Verizon Wireless Droid – Microsoft Outlook Sync with GMAIL

The first thing I want to say is that I simply love my new Droid phone. In fact, it probably is the coolest electronic device I have ever owned. Verizon Wireless has the best service and now they have the best phone! I really think this phone is going to help boost their ratings and customers.

This is assuming you are already using Microsoft Outlook 2007 for everything.
The first thing I tried with the Droid was syncing my personal IMAP account with the device. Then I realized that wasn’t going to sync my contacts, calendar, etc.
So I removed the IMAP account and then tried syncing my Microsoft Exchange account. This worked great and pulled contacts down, calendar items (buggy), and emails. But then I realized there were still nice little features missing. Because it is Google OS obviously they are wanting you to use Gmail (their product).

So I decided to give the GOOGLE APPS a test trial run, accompanied by Google App Sync. And let me just say, it is amazing!!!!

Functions working:

  • Microsoft Outlook 2007 is syncing flawlessly with my DROID
    (Email, Email folders, Contacts, Calendar Items)
  • Using my own business email account (brian@innovativepixels.com) for all gmail functions (requires changing MX records over to GMAIL). Not using @gmail.com for anything. This means that all masking of email is fixed.
  • A plus with using GMAIL as app on the DROID over standard email client is that I can now use an email signature from the phone, such as (Sent from my DROID).
  • The Google App Sync will export and import automatically all of your current Outlook information into your newly hosted GMAIL email account. Basically it asks you for Outlook Profile to use for your new account and then it takes a couple minutes and migrates all your data over. No manual migration necessary.
  • Another plus with using GMAIL app on DROID is that my emails are now stacked in conversations, like they are in GMAIL web client. Saves space on DROID for viewing.
  • Everything just seems to work faster and better when going through Google Apps. Also calendar is not buggy anymore.
  • Ability to see all my folders/cabinet and then be able to move emails to them when I receive them on my DROID. Your Outlook folders are converted into “LABELS” on your DROID. They still work the same as folders, but are just called something different. All changes sync to my Microsoft Outlook 2007 and to online Gmail.

The Google APPs costs $50 per user per year but it is worth every penny for me. My entire Microsoft Outlook 2007 is now syncing flawlessly with my DROID, very fast, with all the functions and features of GMAIL but without the GMAIL branding. You definitely want to give it a try. 30 day trial is free and they don’t bill you for first 30 days.

VERIZON WIRELESS DROID

VERIZON WIRELESS DROID

  • Piedaddy

    I was really happy with the Droid purchase but am deeply disappointed in the way it ignores people who are dependent on Outlook. I’m considering just taking the Droid back.

  • Michael

    I am not using Exchange. Will this still work? Like tigerger I have years of emails an rely heavily on folders and layers of subfolders. Will all this sync? I want to continue using outlook on my laptop primarily for the folder structure. I understand gmail does not support this? If I can solve this issue I will move to the Droid!

  • Pacita

    I thought I had done my due diligence in getting the Droid X (best phone) and switching over to Verizon (best network) after reading Consumer Reports and other pro-Droid blogs, etc.

    I was looking forward to the change when I received these phones. Then horror! Can’t synch with Outlook? What? Didn’t the developer know that Outlook is a business tool?

    I am hoping against hope that there is a solution out there, and I’ve been searching various forums for a champion. Alas, alack. Seems like there isn’t s reliable solution. Had I known about this HUGE oversight, I would not have bought a Droid. I may have to return this phone and get something else!

  • Ann Hayner

    Very informative and helpful. So now how about Outlook 2010? I upgraded to that several months ago and nearing a decision on a Droid. Appreciate any info. Thanks.

  • http://www.gullmaterialhandling.com Maggie Beau

    I am dependent upon Outlook, and just got the Droid (from a Blackberry). I’ve tried a few options to integrate Outlook components, nothing seems seamless. Is the Google Apps still the best way to go?
    Thanks