Use the BlackBerry Desktop Software - Intellisync, PIM Applications

Intellisync is used to convert data and synchronize the BlackBerry with applications on your PC. Specifically, the BlackBerry can synchronize with other PIM software, such as Outlook, Lotus Notes, Netscape, and so on. This feature enables you to use PIM software on the PC while synchronizing data with the BlackBerry. Whether you are connected or traveling, you always have access to the same information.

Tip: If you are using the BlackBerry in a corporate LAN with Exchange or Lotus Domino, then you probably do not need to configure anything—your BlackBerry is probably already configured to work with the PIM software used by your company. Check with your network administrator to be sure.

If you double-click the Intellisync icon in the Desktop Manager, the Intellisync dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 5-8. The available options are explored in the following sections.

Figure 5-8 The Intellisync software allows you to easily synchronize information.

Before you can use the Intellisync software, you must configure the desired PIM applications to work with the BlackBerry. The Intellisync window helps you easily configure the supported application(s) for this purpose. The following steps show you how to configure the PIM application for synchronization with the BlackBerry:

1. Ensure that your BlackBerry is connected to the PC and open the Desktop Manager.

2. Double-click the Intellisync icon and click the Configure PIM button in the Intellisync dialog box.

3. The Configuration dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 5-9. Select the type of application that you want to synchronize with (address book, calendar, MemoPad, or tasks), and then click the Choose button.

4. In the Choose Translator dialog box, select the application that you want to synchronize with. As you can see in Figure 5-10, I use Microsoft Outlook, so I select this option from the provided list.
   
   
   
   Figure 5-9 Choose the desired application.
   
5. Ensure that the Synchronize radio button is selected and click OK. You are returned to the Configuration dialog box—notice that the window reports that synchronization will occur with the application you selected.
   
   
   Figure 5-10 Select the application you want to use.
   
6. Click the Configure button and select Advanced Settings, which is now active in the Configuration dialog box, and the Advanced Settings dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 5-11.
   
7. You have a few different options to choose from on the Advanced tabs, as detailed in the following list. Once you’re done configuring these Advanced options to your desired settings, click Close, which returns you to the Configuration dialog box.

• On the Confirmation tab, you can choose to get a confirmation message before any records are changed or deleted. Essentially, you’ll get a prompt on the PC screen that you must click for the process to continue. These settings may be helpful, but you will be required to baby-sit the synchronization process if you click this option.

• Notice the Field Mapping button at the bottom of the Advanced Settings dialog box. If you click this button, you can make adjustments to the way various database fields between the BlackBerry and the PIM application translate. For example, in an address book, you would want the first name of an entry to correspond to the first name of the entry in the PIM application, and so forth. These mappings just ensure accuracy. Typically, you don’t need to change anything here, but you can correct or adjust mappings as necessary.

Figure 5-11 Advanced Settings

• If you click the Conflict Resolution tab, you see some options for how synchronization handles information conflicts between the BlackBerry and the PIM application. As shown in the list in Figure 5-12, among other options, you can choose RIM to win or the application to win. By default, the Notify Me When Conflicts Occur option is selected, and you are prompted to make a decision should a conflict occur; this is a good setting to keep selected. Some PIMs allow the management of multiple databases, so if a conflict is detected, the wrong database may be selected, which can turn into a huge mess.

• You can use the Filters tab to restrict synchronization. For example, in Microsoft Outlook, you might choose to use a filter that restricts private data and so forth. You can enable new filters here as needed by clicking New, entering a filter name, and then creating a condition for the filter.

8. Click the OK button in the Configuration dialog box to finish.

Figure 5-12 The Conflict Resolution tab

Tip: The Advanced options may be slightly different, depending on the type of PIM application you want to synchronize with. For example, if you choose calendar, there is an additional tab that asks you about time and date synchronization.

This chapter is from How to Do Everything with Your Blackberry, by Curt Simmons (McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2004, ISBN: 0072255870). Check it out at your favorite bookstore today. Buy this book now.

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