[rogbar]

When I sync OmniFocus from my MBP to my iPhone, it usually takes several minutes. I don't know if that's normal or not, but if it is, is there some way I can push this sync, so I don't have to do it manually?

In other words, can I get OF to sync even before I open the iPhone app?

Also, does it sync only when the iPhone app is open? Can I open the app to start synching and then open another app to work in it while OF synchs?

[whpalmer4]

Originally Posted by rogbar

When I sync OmniFocus from my MBP to my iPhone, it usually takes several minutes. I don't know if that's normal or not, but if it is, is there some way I can push this sync, so I don't have to do it manually?

What part of the process is taking several minutes? What are you using for sync? What does your iPhone report on the OmniFocus settings page for how many projects, actions, and zip files? If you run one of the network speed testing apps available for the iPhone, what results do you get?

In other words, can I get OF to sync even before I open the iPhone app?

Not to my knowledge. What would do the syncing (which isn't just wholesale replacement of one file by another, but an active merge) if the iPhone app wasn't active? Remember, both devices can contribute new transactions when a sync is done.

Also, does it sync only when the iPhone app is open? Can I open the app to start synching and then open another app to work in it while OF synchs?

Non-Apple apps don't get to run in the background at present, so OF can only sync while it is open. You can turn off the screen and it will continue on, but if you run a different app, it won't.

[Brian]

Rogbar - syncs taking several minutes are not something we'd consider normal. If you try the steps in this thread, do they help?

If not, please email the support ninjas so they can lend a hand.

[invictus26]

I don't have quite the same problem (my syncs usually take a little less than a minute for ~250 actions over wifi to MobileMe), but this is still much too long to wait to get updated. If I'm out doing errands and I'm on Edge, it's just not even worth trying. Having updates pushed throughout the day would just be amazing. Is there any way for this to happen?

[whpalmer4]

I agree that is too long to wait -- your syncs are taking much longer than they should! I've have thousands of actions, and a sync typically takes about 10 seconds with MobileMe from my iPod Touch. Get that straightened out with the support ninjas and you'll be much happier.

Who or what is going to be changing your database on the desktop such that you need the changes pushed out to your iPhone when you are running errands?

[invictus26]

I sent a message to support to see if I can speed up the sync time. I guess 10 seconds wouldn't be to bad. The thing is that I make a lot of changes on my laptop throughout the day, and usually when I take out my phone, I don't have time to sit and wait for it to sync. Usually I'm at a store trying to remember what I need to pick up or something. I know I could sync when I'm with my computer and have wifi, but that really negates the benefits of MobileMe syncing and the possibilities of Push. I don't know if it's possible, but it would just be great if changes I make on my laptop would be synced in real time to my phone. That way, whenever I take out my phone, I'll be able to work with an up-to-date database.