A reader recently asked me a question about synchronizing Palm devices and Macs, and I thought the response might be useful to post.

Z Hahn writes:

Question:

Want to upgrade both cell phone and
palm.

Will Palm Treo 700P work effeciently with my iMac and iBook OSX 10.4.9? without some sort of “bandaid” software.

I have Alltel cell and Palm OS v 5.2.1.

Thanks for your email, Z. The Treo 700P should sync fine with your Mac natively with iSync, but it will require some configuration in the HotSync app that comes with the Treo (or is downloadable via the Palm website).

Essentially, each Palm device is setup to sync with the HotSync software. In the initial configuration of HotSync on your Mac, you have to instruct HotSync that you want iSync to handle the synchronization of your Treo.

This can be done by following the directions here (if you’re using a USB cradle), and here (if you’re syncing wirelessly via Bluetooth).

Of course, if you’re using bluetooth, make sure your iMac is equipped with it, or you should get a USB bluetooth dongle, like the one listed in the column to the right.

I hope that helps. Remember, if you have a question, I’ll try to answer it. Just email me or leave a comment.

Comments from old website:

Palm Treo 650 and iSync
Posted by Anonymous User at 2007-03-27 06:11

I just read your latest post on syncing with palm and iSync. I am running the latest version of iSync 2.4 and OSX4.9. I downloaded the iSync 1.5, firstly it would not install, then after I got it to install there is no isync conduit in the conduit sttings in palm. Short question...is palm still compatible with the latest update to iSync?

Palm Treo 680 -- Syncing and SIM card
Posted by Anonymous User at 2007-05-26 22:30

I just got a Palm Treo 680 and use a MacBook Pro. I want to sync everything betwene the Treo and the Mac. If I use your suggested path, would I lose what numbers I have on my phone SIM card? In otherwords, does the mac sync program overwrite the SIM card, or does it blend the info from the two? Thanks in advance for your help.