So far, Mark/Space's The Missing Sync was the best way to keep your Apple Mac and Windows Mobile device synchronized but there is a new competitor in town: Eltima SyncMate.

SyncMate by Eltima Software is an easy-to-use handy synchronizer that will help you keep all your private notes, docs, contacts and other files organized. Form a quick connection between your Mac and your Pocket PC. SyncMate allows you to make synchronization via USB cable with such applications as Bookmarks, Address Book, Stickies, iCal, iTunes, iPhoto and others. With SyncMate you are able to receive, read and manage your text messages, read your device status, install applications to your mobile device, synchronize time and follow all file exchanges using operation log.

SyncMate Features:

* Sync contacts: keep your contacts up-to-date with our synchronization tool. No matter where you are and what device you are using, your address book will always be with you, filled with all contact details you need.

* Sync folders: your folders will always be well-organized to meet your taste, just as you like it. Keep your folders the way you like it both on your Mac and your Mobile device.

* Sync bookmarks: Dozens of sites visited, tons of needed information found. Don't lose it! Save it! Bookmark it! Managing bookmarks between your computer and Pocket PC has never been easier. SyncMate at your service.

* Sync iCall/iPhoto/iTunes: Your favorite tunes, pictures, video files - all in your pocket. Share them with friends, bring them home!

SyncMate 1 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher and is compatible with all Windows Mobile 5.0 and Windows Mobile 6 PDAs and smartphones.

At the moment, SyncMate 1.0beta is available free of charge. It's not yet known if the final version will stay free or not but if you use a Mac, it might be an interesting alternative to The Missing Sync.