True Connect SMS Integration with Outlook

Although I'm an old timer in the world of Pocket PCs, one of the reasons I still enjoy them so much is the Cool Factor. Doesn't matter if it is hardware or software, there always seems to be something cool coming out.

I've been a user of True Connect since it first came out. When the latest version(v3.0) was released I loaded it immediately. For the most part it isn't much different than the previous version, except for the new SMS Outlook integration. At first I didn't see the big deal, but the more I use it the more that cool factor kicks in.

For those of you who have teenagers with cell phones, you know that texting is part of everyday life. Like other old foggies out there, I'm not much into text messenging on cell phones. I use it to keep tabs on my kids or send quick messages, but I'm not going to be spending much time increasing my texting speed using a numeric pad.

The True Connect SMS Outlook integration is great for us non-texters. It's very easy to setup and use. When you first connect a new device, True Connects asks if you'd like to set it up for SMS Outlook integration. Once that is done, a True Connect folder is created within Outlook which contains the standard Outlook folders (Deleted Items, Drafts, Inbox, Outbox, & Sent Items). It also installs a new toolbar:

When your Smartphone or Pocket PC phone is connected to your computer, True Connect will sync all current messages to the Outlook folders. While the phone is connected, you can send and receive messages via Outlook.

Of course the other cool features of True Connect are still there - like device control via computer keyboard/mouse (either "off screen" - move mouse off screen over to device, or by displaying the device screen on the computer via On Screen Connect) and taking screen shots (especially useful for programs that block software screen capture programs).

If you haven't looked at True Connect yet I highly recommend you give it a try.