it ever supports our US frequencies.

I've been patiently waiting for 3G on T-Mobile and now they're off on this stupid Google tangent...

OCGuy

@hakubak: Hey, McCloud, get outta my ewe!

LesterGaze

@ripfire:

Exactly. I don't mind syncing over the internet but I need my phone to sync with exchange.

EarlNowak

Its bad. For anyone that may have been considering switching from WM, it will be a huge turn-off.

JHB8000

I like Pudding in a Cloud :D

But seriously I haven't sync'd my MDA to a computer in Months. It hasn't hurt me one bit..

Truth Bringer :D

I have no problems with the cloud approach so far.. but my answer is number 4: I'm not falling for this degrading anti-campaign Gizmodo is obviously making against Google Android.

Give it sometime to be in it's best shape, I say. Wait for the platform to get stable, and some more reviews.

o/

Bokusatsu_Tenshi

I have MobileMe and I love the Cloud Approach. Everything Google is doing on Android is what you pay $100 annually for on the iPhone, I have already figured out how to sync all of that info from my Mac to Google. I'm looking forward to it.

PatriciaAlcathous

I currently use Windows Mobile and almost never sync with my computer. I use Exchange, and I backup to microSD card. I really have virtually no reason to sync with my computer. If it weren't for the lack of Exchange support, the Android OS would be perfectly fine for my needs.

TurboFool

@kevininstereo:

Your data is already in two places. Your phone and the cloud.

If you want an additional backup, you can export your contacts to a csv file and your email to a IMAP client

glucoseboy

Syncing the iPhone 3G is like scraping the inside of my mouth with a serrated knife coated in ammonia and salt. So I'm willing to bet not syncing could be fine.

cobaltage

The only disadvantage of the "cloud" is possibly losing your information. If in the hands of google, there's no guaranty of your data being there. In a sync fashion your data is always in two places for the most part, on your phone and computer. Redundancy is good.

kevininstereo

People are slaves to microsoft. I personally try to uninstall ActiveSync but apparently its required to access the phone as a media card. I have no use for the exchange sync'ing since I don't use outlook (I use gmail).. I think the cloud idea is the way to go and the way i've been trying to make my WinMo phone work. If they really want a desk app, just make one.

DssTrainer

I have over 200 contacts in my Outlook, with many of them being confidential contacts that I would not be comfortable with them being in the "cloud". Who's to say that Google will not have a data breach at some point and everybody's information gets stolen? With my Windows Mobile I can at least remotely wipe the device if it does get lost or stolen.

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea behind Android/G1, but I feel that the security is to lax and don't like how Google wants to store all of your information.

aztalon

@cardboredbox:
I have to say the MicroSD card is a awesome feature. You own a 8gb iphone, but now you want the 16gb. Tough luck. But with a MicroSD as long as SD remains viable, they keep cramming more data on those things. And they are much cheaper than a new phone.

Desktop Sync is probably the thing I hate most about portable electronics. Itunes has always been this horrid beast with my Ipod, because if i want to change my music i have to do it at the one computer.

With "cloud" computing, every computer becomes a dumb terminal, and my data is always available.

With our computers constantly connected through cable modems, most of our data would probably be safer on Google's computers, than on mine.

glipz

Lack of desktop app (I really want/need to own my data, and not have it somewhere I have no control over it) is Yet Another Kiss Of Death for G1.

I mean, c'mon, can't we have open standards for calendars, contact databases, etc, and keep our own data as secure as we like, and transmogrify it to Tomorrows Golden Standard?

My wife and I still have data from our (Palm) Pilot Professional devices that's followed us to this very day. And we own the data!

wpns

Sorry for the incoherence. Don't drink beer at the airport......

djmicheli

If you ae going to use this then you shouldn't let go the Big GOOGLE concerns. Desk top synch should be dead tech.

djmicheli

I don't see what the big deal is. You can sync Google's apps with your desktop anyway. Sync your phone with the cloud and sync everything else with your desktop apps. Simple, it does both. Imagine that.

I prefer the cloud approach. Sure, it takes trust in Google, but I trust them enough that my email account is through Google, along with my personal calendar and email contacts.

The only thing I use Exchange for is my work address. I don't care about push Exchange mail on it. I assume OWA will work. And besides... I'm one of the few with a separate phone for work (it's a huge crappy Nextel that I only carry around when I'm at work).

RunawayJim

I guess its the same as any cloud - mobile me, or anything that you cant directly save. The question is, how do you get the stuff into the cloud in the first place? Magic? I would opt for exchange, say from, mail2web.com.

Stacky Botrus

It should be there i think, it always better to have options, but hey, somebody is problably going to write something for it, so let's just move on!!!!

My only concern about the G1 is really, the lack of a standard headphone jack... that's really bad, but anyway new models will come, from other companies with problably other target market.

yasudevil

cloudsync is what's to come. No need to spend the time to sync and you always have the info on line. So that one day you forget your phone at home you can still get your contact list.

However if you still like to use that old Off-Line junk then I am sure there will be an app before to long.

JackMatt

@cardboredbox: The issue isn't really music syncing. It's contact, email and calendar syncing. I personally use both approaches, have my contacts and calendar stored locally and in the cloud - only ever use the cloud when I lose the data at home.

poedgirl

First off, it's going to come down to where is the MicroSD card located? If it's like some phones where it's stuck under the battery, then desktop sync would be really important.

I'm okay with having it automatically sync with the cloud. Google already has a desktop app that will sync between their calendar and Outlook, so that takes care of having it updated on your computer.

I think the only thing a device sync would be helpful for is the Amazon MP3 tracks you might purchase on the phone. I don't want to have to pop the card out just so I can move those tracks from the phone to my computer. Maybe Amazon will come out with a piece of software that will sync the phone to our music libraries.

qmuser

I'd be completely happy with the cloud approach, if said cloud had a more robust contacts system. Right now I use OggSync to get my Google Apps calendar to my WM phone, but because Google's contacts abilities are all 1997, I manually enter duplicate contacts in the cloud and in my pants. Er, my phone in my pants.

txpunk

@aec007: I find it funny that you mention that nobody carries around 2 phones, because I thought the same until I spent the summer in London, England (I'm a Cannuck on regular days). A lot of people had 2 mobiles, often used simultaneously. I even saw someone pull music up from one phone to play it through the mic of his other phone.

My point, people do carry 2 phones. It's just uncommon in North America because of cellphone locking.

hindrim

As it is now, the cloud part of Android is still in "beta". Is Google going to keep the "cloud" part of Android in Beta after release? If they do, will that leave them a way out if they lose/close somebody's account (as they have been known to do)? They can just blame it on being a beta product?

aztalon

I live and usually work too far from urban areas for data service. But, even if I wasn't too far out, I don't want to buy a phone that has the hardware capability to send data directly to my laptop and be told I don't get to do that - instead I have to pay my phone service provider to show my data to Google first.

JBanister

ever since I started using windows mobile 6.1 I don't ever sync with my desktop. I plug it in to write to the microSD card but that is only because I am too lazy to pull out my microSD adapter.

rothgar

I choosed for other cause nothing says that the google synching app will be home-calling free
so i prefer an open-source and it must be freeware too
can't vista doing anything about with it's builtin synching app

TBM-Fan

My thoughts on syncing: [tnkgrl.wordpress.com]

tnkgrl

Wait until the thing crashes for the 3rd time. Restoring everything is going to be very frustrating to many users. I don't see why they don't just give the option to sync. At least iTunes makes a backup of your iPhone during sync so you can restore everything back to it's original state if it crashes. I am just waiting to hear from the first G1 user that crashes the OS and has to restore it. Good luck..

KelseyCretheus

How can you have a cloud if you can't even sync with Google docs or have a full blown browser? I find the memory card to be a pain if you need a USB adapter to add music or data, so the only thing we can do is rely on the dev community to expand where Google left off.

CaseyCachondo

Since Google's plan is to have everything stored on a main server while having devices access this storage point, it would make sense that nothing is synced between devices themselves.

SwatiHoddie

I think that it is time we start thinking of the desktop as the center of our email and contact universe. Better to have the cloud be the center, and both the mobile device and the desktop be endpoints to synchronize. Now, if Google will fast track desktop synchronization of contacts, we'll be set.

OthelloMokap

I am going to have to agree with ripfire. Add a contact on your phone = added to your Exchange account and vice versa, without ever having to plug anything in anywhere.

Thoth74

How about both? More options is always better. (probably will happen quite soon).

stopcrazypp

I have never trusted Google to act in any way with the privacy of users' accounts in mind. I have written them to note that their 'user info' is a real corporate asset that would be certainly the main asset as a potential buyer considers owning the company! Google's replies were always vague and non-committing. Therefore, I shall forget about this phone until I know that ALL my data can be backed up to my own pc. Period. "trust google" ???? Sure, when Google really commits to respecting our privacy rights! j.a., md

KilianThersander

It doesn't matter. Who thought the 'Google' phone wouldn't be integrated? There are many other/better phones out there that sync on the desktop. Why worry about this one that was built from the 'get-go' to be Google integrated? I don't get it.

LorenzoHastings