Microsoft have just released the updated version of their free file sync application called SyncToy.

The current version is 2.0, There was a beta version of 2.0 available for some time but this marks latest stable release version.

SyncToy is great at keeping folders and files in sync on two machines.

Example

A Desktop PC’s My Documents Folder

to a

Laptop My Documents Folder

I use SyncToy to do just that. I keep all my files on my Desktop PC and when I go mobile I do a quick Sync to my laptop ensuring it’s up to date.

SyncToy looks at the files in both locations and only copies across files that have changed.

Another practical application would be keeping picture files/folders up to date on various machines.

Download Link: Link

Documentation PDF: Link

Forums: Link

SyncToy is a freebie from Microsoft so don’t expect any technical support.

Important Note for existing SyncToy Users Upgrading:

“If upgrading from an earlier version of SyncToy (e.g. SyncToy 1.4 or SyncToy 2.0 Beta), it is **CRITICAL** to ensure that all folder pairs are fully synchronized using the previous version before running SyncToy 2.0 setup. Not following this guideline can lead to unintended behavior and partial data loss when running SyncToy 2.0 for the first time after upgrade. All folder pairs must also be fully synchronized at least once right after the upgrade is done.”

The micro blogging service Twitter will no longer deliver updates to UK users over the mobile network.

You can still update twitter from your mobile (as are paying the sms fee) but the real time updates will  now stop.

It seems it comes down to cost and Twitter can no longer afford the fee’s the UK based mobile companies want.

The service in America is unaffected.

I have actually started using Twitter not to publish but to keep tabs on people in tech and have found it pretty useful.

Link from the Twitter blog about this (Link)

Other Links about this story (Link)

Most of my clients have Board Rooms and in those rooms are large displays connected to PC’s.

So there is always a need to be able to control a PC but also be cable free.

Three wireless technologies exist in this market :-

RF (Radio Frequency), Bluetooth and now 2.4Ghz Wireless.

RF is the oldest and least exciting, distance and line of sight plays a part.

I recently tried out the Wireless KeySonic Compact Keyboard with integrated Touch Pad (Model 540)

As the picture above shows it’s basically a laptop keyboard style and is ultra thin and light.

You use the supplied USB Dongle in an available USB socket on the PC and with zero configuration it just works.

The rage of 10m is equal to Bluetooth but much better than RF.

The build quality was pretty much what I expected from a Sub £30 product but saying that it looks and feels adequate for the task at hand.

The 12.2″ Wonder from Dell.

Not currently available.

Link: Official Product Page

It was a really smart move not launching their Dell Mini’s yesterday. As it turns out this launch was for their business Laptops only.

These are laptops in the Latitude and Precision family.

The launch event got more coverage than normal because people were interested in the mini.

The good news the overall perception of the revamped Latitudes was very positive and Dell get to put on another show when the mini’s do eventually launch.

I watched the events unfold live and it was fascinating watching all the links appear on the web within moments. The whole event was well organised and the tip of the hat to new media (twitter) was a nice touch.

I feel sorry for Microsoft.

Above is Dell showing off their latest August 2008 hardware designs running a 2001 Microsoft operating system.

Why I care about Latitudes?

The Latitude E Series replaces the Latitude D Series. I supply and support the D-Series and have done so for many years. So the E Series and I are bound to get acquainted. I like everything I see so far.