Very cool Ben! I have an old Sun Ultra that I use to run Solaris 10 (which you can also download and install free of charge on your PC). It does not even have USB ports available for syncing, so device syncing is probably out of the question for me (though I have thought of finding ways to rig something up). The Java Desktop System that comes with Sol10 is almost as easy to use as Window's, comes with Office-like apps that are close to the real thing and largely compatible. I can even connect to the shares on my PC through the built-in SMB client. It is amazing how easy it has become to set up and manage a NIX OS. I cringe when I remember the bad old days with no GUI, and all cmd line...

Thanks for the response! I'm looking forward to exploring this OS and learning all I can learn about it.

And at the risk of revealing the full measure of my ignorance, what is a NIX OS? If it's a Linux term I probably don't know it yet =)

it stands for any UNIX based OS. Linux, Solaris, IBM AIX,BSD, MacOSx even.

Ooohhhh....it all makes sense now. Thanks nosredaekim!

Thanks for that excellent article. One of the reasons I haven't dabbled in Linux much is the Windows Mobile issue. Now that I know I can do it, I can go and have a play with it.

Happy linux travels Psionandy! Windows Mobile still has a way to go in Ubuntu but, as I mentioned in the post, I can sync better with Ubuntu than I can with Vista (because I don't have Outlook).

dang, i thought you actually got your smartphone to run Ubuntu, not just sync with it. There was once a project to get Linux on pocketpc's but the page hasn't been updated in ages: http://www.mnementh.co.uk/eseries/

If anyone ever did, I just might start using my Toshiba e830 again.

I was under the impression that you got ubuntu running on your smart phone. Man what a let down :(

Hi, can i just ask, why do you hate "all things apple"? I really dislike criticism without justification. Before you complain that im a maczealot I should say that I use Ubuntu, Win XP (ex-vista) as well as OS X. I use them all daily, and find they all have strengths and weaknesses. If your are criticizing apple because of their culture, then thats just judging a book by its cover.

Ubuntu won't run on a phone unless it's a beast or a beige box with a Nokia taped to it.

This article is great, man, I haven't even bothered trying to get my WM5.0 phone to sync with Ubuntu. I'll give it a shot now that I know someone has!

Doing all you want to do may get easier very soon. Ubuntu is making a mobile version for handhelds.

Just curious as to this relationship between Linux and OS X. Are you confusing this with it's relationship to FreeBSD/nextStep?

Whoa, lot's of comments! Let's do a few responses at a time:

To those of you who said that you were disappointed because you thought that I got Ubuntu working on my phone....sorry =). I guess the graphic (phone + Ubuntu logo) could give one that impression. But as Aaron pointed out, Ubuntu is currently working on a mobile version (take a look here: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MobileAndEmbedded ).

Grant: one word of caution. My Samsung uses WM2003SE...you might have a different experience with WM5.

Brian: Yes I'm talking about its relationship to FreeBSD/nextStep. I was simply referring to the fact that they both originated from Unix.

That's a great write-up, Ben!

I'll reference it from my blog, and, later this week, will give this a spin on my Ubuntu setup on my laptop.

Thanks again.

James: I'll concede that all three OSes have their advantages but I still hate all things Apple.

My original beef with Apple was that they represented a dumbing down of the computer. From the one button mouse to the cartoonish interface, every Apple I saw (not many I admit) looked like a toy. Over time they evolved into prettier machines than most Windows devices, and the sort of people around me who started using them were the sort of people who tended to prefer pretty things over functional things. I always hear people say that those who really know computers have Apples. That's certainly not true of anyone I've met. Without exception, every person I know who uses an Apple knows less about their machine (and computers in general) than an average Windows user. The Apple users I know treat their computers like a magical box and its annoying as hell to discuss anything computer related with them because all they know about computing is that stuff looks pretty and they can click on it.

The second reason I've always disliked Apple is because there has never been a decent selection of software for them (this may have changed, has it?). I belong to that camp of people who believes that it doesn't matter how great your machine or your OS are if there's no software for it. The most recent proof that Apple still doesn't understand that software should be paramount is their decision not to allow third-party apps for their iPhone. I was going to actually give the thing a chance before I heard this. Now, I'm not even going to go look at one. Software is what makes an OS functional. The decision not to allow it for the iPhone is just stupid. But Apple knows that there a million dumba#$%s out there who will just be wowed by its pretiness and who don't need software for it, so long as its pretty.

Third, while you said it was judging a book by its cover, I hate the culture that has sprung up around Apple stuff. When I see those commercials (which are admittedly funny) I just picture a bunch of ignorant dummies who don't know anything about their computers pointing their finger at Windows users and its annoying.

interesting article

Does anyone know how to put Linux on a WinCE device? I used to have a link years ago to be able to do it on my Ipaq but I want all the calendar, notes, etc to work like the windows version.

wm5 is a bitch.. They've changed all the activesync to use rndis and if i remember from when i tried i couldn't get it working in edgy. got it running in the feisty beta once or twice but it was very unstable. May have changed but i've swapped my xda for an n95!

Hi Ben, i'm glad that you at least have valid reasons for disliking mac's. The one button thing has been going on for ages, the reason apple did it was because of research done early on that shown it was much easier for users. if you have ever had to tell someone on the phone how to do something, and your asked if they should press the left or right button 20 times you will start to see why just one can be better!
Granted their are a few idiots who seem to idolize macs but thats because graphic designers use macs. I have found many of my peers and computer science lecturers use macs because it is a brilliant OS, based of open source software and has a decent GUI (even Linus Torvalds has a mac!). As for the lack of applications, its unix! there are thousands of applications! Also if you need windows, there is CrossOver or Parallels (http://www.parallels.com/files/img/site_last/screenshots/desktop/coherence02.png). Also apple have allowed devs to create applications, admittedly ajax apps will be slow and crap, but like anything, they will find a way to make them good!
Anyway, everyones entitled to their opinions, just hope mine at least softened yours about macs!
cheers,
james

James: thanks for your reply. In truth, it's about time that I give Apples another shot...take a fresh view of them. The only problem is that none of my close friends who live around here use them and I'm certainly not going to buy one. How about this: next time I have the opportunity to look at one, I'll give it as openminded a shot as I can.

The only thing I remain absolutely adamant about is the iPhone. If they don't allow third-party apps then I want NOTHING to do with it!

First:
I'd like to know if anyone can get WM5 (or WM6) to reliably sync with Linux. I'm about to embark on that journey again (using Gentoo now, no longer Ubuntu) and I'm not exactly looking forward to it...

Second:
Ben: I used to be a Mac hater through and through and I'm still with you on some of your points, but over the past few years I've softened quite a bit. When OSX first came I my reaction was "It's still a Mac", but over time I began to think it wasn't so bad. Then with their latest MacBook line, I almost bought one. I instead decided on a Dell XPS M1210 (initially running Ubuntu Edgy, never running Windows). My stance now is: Linux Rocks, I don't mind Apple, and I'd prefer not to have to use anything Microsoft - but alas I live in a world where I'm going to have to interact with all three, so I've gotten used to it.

Now if I could get Linux installed on my Cingular 8525, I wouldn't have to worry about syncing nightmares and I'd be all Open Source/Free Software at home!

This looks promising if you use Thunderbird:
http://www.finchsync.com/
and there's even a HOTWO:
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2007/02/26/how-to-sync-your-pocket-pc-with-thunderbird-mobile-minute/

I'll report back if I manage to get FinchSync (or anything else) working.

check http://freecabs.org for downloads

Brandon: Thanks for the remarks and good luck getting WM5 or 6 to work! I'll keep your experience with Apple in mind if I ever get a chance to examine one again.

Lucas: What kind of downloads are you talking about?

I had used linux Ubuntu on my IBM and is considering installing it on my Sony picturebook, which requires a relatively light OS. The Sony Viao pcg-141A uses a special version of windows ME. would it be wise to use it and how do i do it

Ozeed: I've never used Windows ME and so I couldn't tell you how to go about installing it with Ubuntu. I would check the Ubuntu forums for help. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

I think the dual boot is the best start when you're used to windows. I think most people don't mind getting ride of windows.
But for some program there are no good Linux solutions. Another thing that is less user friendly with Linux (ubuntu), is the installation of of programmes that are not listed. When you have to use the terminal to achieve this, it becomes difficult for a starter. Also to find the right information is not easy. A good book about linux can save a lot of time. But beside these small problems I am sorry, I didn't start using Linux sooner.

Every time when windows release a new edition, you need a faster computer and some of your software and/or hardware won't work. The problems from the earlier edition haven't been solved. And when really want to know what has become better, you will find out that its only the marketing.

I don't have a WM5 or WM6 device, but there is a little info available that would show they should work with Linux. Take a look at the synce documentation (the project that is behind all this), particularly this page: http://www.synce.org/index.php/Windows_Mobile_2005_Support

An update: I still have Ubuntu on my laptop (dual boot) but I have switched back to using Vista most of the time. There are several reasons for this:

(1) I need Windows Mobile support. I simply install too many programs to reliably use an OS that doesn't allow me to install WM programs. Also, I have programs on my Windows Mobile device that require a pass through internet connection (rss readers, etc.). Finally, I use True Connect to be able to "move off my screen" and onto my Windows Mobile, which allows me to mess around with my device from my laptop. Until these things are possible in Ubuntu I don't think I'll be able to rely on it for day to day use.

(2) I am a gamer. I play Civilization IV and Galactic Civilizations II all the time as well as a handful of other games. There are plenty of options available on Linux (through DOSBox, Wine, etc.) but nothing that allows me to play Civ IV, etc. yet.

(3) If I'm going to use Ubuntu (or any other distro) I want to get to know it thoroughly. This will require a large chunk of time that I haven't had yet.

@ Ben Stanley.

I've used VirtualBox with my nokia 6680 and it works great. I can use it as a modem, sync it with stuff (admittedly only in the virtual machine) and get files from/to the device. It should also work with your WM.

But be warned, it took me about 5h to get everything working.

Lucian, thanks for the tip! I'll look into it since I still haven't found a solution (and I was looking as recently as yesterday)

I don't think you have much experience with a Mac. How can you say that Windows works if you can't even sync your PDA with it? Macs sync with palm-based PDA's with the built in sync utility and with your Mobile Windows devices using Missing Sync software that is even nicer than using Outlook. Macs are alot more stable and reliable than Windows and many of the apps on Macs do things better and faster than Windows Apps. The only thing that is turning me off to Mac is that Apple is becoming more and more like Microsoft. They are starting to charge for everything. This is what brought me to Linux. And I agree Ubuntu is a sweet OS and has also become my primary OS as well.

Thanks for the comments. You're right I don't have much experience with Macs and you're also right that the inability to sync Windows Mobile devices with Windows Vista is a travesty (I just posted another post about this a few hours ago!). And while I think it's probably true that Macs tend to be more stable than Windows this is less and less true as Windows matures. I have had no stability with Vista and had few with XP. I'm glad we can find some common ground in our liking of Ubuntu!

Like you, I also started using Ubuntu recently and I like the changes that it brings. But like you, I too rely heavily on my PDA running Windows Mobile because my blog is centered around it so I have to use XP most of the time. It would be great if I could move it all to Ubuntu though.

I feel your pain Tariq. Hopefully, someone will find a solution to this problem eventually (one that works better than the existing, too clunky, solution). It seems like Ubuntu favors offering support to PalmOS devices more than Windows Mobile devices. That's unfortunate as well.

Incidentally, a new distro of Ubuntu comes out today (10/18/2007). I wonder if it makes any improvements?

Hi there,

I have also recently installed Ubuntu (and *love* it), but have been trying desperately to work out how to install SynCE and Multisync. Can you give me a quick step-by-step how you did it?

Many thanks,

Paul

Paul,

Actually, I've run into a bit of a problem in this regard. You see, I recently upgraded Ubuntu to 7.10 on my laptop but have completely forgotten how to configure SynCE and MultiSync in the meantime (I tried the other day).

Let me try to figure it out again and I'll post back here in a few days once I figure it out.

Ahhh, I tried to go through the steps again but apparently there are too many partnerships on my device now, which prevents me from going too far in the process.

I won't be able to continue until I can figure out how to delete partnerships from the devices itself...does anyone know how to do this?

Ben,

Ok - plug into a Windows box, let it sync, then select "File", "Delete Mobile Device"

That should 'free up' a connection slot.

Quid-pro-quo: HELP! I cannot get this synce thing to work :( - I'm really new to *nix and don't know a great deal about compiling C code...

Regards,

Paul

Hey Paul,

Sorry to disappoint but I'm using Vista and nothing is displayed when I sync (I think you're thinking of ActiveSync, which isn't used in Vista).

Unfortunately, I won't be able to help you until I figure this problem out =(

Apple was the first to use a GUI besides XEROX, and just so you know, Windows was ripped off of Mac OS.

Ummm...thanks for that very "enlightening" comment...

Hello Ben,

Late to the thread I know but I stumbled across it after looking for something.

Just wondering, now 6 months down the line, are you still using Ubuntu or did you go back to windows?

How are you getting on?

I tried Ubuntu but kept going back to windows. Now at Windows Vista, yes I am one of Microsoft's whores, but I do not mind as I enjoy their products despite being on the whole expensive. I will never be persuaded to use Linux again, I swear. I just wish that windows mobile device centre could finally synch with windows mail and calendar. The Nokia software will do it so there is no reason why that cannot.

Hi Becky,

Better late than never, right?

I need to go back and edit the original post because after initially going back to Windows for a while, I've been consistently using Ubuntu (7.10) for a few months now. I probably boot into Windows once a week.

Everyone is entitled to their preferences and I simply prefer Ubuntu but I don't hate Vista or anything (although it disappointed me in several ways...one of the main one's being the inability to sync problem that you mentioned).

I think I'm at a point now where I can truthfully say that I will never switch back to Windows on a permanent basis. However, having said that, I'm not at the point where I feel comfortable deleting Windows entirely. It still has its uses, and so I'll probably straddle the fence for the foreseeable future.

Thanks for posting.

HI Ben, I am glad you decided to stick with it. It might not be my cup of tea, but I do know that most people when they switch they have a better, more secure OS (common sense needed aswell to kee it secure, like not leaving root login open etc).

I still do have yellow dog linux on my PS3 but that is only for emergencies if I need access and my computer is dead. Hopefully that emergency will never happen But I suppose really I cannot say I will never use it again as one day it may happen :)

If you sync to a fresh MS machine with activesync OR WM - you should see a window asking you to delete a partnership - you can only have two partnerships. Delete a partnership that is not KEY and then you should possibly be able to sync again with evolution. It solves deleting a partnership with your Main System links and your mobile.
I hope this is what you were looking for.
I am excited about this thread as I have been looking for the missing link to my complete change over to UBUNTU! I have been the faithful MS beatch until now and would love to break it off cold turkey - hopefully if my T mobile Wing sync's as well as this thread suggests there will be a ne convert!

Clint, thanks for the comment. I'm visiting family right now and won't be able to test out your suggestion for another week or so. Having said that, I don't recall there being any option to delete a partnership though (even though I know that I have two partnerships because that is the problem!). Whenever I connect my device to my laptop it simply connects without incident (because I've already created a connection with it) I'll report back here after I've been able to test it.

Ubuntu is the best! Good luck getting your T Mobile Wing to sync with it (although I've heard that things are more complicated with WM5 and WM6 as far as syncing goes than they were with WM2003).

I can't get it to work (Qtek with Windows 2003 and Ubuntu 7 something)
Steps are here but I failed miserably. I like Ubuntu, it is not as stable as advertised (I get a lot of 'Force Quits' as applications hang) and I cannot get my Lexmark all in one working as there are no drivers I can find. But I love the idea of 'Open' software and hope they succeed.

Here are the steps to get Multisync working even though it did not work for me:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/PortableDevices/WindowsMobile

I tried downloading multisync, and the download link was corrupt.
Can someone email me a fresh link?
dave [dot] therio [at] gmail [dot] com