I'm running Debian/Squeeze with a KDE desktop but would be willing to switch to Gnome if Evolution can sync with an Android phone and Kontact can't.

Basically, I don't really like using a Smartphone for data entry and don't like keeping things on the Internet either. I like a desktop PIM but would love to be able to synchronize with the phone so I have a ready backup and access when I'm away from my desk.

From what I've Googled, it should be possible. I've even seen instructions for doing it through Google, which I'm not too keen on. I really want something like my defunct Palm V, where I'd dock it, press a button and it would sync.

These days, I'd expect the simple act of plugging in the phone through the USB cable to initiate a sync, but I'd settle for running a program if needed.

Does anyone have any suggestions / links?

Thanks.

Android is not Windows. I suspect that you will need some kind of program if what you want is for it to do a Windows-style ActiveSync.

When I plug my Android T-Mobile G1 into a Linux box, it shows up as a mass storage device, just like a thumbdrive or a media player.

I use Google for my calendar and have no complaints with the syncing. I also have a gmail account, because my Android phone requires one, but I hardly ever use it.

I'm happy my Android does what it does. When I had a Windows Mobile Phone (T-Mobile Dash/HTC Excalibur which I had no complaints about; it did what it promised), I found ActiveSync annoying beyond words, but that's just me and I loathe Microsoft Lookout and anything related to it.

Hi garydale, Welcome to LQ. I haven't used it, but Evolution has a plugin solution for Gmail, Google contacts, & Google calendar which is essentially Android. Android syncs well with the Google products so you could sync to the Cloud from the phone and from the Cloud to Evolution. It wouldn't be "Traditional Syncing" with a cable or bluetooth, but should serve the same purpose.

Here is an older article detailing the process.

Good luck. ;-)

I would love to be able to sync my android with kontact and kmail.

But not if the price is letting google get a gander at my data. Google already has too much power; I personally won't make any move that facilitates its ability to gather information.

Thanks jiml8. At least someone noticed that I also wanted to avoid using Google. It's not just the giving up of privacy but also the need for them to continue to provide the service and the need to parade my data across the Ethernet.

Given that KPilot used to sync my Palm V quite nicely with Kontact, I'm surprised that a Linux-based product like Android still (apparently) hasn't mastered the trick.