Comments on: How to Sync Microsoft Outlook Tasks with iPhone and get Reminders

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:51:55 +0000

Here’s what works for me (and why I run it this way).

Tasks:
I use the ToodleDo sync (Version 0.9.9.6) tool listed above along with the free toodledo service, but paid the few $ for the iPhone app. Although Pocket informant has a task manager as well, I prefer the toodledo app. I’ve also setup a launchy script for adding tasks to toodledo using command line interface via my laptop. As for setting this up, I didn’t do anything special. I’m running XP sp2, Outlook 2003 SP3. My calendar/tasks/emails are stored on a Personal Folders file, locally on the pc. I simply installed the toodledosync tool, and run the manual sync once/day. On the “synchronization” tab, everything is enabled except auto sync and ignore existing completed tasks.

There are actually new versions of the tool that apparently fix some of the issues mentioned here, I just haven’t upgraded because I haven’t had any problems w/ it (don’t fix what isn’t broken).
I would see the help page if you’re having problems: http://www.chromadrake.com/ChromaticDragon/software/ToodledoSyncFaq.aspx

Calendar:
My work calendar is in Outlook, but I have multiple personal calendars that are in Google calendar. Since Outlook 2003 doesn’t support multiple calendars as well as 2007, I use SyncMyCal (outlook plugin) to sync multiple google calendars into “categories” in outlook. That way, my entire calendar (work + personal) is in outlook and google calendar, but I can filter based upon the Outlook categories when I only want to see certain calendars only. If categories weren’t so important, then Google has a sync tool that will bring outlook and gcal together.

Now that the entire calendar is in gcal, regardless of what tool used to get it there, then it’s simple enough to set up pocket informant to sync up w/ gcal. Sounds like alot of steps, but once it is setup it’s seamless. I have complete access to all of my calendars via iPhone, gcal, and Outlook, plus my wife and I can see/edit each others calendar (gcal and iPhone).

Notes:
Onenote on the PC (much preferred over evernote) and Mobilenoter on the iPhone, syncing thru cloud (wi-fi available as well).

By: Marit

Marit — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:45:20 +0000

Can anyone tell me, by using task to call, if the tasks are shown in a seperate agenda or in the same agenda as your appointments?

By: Terry

Terry — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:26:45 +0000

Jeff; are you using the free or paid Toodledo service? I just purchased PI and not happy that the WDS is not working… Can you outine your process for syncing between Outlook and iPhone for us.

Thanks

By: Zig

Zig — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 04:59:54 +0000

Like Ju, I will probably give my iPhone to one of the kids too.
Repeating tasks doesn’t work. They either disappear altogether or duplicate themselves.
Looking at the HTC Touch HD2 which is supposed to be released here on 18th January.

By: Philip

Philip — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:47:27 +0000

I get duplicate tasks constantly.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:04:38 +0000

I’ve had better success w/ keeping my tasks updated w/ the iPhone than with my former windows mobile device. I can enter tasks via Outlook, iphone, or web interface and it all syncs seamlessly. I can even add to my wife’s task list which syncs up to her iPhone. I’ve had no issues using the methods described above, and since it syncs via the cloud I no longer have to fight the USB/bluetooth connection issues I always seemed to have w/ windows mobile.

Toodledo for tasks
Mobilenoter for notes (syncs w/ microsoft Onenote on the pc)
Pocket Informant for the calendar

With these apps, I can keep track of practically everything I need w/ the iPhone.

By: JU

JU — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:47:07 +0000

I love most things with the iphone, but missing a working task manager with good sync to outlook/exchange is so serious that im gonna give it to one of my kids and find another mobile phone.

USB connection to sync would be fine.
Too bad really

By: RG

RG — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:30:18 +0000

It really bothers me that there is not a single app that solves this matter.
I live on these tasks, they are a life saver for those who are Outlook depended and dont use exchange either.

ANYONE?

By: zig

zig — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:02:06 +0000

Sorry I don’t have access to MS Exchange server, so cant help you with that.

The point I was trying to make was that I want to sync tasks direct to Outlook on my PC via USB to avoid paying exhorbitant data charges to my mobile carrier.
It seems Steve Jobs & Co have decided we have no choice but to line the pockets of the Telcos.

By: Stuart Cracraft

Stuart Cracraft — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:00:37 +0000

It’s the rest of the world that’s been living under
the rock except for the Tasks/Todo/Notebook area
of Apple which is under not just a rock but a boulder,
perhaps a moutain. While 3rd party apps exist,
Apple never provided it, in going with their “home
style computer” approach which has held them back
from business acceptance for their MacBook and iPhone,
both immensely superior devices to non-Apple equivalents
on average.