The N900 is specified as supporting Mail for Exchange/Exchange Server. However, the internet is littered with users looking for a way to get this service to work, especially with Google Sync. I kept on getting error messages, such as “Error in communication with Exchange server” and “Exchange server is not responding“. This is one area where the N900′s imperfections show.

It took me some time, but I finally got it working. No; it didn’t take rocket science. The solution is very simple. It is my opinion that Nokia simply needs to put out more detailed information to assist their customers in getting the best out of their devices.

Important!
To get Exchange Server to work with syncing your Google calendar and contacts, make sure that your N900′s Contacts and Calendar do not contain any items before your first synchronisation. Do not restore your calendar or contacts from a previous backup using PC Suite.

Settings to watch out for
1. Open the Settings menu on your device and start the Mail for Exchange application.

2. Proceed to set up a sync profile, paying attention to the following details:

• Username: Your full Google email address, e.g. tundewonder@gmail.com or Google domain email e.g. tunde@tundewonder.com
• Password: Your Google Account password
• Domain: leave empty
• Exchange Server: m.google.com
• Port: 443
• Secure Connection: Yes
• Sync Email: Disable***
• Sync Calendar and Tasks: Enable
• Sync Contacts: Enable

***You must disable Email sync here in the Mail for Exchange (MfE) application. If you need to setup your Gmail or Google domains email, do so in the Mail application. Its the way to go until Nokia fixes whatever is wrong with the MfE application on the N900.

You can select any options for the other settings not specified above, but you need to pay attention to those I have specified. Anything else, and its a hit-and-miss affair.

Once you are done, your first synchronisation should go through without any hitches, and depending on the sync shedule that you selected, your N900 will keep your contacts and calendar entries on your device in sync with Google Calendar and Contacts.

I have both Google Sync via Exchange Server and my Google domains mail working flawlessly on my N900. Now, you can too.

The popular free mobile synchronisation and backup service, ZYB, has been acquired by Vodafone and re-branded as Vodafone360.

In November last year, ZYB was replaced by a new and improved service called Vodafone 360. From that time, the ZYB website was closed for new registrations, and new signups are being directed to register with Vodafone 360 instead.

Last year, we reported that ZYB had suddenly cut off certain users without notification.

Vodafone360 claims to work “on 247 mobile networks globally and more than 400 mobile phones” and that “it’s available to everyone for free“, Nigeria is not on the list of supported countries. Actually, that shouldn’t be stranmge, as Vodafone does not have a presence in Nigeria anyway.

Again, a member of our team who had a ZYB account attempted to login but got an error that the username and email address do not exist in the database. Apparently, the account has been deleted.

Adieu, ZYB.

If you change phones a lot for any reason, you must be familiar with the problem of transferring your contacts.

One way to solve that problem is to regularly backup your files. But this does not have to be limited to just contacts. Other files, such as SMS, pictures and calendar entries, can be backed up too.

If you have a PC, you can backup your phone via whatever PC Suite the manufacturer supports. If not, an online backup service is a viable alternative.

ZYB is an online sysstem that backs up all the contact information on your phone to the internet. ZYB automatically updates your contacts, on the phone and internet, whenever you or your friends change or add information. This basic functionality is free.

Basically, you need a GPRS/EDGE/3G/HSDPA connection, and you can backup and restore your files anywhere, anytime as long as you are within network coverage.

You can also backup your contacts by sending SMS to a predefined number. Picture backups can be done via MMS as well.

The advantage of thee online sservice is that you are not tied to doing backups and restores from just one location (wherever your PC happens to be).

In addition to backing up contacts, ZYB also backs up your calendar entries. You can also backup your SMS, pictures and videos for a small subscription.

In addition, ZYB shows you your frieends’ Social updates from Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Hyves and blogs.

Sounds like something you could use? Then head over to ZYB.COM to signup free and Keep your phone in sync.