Apple gets that syncing feeling

Apple has released a beta version of iSync, the company's latest "i" application, which enables users to synchronise contact and calendar data with Palm handhelds, Apple's iPod music player, and a select number of Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones.

The software also works with .Mac, Apple's suite of online web services.

Currently, the iSync software supports only four Bluetooth-enabled mobiles - all from Sony Ericsson: the T68i, T68, T39 and R520.

Jeff Cabral, a Mac user from Los Angeles, said he is excited about iSync, but acknowledged he doesn't yet have all the gear necessary to make the most of the software.

"It is promising as I have already synced my address book information to my .Mac account all with just a simple click of the button - and a very cool looking button at that," he said. "Now all I have to do is find the right products to start my digital hub and away I go."

Other Mac users see hope iSync and its siblings also will help boost Apple's "switchers" campaign, which seeks to woo PC users to Macs.

"The release of iSync is a further entrenchment and product of the digital hub strategy initiated by Apple a couple of years ago," said Jonathan Henry, a student and Mac user from Oklahoma City. "If it performs the way Apple demonstrated last July, it could open the door and provide even more incentive for consumers and professionals to become a product of the 'switch' campaign."

Release of iSync also rounds out Apple's current stable of 'i' applications, as the company continues to push the Mac as a hub for digital devices and begins a tentative move into web services.

Earlier this month, Apple released iCal, a desktop and online calendaring tool. Both products run only on Jaguar and tie to additional web services delivered through .Mac.

Joe Wilcox writes for News.com