Smartphone Thoughts: Windows Mobile Device Center - Why Must You Suck So Badly?

ARGH... My frustration level with Windows Mobile Device Center just keeps getting higher and higher. In the past I've talked about the combination of WMDC and Vista and how they are keeping me from syncing my data on a regular basis. Well, today brings about an all new problem. In the past, the problem was the Vista failed to see that the device was even connected to my computer. Today, that wasn't the case. Oddly enough, Vista can see my phone just fine, but for some reason when I run WMDC I get the ever intuitive error message: Error. Gee, thanks! That really helps me figure out what the problem is. Launching Sync Center, it clearly shows my device but it didn't indicate if it was connected or not. It shows that I was able to successfully sync yesterday without a problem. So I highlighted the Vox and clicked the Sync button. Guess what? It sync'ed just fine. WMDC still doesn't want to be any help, but at least I was able to sync my phone.

I can't help but wonder about Joe User who has just picked up his new Vista laptop and a new Windows Mobile 6 device and is faced with such a broken experience. How can I recommend these devices to clients, family, or friends? How can Microsoft set such a horrible piece of software free for unsuspecting users. Syncing is the cornerstone of these devices. If you can't connect it to your computer to put your data on the device, then these are no better than your average dumb phone. Come on Microsoft - It's time to make it right