INTRODUCTION
I just picked up a Treo from a fellow HoFo member (thanks!) and love it. I guess I assumed too much, though, because I thought I remember Apple claiming iSync version 2.1 had built-in support for Palm OS syncing. It turns out the support is half-hearted, and still requires Palm's HotSync manager (or your choice of alternate conduit managers) to work.

After a frustrating few hours, I finally got my Address Book and iCal databases sync'd to the Treo 650 via Bluetooth. I thought I'd share my experience and save future Mac+Treo users the pain.

This is for you if:
1. You want to sync your Treo and iCal+Address Book
2. You're running Tiger (Mac OS 10.4) and,
3. You've upgraded to iSync 2.1
4. You want to use Bluetooth
5. You've not previously sync'd your Treo and Mac

So, without further ado, I present the
Sperte Method for iSync and Palm OS Bliss!
(Yanno, since my name is Sean Sperte ... Nevermind.)

1. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS, STUPID

First of all, don't follow in my footsteps. Pay attention to Apple's own documentation. If you're a screw-the-instructions kind of person (like myself), you must put aside thy pride and prejudice in the matter.

The trick here is mentioned in step one (it wouldn't of hurt for Apple to include this in the iSync dialogs, but NOOOOO!):


Now if you're only wanting to sync contacts and calendar (with tasks) items, you actually don't need to install the entirety of the Palm suite; just the HotSync Manager. There is an option in the installer for "Custom," in which you can select to install just the manager. It's a matter of preference.

2. IT'S ALL ABOUT FINESSE

It's my suggestion that you wait to pair (Bluetooth) your Treo and Mac until after you've installed the Palm software. If you have the USB sync cable that came with the Treo, use that to sync once with the default Palm settings. If you've already added data on the Treo (contacts, calendar items, etc.), it will copy it to the Palm Desktop app. If you're a stickler about cleanliness, you can safely delete it all once it's there by launching the Palm Desktop app ...

... Just make sure you don't sync again after the following steps.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE SYNC CABLE
If you don't have the sync cable, then open the HotSync Manager app and click on the "Connection Settings" tab. Ensure that the Bluetooth sync port is enabled:


Go ahead and pair your Treo and Mac now. Use the Mac to do the work:

1. Open the Bluetooth preference pane in the System Preferences
2. Click on the Devices tab
3. Click the "Set up new device..." button
4. Select Mobile Phone from the list
5. Ensure Bluetooth is active on the Treo and it is set to be discovered
6. Enter the activation code provided once prompted

I recommend soft resetting the Treo once pairing is successful. In fact, I recommend soft resetting at almost every major install or step you take.

Now sync using Palm's software and conduits.

3. THE MARRIAGE

Now you're ready for iSync to take the stage and perform its magic. This step you'll have to think of as a wedding of HotSync and iSync. Both have to say, "I do" and agree to agree.

So, first launch iSync and "enable Palm OS syncing" via the Devices menu:


Just click through the "okay" or "next" buttons in the dialog.

Next, launch the HotSync Manager app:


... and select "Conduit Settings" from the HotSync menu (it's also cmd+j). Double click the iSync conduit and "enable" it:


Just like a groom, iSync automatically knows just what's after the vows: the kiss. It launches and loads a generic Palm profile as soon as the check box is enabled.


Now don't just into the bed just yet! It's important to note that the syncing is not done by iSync, but by HotSync still. It just uses the iSync conduit to talk to iCal and Address Book. If you attempt to sync using iSync it gives you some stupid notice about hitting the HotSync button. Whatever, just close iSync and let that be that.

4. BRUSH THOSE BLUETEETH

Now you're ready to pair the Treo and the Mac (if you haven't already). Once again, I would soft-reset your Treo, and restart your Mac. Do this before and after you pair the two ... or at least do the soft-reset both times. Follow the instructions above to pair.

After that, you'll need to activate Bluetooth syncing on the Treo: Open the HotSync app, bring up the menu and select "Connection Setup" from the Options menu.

Click on the "New..." button to add a new connection. Name it "Bluetooth" (or "Chester Copperpot" if you really feel like it), and select "PC" from the Connect to pulldown. Obviously select Bluetooth from the Via pulldown and click on the "Tap to Find" button. Select your Mac and hit Okay. (I guess it's actually, "OK")

And once again (altogether now): "Soft-reset your Treo."

Currently looking for help with Palm screenshots of this step. PM me if you can help!

5. CONSUMATE THE UNION

I promise I'll stop with the marriage references after this (like it could get worse). After all the previous steps have been successfully made (your millage may vary), you're ready to perform the sync. First check your iSync settings -- you remember; it's the dialog that popped open as soon as you checked "Enable iSync" in the HotSync manager app. Just ensure the preferences reflect your wishes.

Once you're ready, go to the HotSync app on the Treo, select Bluetooth (or whatever you decided to name the connection) and hit the hot-sync button -- it looks like two swirling arrows.

With any luck, your sync will be successful and you'll have your iCal and Address Book data now available on the Treo. If not, there's always eBay for the Treo.

Hopefully I've saved you $40 and a lot of headaches. If in the unlikely event that I've caused MORE of a headache, please consult your physician.

Sperte out.