It's not complex, but it's not standard. A nice little app - SyncMate - syncs Google contacts and calendars with the iMac. Works on a G4 iBook running Leopard as well. So now, Madam ThingsinPassing can synchronise her phone with my Macs, her PC, Outlook and MobileMe.

Why can't things be more open? Mobile manufacturers are getting it together (thank you, Brussels), admittedly under pressure. Why can't all hardware accessories be like this? Greener, cheaper for the consumer... If we can have smart grids, whole electrical grids running down the eastern seaboard of the USA, alternative power that's no dearer than conventional power (according to the FT) and ever cleaner cars, why do users tolerate software that still struggles to talk to other bits of software?