Syncing data to Windows/Linux without Google

[dj_segfault]

Hi. I'm strongly considering moving from my AT&T iPhone 4 to an Android phone, most likely the Samsung Galaxy S4. I have quite a few questions, but I'll use separate posts to keep things clean. As I'm new to Android (but very experienced in Linux/Open Source), please be gentile

I am a bit of a privacy nut, and do not want under any circumstances to sync my calendar/contacts/notes/mail with Google, though most people seem to do it that way. I guess this can be seen as two different problems:

1. I need to get my contacts (and of secondary concern, my calendar and notes) from my iPhone to my (still theoretical) S4.
2. I need to sync my phone's calendar/contacts/notes with SOMETHING, under either Windows or Linux. Linux would be awesome, since that's what I'm using 98% of the time, but I do have a Windows 7 computer I can use for syncing.

I also have at my disposal an OwnCloud server, which gives me CardDav and CalDav servers. If I were to use those (after I got the initial cal/contacts in) then that kinda solves my syncing problems other than things like notes and music. I have a feeling CalDav and CardDav won't support all the fields that Outlook and the S4 will, though. I don't want to lose data, so I'm willing to do extra work to make sure that doesn't happen.


I have heard that Kies is buggy as hell. Not user if that's still the case, but the posts run about 80% or more negative on it. I also see posts mentioning MyPhoneExplorer and CompanionLink.


What would you all recommend I do?

Do you have any experience with these tools?
Is there a way to get the data straight from my iPhone (or through my PC) without Outlook? (just to mention, I don't have an Exchange server).


What about backups? I understand one does not simply remove the SD card on a regular basis, so backing up internal and SD will be essential. What do people use for that?

 

[bhero]

Your OK with apple having your data but not Google but are considering moving to googles android. You want to move into googles Eco system without the data aids calendar, contacts, etc offer.

There are few sync tools outside of Kies. There may be some on play. Those may have permission concerns for you.

I think HTC has a sync tool for outlook. A cable is required. Windows phones solve the problem also.

 

[jj14x]

Sorry, can't help you with your question about how to backup contacts/email/calendar without google - honestly, if you are concerned about them leaking that data over to govt, realize that they WILL get it no matter what. Email, internet communication is monitored as well, so they probably know all your contacts more than you do

What about backups? I understand one does not simply remove the SD card on a regular basis, so backing up internal and SD will be essential. What do people use for that?

To backup the SD card or internal data, you have a few options.
If you trust cloud storage, Box or dropbox or copy are the easiest - just set it up to sync, or manually back it up into folders periodically.

If you don't trust cloud storage, just use a USB to microUSB cable, and connect your phone to your PC - and copy the files over that way to your computer.

 

[dj_segfault]

Your OK with apple having your data but not Google but are considering moving to googles android. You want to move into googles Eco system without the data aids calendar, contacts, etc offer.

Apple does not have my data, as I don't sync to their cloud, either. I sync directly with my Windows computer. In fact, I don't sync ANYTHING with ANYONE's cloud to the extent that I can get away with it. I run my own server with mail, web, mailing lists, groupware, etc.

I think HTC has a sync tool for outlook. A cable is required. Windows phones solve the problem also.

Thanks. I didn't realize different vendors' tools could be used with the S4. I thought the Samsung apps on it would be sufficiently different, but I'm glad to hear that's not the case. Wireless is more convenient, but I don't mind wired sync.